Page:Poet Lore, volume 27, 1916.djvu/31

 separates her from the entrance to the smaller room, gazes at picture.)

Vlasák (Steps up to her quickly).—Do you look at such things?

Helen.—Look at it too! (She laughs and her eyes glow suddenly.)

Mrs. Heller (Behind the scenes).—Here is a whole storehouse of paintings—allow that!

Vlasák (Looking at the picture).—The original is even prettier.

Helen (Looking longingly at the picture).—That’s a poor compliment for the artist!

Vlasák.—Especially in this sort of costume.

Helen (Strikes him lightly with her glove).—Fie, you shameless one!

Vlasák (Tries to put his arm around her waist).—Surely, Helen isn’t jealous?

(Helen laughing, strikes him again with her glove and follows him to the center of the studio.)

Mrs. Heller (Enters with the artists).—Helen, dear! Again tormenting someone?

Helen (Bent on mischief).—Throw him out, gentlemen. He is slandering your pictures!

( slightly taken aback.)

Hlaváček (Laughingly).—Luckily I haven’t the smallest piece of canvas here.

Mrs. Heller.—Now we’ve seen everything, Helen, dear, and we’ll go. (Gives her hand to .) May I beg of you, then, Mr. Dušek?

Dušek (Kisses her hand).—Whenever you command, gracious lady.

Helen (Also gives her hand to and does not drop his hand until she finishs speaking when she lightly shakes it).—Then it’s arranged for after Monday! I’ll send you a message yet, or maybe I’ll write you.

( kisses her hand with a happy smile.)

Helen.—My respects, Mr. Hlaváček! (Beckoning to him.) Come, Doctor!

( bowing deeply.)

Mrs. Heller (Simultaneously).—Good-bye, Mr. Hlaváček!

Vlasák (Extending his hand to ).—My respects. It was a pleasure to meet you.

(The ladies have in the meantime entered the front hall.)

Vlasák.—Your servant, Mr. Dušek! (Noticing that