Page:Poet Lore, volume 27, 1916.djvu/53

 ceased and applause is heard.)

Mrs. Fabian (Disappointed).—Why, we’ve missed everything!

Mrs. Daneš.—Oh, well, we’ll hear enough yet. At any rate, we’ve had a good frank talk.

Mrs. Fabian.—We must go back, they will miss us. (As they depart, they meet, at the door, with Miss Bukovský.) Ah, Miss Bukovoský, it was charming, delightful! We all repeat, you are our nightingale. Such a pleasure when you are on the stage!

Miss Bukovský (With a smile).—My gracious lady is truly one of our most loyal patrons.

Mrs. Fabian.—You’re surely not going so early? After such triumphs?

Miss Bukovský.—Oh, no indeed, dear lady; I just ran off for a breath to this room. (All is spoken in the other room.)

Vlasák (Joins this group, accompanied by ).—Are you receiving congratulations, Miss Bukovský?

Miss Bukovský.—Surely not for those few measures of song? (Laughs.)

Mrs. Fabian (Enters at the rear).—But we’ll surely hear something more?

Miss Bukovský.—I don’t know. (Departs with )

( departing with them.)

Vlasák (To ).—Am I again in disfavor?

Helen (Standing with him in the entrance to the music room).—I wish to say something to you. Quickly, or some one will come. (She goes towards the front.)

Vlasák.—Ah! (Follows her to the front.)

Helen (Gazing at him steadily).—Victor, Dušek proposed to me a while ago.

Vlasák (Surprised).—Today?

( nods assent.)

Vlasák.—Not before today?

Helen.—Seriously, Viki, seriously! I’m sorry for him!

Vlasák (Laughs).—I am, too.

Helen.—I am going to tell him the truth. I’m resolved.

Vlasák (Points towards rear).—To Dušek?

Helen (Decisively).—To Dušek.

Vlasák (Thoughtfully, after a pause).—Has he done you any harm?

( laughs.)