Page:Poet Lore, volume 27, 1916.djvu/26

 And for that matter, do what you please! (Pulls out a drawer in the table and stirring up the papers therein, indifferently.) Didn’t you see that book here that I brought yesterday?

Dušek (Who has meantime consulted his watch, then quickly removed his coat, untied his necktie and unbuttoned his collar. From the case on the shelf he takes a clean collar, and another tie and dresses himself).—No, I didn’t.

Hlaváček (Observing him, indifferently).—Are you going somewhere?

Dušek (Dressing himself).—Where would I go? You know the ladies are coming.

Hlaváček (Making a hissing sound).—I know!

Dušek (Measures him with his eye, then goes into the bedroom from which he almost immediately brings another coat. He puts it on. Speaking angrily).—Did I drive out Stáza?

Hlaváček (Curls his lip).—No, you didn’t drive her out! She almost stayed long enough to meet the Misses—ahem—the Misses Lindner! (He seizes his hat.) Well, just so that Stáza is out of your way, yes? (He crushes his hat down upon his head.) Say, I’ll return about six. If Šimr should come—

Dušek (Interrupts him).—Wait for him yourself!

Hlaváček.—To be sure, now we’ll all get our walking papers since you have—(He breaks into a laugh.)—emancipated yourself!

Dušek (Explosively).—And do you know who always abused me the most on account of Stáza? It was you, Hlaváček, you! You and your companions used to mock at me—and when I protested, you rolled your lips in scorn. (Changes his voice to imitate ) “Miss Stáza—why not?” (Breaking off.) and today you content yourself with every model.

Hlaváček.—Only that I don’t get mixed up for a full six years with one! And if I should, I don’t kick her off just the instant another skirt dazes me!

Dušek.—Ládo (Beats his breast with his clenched hand.) On my soul, you should not torture me today! Don’t you see for yourself that something better has moved within me than disgust with my recent intrigue? Don’t you see for yourself how superficially, trivially we live, day after day, without disturbance and without growth? I would have suffocated in the atmosphere if I had not awakened in time. What I have done—to Staza today was cruel—I know it!—but it is better at once when she herself wished it, than to drag down not only her but myself also.

Hlaváček.—Yourself also! That is your system of ethics!