Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/52

 Kinský.—That the very thing has happened which I suspected as soon as I arrived—that to which I called your attention, lovely lady.

Zuzanka.—Impossible.

Kinský.—I must admit that it sounds improbable as long as Třebon is ruled by her whom the world calls beautiful Zuzanka.

Zuzanka.—Do you know what has become of Polyxena—of Rozmberk?

Kinský.—Where Count Rozmberk may be at this moment, I do not know; I was seeking him here for I am threatened with the loss of everything that I have gained. But I am able to tell you where Polyxena is.

Zuzanka.—Say it!

Kinský.—In the apartments of Count Rozmberk!

Zuzanka.—For heaven’s sake, that cannot be!

Kinský.—lt is the case. I positively know that she was escorted to Rozmberk’s apartments while Hannewaldt was with him. Her uncle went away, but no one has seen Polyxena since.

Zuzanka.—Then they have an understanding! She is in it with them.

Kinský.—For that reward, Rozmberk has deserted the Archduke and me,—he has found one more pleasing than you are, lady, and will give her control of the palace in your place!

Zuzanka (Agitated).—That shall not happen!

Kinský (Obligingly).—I will help you in everything, just command me. I will exert myself to obey you.

Zuzanka (Jealously).—If she is in the Count’s apartments, I shall find her; I must find her, wherever she is. Then see to it that she is taken from here, that she is lost to the count so he will never, never see her again.

Kinský.—I will do it if I must risk my very life. I must not leave Rozmberk in her power, and if I can rely upon your aid, lovely lady, all may yet be well with my cause.

Zuzanka.—I will work for your interests against Hannewaldt’s if you will only help me get rid of her!

Kinský.—Then I still have hope and will yet be victorious! Your charms are not so insignificant, lovely lady, that you could so easily be defeated by a rival. But you have even more at stake than I have, pretty lady. The master may appear at any moment. What are your plans? How may I serve you?

Zuzanka.—If she is in this wing of the palace we surely can find her. I have the keys to all the rooms of Rozmberk’s apartments.