Page:Poet Lore, volume 21, 1910.djvu/463

 while ago you wanted to rebel against the fates. (Firmly.) Let us go over to your mother, Petr.

(The rumbling of an approaching carriage can be heard in the distance.)

Petr.—No, no, at least do not let us go there together.

Maya.—You are right. I have no business there. Go there yourself, she only called you.

Petr (hesitates).

Maya.—The carriage is coming already. (Softly and benevolently.) Go, Petr.

Petr (goes into the house).

Maya (stands alone in the midst of the yard).

(The rumbling of the carriage has ceased. The doctor’s voice can now be heard.)

Votava (entering from the outside with ).—And do you think that my horse would not find its way in the dark? And before we get ready the moon will come out again. But poor Miss Zemanova, she had to wait so long!

Maya (merrily).—Really, doctor, I thought that you ran away from me.

Matoush (surprised).—And gracious me, Miss, are you here in the dark and all alone? Where is Petr?

Maya.—His mother called him.

Matoush.—And that you are not inside!

Maya.—It is such a beautiful evening. Grant me that pleasure.

Matoush.—And I’ll gamble that you have not had supper yet. Is it not so? That is the way it is when the housekeeper is sick.

Petr (comes out of the house).

Matoush.—You are a nice, hospitable gentleman, Petr.

Votava.—And how is maminka?

Petr.—She just woke up.

Votava.—Well, and how is she? She does not complain, does she?

Petr.—Not just now.

Maya (calmly).—And she will be all right again to-morrow. You will see.

Votava (goes into the house).—I will take a look at her before I go.

Matoush.—All right, doctor. I am with you. Look out fo [sic] the stoop; it is so dark.