Page:Poet Lore, volume 27, 1916.djvu/54

 Vlasák.—Why, then, should you injure him? And what do you want to tell him? That you are indifferent to him? He will go mad. (His lips twitch.) Or else do you mean to tell him all!

Helen (Bitterly).—I almost ought to.

Vlasák (Dryly).—Helen, dear, leave out the sentimentality! (More animatedly.) And what did you say to him?

Helen.—Nothing.

Vlasák.—Well—then! (He seats himself.) Helen, dear, I am still here.

Helen.—I know—Clara’s intended.

Vlasák.—No, Helen—your lover! (Seizes hand.)

Helen (Slowly steps back).—That must cease now! That doesn’t happen any more—(With an odd laugh)—even in immoral novels! (She seats herself.)

Vlasák (Passionately).—Helen, what have you done? I burn when you only touch me, you consume me with your beauty, you stifle me with your passion—and your glowing lips set me afire when you speak! (Sits down beside her on the divan.)

Helen (Lightly running her fingers through his hair, as she looks into his eyes).—There,—there—but you’re in love! You do love to be petted—and you’re almost in tears. And what sad eyes you have! (She taps him with her finger under the chin.) Well, you must get over it, Viki.

Vlasák.—Do you know what they are saying, Helen? That Mrs. Daneš is openly talking of Clara’s wedding.

Helen (Calmly).—Well, and

Vlasák.—And you won’t—strangle me?

Helen (Laughs aloud).—They are saying? Are they really saying it? And for that I am to be jealous? Or to cause a scandal?

Vlasák (Embraces violently).—Helen, I love you!

Helen (Withdrawing herself from his arms).—Just marry her, marry her! (Gravely) I am not a moneyed match, Viki.

Vlasák (Reproachfully).—Helen!

Helen.—Didn’t you know it? (Tenderly.) Sweetheart, you must marry. Do you think that I surrendered to you in order to win a husband the more easily? (Bitterly.) In one’s twenty-sixth year, my boy, and with my dowry a woman of our set can’t desire more than what you have given me! (Earnestly.) Don’t pretend—I beg of you at least don’t do that! Did I want more? And do you think others have not courted me? Rich, respected