Page:Poet Lore, volume 28, 1917.djvu/571

 you. If you were just an ordinary woman, I would go away and say nothing.

Tonicka (Frightened, but in a subdued voice).—Then all is not going well?

Dr. Houska.—It looks bad, very bad!

Tonicka (Quietly).—Oh God have mercy! (Sinking into a chair.)

Dr. Houska.—You might as well know the truth, I will not deceive you. It would be a miracle if he should live till morning.

Tonicka.—My Jesus! My Savior!

Dr. Houska.—I am glad he is sleeping. Mrs. Kralenec, be calm. It is all for the best. The investigating committee will come here. That does not signify anything. Several miners have been arrested and taken away to be tried before the judge in the town. The committee must know which of the wounded are able to be arrested and taken, and which of them cannot go.

Tonicka (Sharply).—But they surely will not take my husband away!

Dr. Houska.—They dare not. They cannot take him contrary to my instructions. We will settle everything quietly and with all the dispatch possible. (Writing a note.) If you could send some one with this note to the house of the superintendent.

Tonicka.—For whom is it?

Dr. Houska.—For the commission. I would be glad to have this done while Kralenec is asleep.

Chaplain.—I will tell them. I will return soon! God be with you! (Leaves.)

Tonicka (In great anger).—Doctor,—for the love of Heaven do not go away, while that commission is here!

Dr. Houska.—Quietly, quietly, Mrs. Kralenec! I will stay right here,—but do not be unreasonable! I am thinking about your children, (with emphasis) the children—and who would take care of them if you should do something rash?

Tonicka.—The children! (wildly) Why have I got them, oh why have I got them?

Dr. Houska.—Mrs. Kralenec!