Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/527

Rh down.) And so you will go to the altar and swear fidelity and love to ; you will lie to the man to whom you wish to show the greatest gratitude.

Lenka (Alarmed).—But my duty bids me—

Mrs. Rettig.—Love from duty? Why don't you tell the doctor just how things are?

Lenka.—No, that is impossible! For all he has done, to cause him such disgrace!

Mrs. Rettig.—But to ruin yourself, your youth, and to wound yet another faithful heart!

In the adjoining room the girls sing:

Lenka (When the song begins, she starts, listens, then says softly to , in a voice full of emotion).—Your song! (Suddenly overcome with grief, she weeps.) Ah, how happy they are!

Mrs. Rettig.—And how happy you too used to be! (A pause.) And could you not be so again?

Lenka.—No, it is too late. (Rises.) Only I beg of you, madam—

Mrs. Rettig.—I will see to it; don't worry. Shall you come to the grove this afternoon?

Lenka (Shakes her head).—I think the doctor will not care to.

Mrs. Rettig.—But if he did?

Lenka.—I should ask him not to go today.

Mrs. Rettig.—O, beginning so soon? On the very first day would you deny his wish? But you are afraid that you may meet with the retainer.

Lenka (Looking down).—Yes.