Page:Poet Lore, volume 27, 1916.djvu/38

 each other what we have to say.

(A knocking at the door.)

( arises.)

Fořt (Enters from the front hall).—My respects, gracious Miss! (He kisses hand and silently bows to the gentlemen.)

Vlasák (Gives his hand to ).—Good-evening, colleague!

Fořt (With a bow to ).—I take the liberty of introducing myself, Karl Fořt.

Helen (Quickly).—Ah, I beg pardon; I thought the gentlemen were acquainted. (Introducing.) Doctor Nedoma.

Nedoma (Extending his hand to ).—I’m glad to know you, Mr. Fořt.

Helen (Indicating a chair).—Please, Mr. Fořt.

Fořt (To Helen).—You were not even at the academic ball. (To ). And you, Dušek, didn’t come either!

Nedoma.—Do you wonder at it?

Fořt.—But for that, Dr. Vlasák here

Helen (Looking at ).—and Miss Daneš was there too, wasn’t she? (She laughs.)

( laughs and nods assent.)

( enters from left door near rear.)

( follows her. The state of his clothing indicates that it was secured in a hurry. He has a coat which was apparently made for another figure and wears a loosely tied neckker chief.)

Mrs. Heller.—Ah, Mr. Fořt! Welcome!

( kisses her hand.)

Mrs. Heller.—It seems that the gentlemen don’t want to join our company. (To ) Allow me, Mr. Hlaváček. (Introducing) Doctor Nedoma; your sincere admirer.

Nedoma (Arising).—Mr. Hlaváček? Ah, this is a pleasure! (Presses hand cordially.)

Mrs. Heller.—I asked Mr. Hlaváček especially for your sake. (A knocking on the door. steps to the right.)

Mrs. Fabian (Enters with her daughters. She hastens in an affected manner towards ).—Ah, my dear! How kind you are! (The girls kiss  hand.)

Mrs. Heller (To the newcomers).—Please come! (She nods towards the door at the left near the rear.) And the gentlemen will also surely come; we shall begin the program now.

(All arise departing separately.)

Nedoma (Detaining to the last. When the company has passed out, he pauses with  at the rear).—May I