Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/516

496 which was reading on the bench).—Then tomorrow at the picnic—

Tyny.—Surely, and that book—

Vacek.—I will read it immediately, in order to see you quickly again. And tomorrow we will sing Bohemian songs, until Mrs. Roller and Dr. Gülich turn green with fury.

Tyny.—O, I am looking forward to it! (Suddenly.) But poor Lenka!

Vacek.—Poor retainer!

Tyny.—O, when she saw him so unexpectedly! How she did catch hold of Frony! (They go out on the right.)

comes in from the rear in evident agitation, with. ''She stops by the bench. ''

Frony (Looks around).—He is following us.

Lenka (Looks around excitedly, is about to leave, but hesitates).—Heavens!

Frony.—Poor fellow! He would like to talk with you.

Lenka.—No, no, but—

Frony.—I am sorry for him. Das war ein Blick just now! He is coming! So I must leave.

Lenka.—No, for the Lord's sake! Stay with me!

Frony.—Don't be so cruel. Just say a word to him.

Lenka.—I dare not now—and—he will come.

Frony.—The doctor? On account of that old man! But just a little word; look here!

Lenka.—Go on, I will go with you—or wait, don't go; I—or—

Frony.—No, stay here; and since you refuse to have mercy on him, I will. (Darts to the front of the stage and goes out on the right.)

Lenka.—Frony dear! (Is about to follow her, when comes in.)

Valenta.—You are running away from me!

Lenka.—I beg of you—

Valenta.—Why do you treat me so!