Page:Poet Lore, volume 21, 1910.djvu/468

 of your heart than to the Lord, and He would strengthen me in this, the greater service. I would rather stay here with you and help you, but see (slight, bitter smile) even I have to go now the way my errors point (goes toward the house). Come, Petr, come to your mother. Do not go to church with me as you do on other days. It would be sheer hypocrisy. Come to your mother. And if you can, try to cheer her up. (They both go out.)

(The courtyard remains empty for a while, then the rumbling of an approaching carriage can be heard. Shortly after, in a traveling costume, comes in with .)

Maya.—So then, doctor, I think I will take your advice, though my intention was to go to the station directly, and not to stop here at all. But if you think I can help

Votava.—You can help, Miss Maya. I am an experienced doctor, and I know my patients well. I have diagnosed this case, and my conclusion is, that an operation is necessary.

Maya.—But why did you tell not me about this sooner? Why did you wait until the very moment when I am leaving this place?

Votava.—You must admit, Miss Zemanova, that the situation here is very peculiar. At first, I asked my wife to speak to you about it, but you know how my wife is—Therefore, I decided that I would take you to the railway very early in the morning so that I would have an opportunity to talk it over with you. If you really care anything about Petr, you must speak to him before you leave here for good.

Maya.—Doctor, tell me the whole truth. What did Petr tell you?

Votava.—Ah. Nothing more than what I told you on the way. The other night he suddenly appeared at my house and said that he wanted to speak to me. (Inquisitively.) Did he not visit you?

Maya.—No. We have not seen each other since that Monday night that I was here with you.

Votava.—And did he not mention to you that he wants to drop theology?

Maya (firmly).—Yes, he mentioned it. And I told him that he should not do it. I told him that very distinctly.

Votava.—Really?

Maya.—Do you doubt my words?

Votava.—No. I believe you. Only you will have to tell him again, and more distinctly.