Page:Poet Lore, volume 28, 1917.djvu/559

 live together! I will put in a good word for you so they will let you stay.

Kralenec.—You will speak a good word for me? Get out of my sight, and don’t dare to step into this place again, either you or your wife!

Brouzda (Threateningly).—Well listen, Kralenec! Since you have come back at me so uncivilly, let me tell you that things will fall out badly for you! At present, I am the boss here!

Kralenec.—Get out of that door, or I will push you through it! (Enter, and a servant.)

( runs away, frightened, to her child.)

Merfajt.—What is all this racket about? Kralenec, why haven’t you moved out?

Kralenec.—Because I do not mean to move, because I do not intend to leave this room!

Merfajt.—Your notice ran out last night. This room should be vacant today. Will you leave willingly or not?

Kralenec.—I will not go!

Tonicka (To ).—Mr. Director, our child is dangerously ill. The doctor himself has just gone to the superintendent to ask permission for us to remain.

MerjajtMerfajt [sic].—I am directing everything in the name of the superintendent. Your child will be cared for; it will be taken to the hospital, but you must move out immediately. (The roar of an approaching mob is heard.)

Kralenec.—And though I were to leave my dead body here, I will not move from this room! Mr. Director, do you hear that roar outside?

Merfajt (To ).—What is that?

Kralenec.—Those are the men you have stirred up against yourself! They wish to speak a few words with you! (The roar of the mob increases.)

Merfajt (Jumping to the window).—Really! But we also will speak with them, and with more effect, I believe! (Taking out his watch. In the distance is heard the whistle of a train. Sternly.) The train is now pulling in and on the train are, troops!

Kralenec.—Today!