Page:Poet Lore, volume 27, 1916.djvu/43

 Helen (Shakes her fan at him).—You—truthful man! Mr. Hlaváček has found fine entertainment among us on his very first visit.

Nedoma.—He who seeks, always finds, my dear lady.

Helen.—Mr. Hlaváček was hardly looking for—you.

Nedoma.—But I was looking for him! Come, Mr. Hlaváček we mustn’t be in the way. (Departs, with a bow follows him.)

Clara (Sits down).—Do you know, Helen, dear, what they are saying? That Dušek is courting you?

Helen (Laughing as she seats herself).—And is that why you’ve dragged me here? Are you jealous of me?

Clara (Embarrassed).—Tell me, Helen, dear, do you intend to marry him?

Helen (Laughs aloud).—Well, well,—you, little stupid! Do you think I want to get married á tout prix?

Clara (Suddenly).—Don't you want to get married? (Timidly.) That is—you don’t want to be married to Dušek, isn’t that so?

Helen (Merrily).—No! But why such speeches?—(She looks closely at Clara.) Ah, that’s it. (Insinuatingly.) I don’t want to marry anyone, my good little soul,—not anyone!

Clara (Astonished).—Honestly, don’t you want anyone?

Helen.—Dearie, isn’t it you who is in love?

Clara.—Hush, Helen dear!

Helen.—They say that Vlasák wants you, doesn’t he?

(Clara confused.)

Helen.—And they say that you ought to be jealous of me.

Clara (Reproachfully).—Helen, dear!

Helen (With a smile).—Am I so dangerous?

Clara.—You are, Helen dear, you are!

Helen (Flatteringly).—But not to you, Clara, love. You are a very wealthy prospective bride.

Clara.—Mamma reminds me of that constantly.

Helen.—Well, there you have it! I can’t be dangerous to those who wish to marry rich. For me there would be—for instance—(Laughing)—Dušek!

Clara (Unbelievingly).—And would you want him?

Helen (With a smile).—For a husband?

Clara.—Why, then, does he come to see you?

( laughs aloud.)

Clara.—And aren’t you sorry for him? Doctor Nedoma