Page:Poet Lore, volume 26, 1915.djvu/336

 The to ). And on the other side of the castle? (They depart, the musketeers following.)

(When the musketeers depart, dressed in a gray, simple gown, enters from the left side of park. Later  appears on the balcony.)

(In a low voice to herself).—Among the shadows of the trees, I steal along as if I myself were a shadow. I am near him—he could almost feel my warm breath—but he does not even dream of my nearness. What am I to him! For me, he has not even a tiny corner in his heart, not even the least thought in his mind. I have succeeded in seeing him and now—I may creep away,—may wander throughout the night. (She sinks down upon the stump of a tree, her folded hands in her lap. On the balcony the door opens. enters with gun in hand.)

Jeroným (Facing the door).—Leave the neighboring rooms all open. If they attack the castle, it will be especially necessary to protect it from this point and to shoot from the windows. (Shuts the door after him, steps to the front of the balcony and looks searchingly into the park.)

Bětuška (To herself).—Protect and shoot from the window—at whom—at his father or his brother? Who would ask? Jeroným!

Jeroným.—Did I hear a voice? Did someone call me?

Bětuška.—He does not recognize, does not hear my voice? (Louder.) Jeroným!

Jeroným.—Who is that?

Bětuška.—It is I, Bětuška, don’t you see me?

Jeroným (To himself).—She—again she. (More loudly.) I see, now I see. But what are you doing at this hour in such a dangerous place? Do you know what could happen to you if anyone from the castle should see you?

Bětuška.—If I feared anything, I wouldn’t be here.

Jeroným.—What do you seek here?

Bětuška.—For myself, nothing—you yourself know best that the whole world is closed for me. What I wanted I have seen and I want nothing more.

Jeroným.—Why, then, did you come when misfortune threatens from all sides, yes, death.