Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/528

508 Mrs. Rettig.—By that time he will probably be gone.

Lenka (Frightened).—Is he going away!

Mrs. Rettig.—But he is coming here first to see me once more.

Lenka (In sudden agitation).—He is coming—now—?

Mrs. Rettig.—No, now now; we are having classes—but in the afternoon. I shall be able to tell you all about it in the grove.

Lenka (After some hesitation).—I will come, madam.

Mrs. Rettig.—I will be your chaperone.

Lenka.—But the doctor—?

Mrs. Rettig—I will see to that.

Lenka.—But the other girls must not—I beg of you—

Mrs. Rettig (Soothingly).—No, not a word; don't worry! Then good-by until this afternoon.

Lenka (Softly, wistfully).—Thank you, auntie. (Kisses her hand and goes out.)

Mrs. Rettig.—Good-by, my dear. (Follows to the door, returns, stands in the middle of the room, deep in thought, takes from the chest of drawers a white apron, which she ties on, looks over the cherries on the dish, then opens the door into the other room.) Well then, roses of my garden!

Tyny (Running in from the adjoining room).—Is it time to go into the kitchen?

Tyny.—O, we are going to make cherry preserves.

Mrs. Rettig.—But first you must pick them over well. (Hands the dish to Tonička). Now come into the kitchen.

Ančka (Comes in, dressed as in Act I).—Good morning to you!

Mrs. Rettig.—O, it's Ančka! Come in. Have you come to help us?

Ančka.—O, today I need help myself—and advice, madam.

Mrs. Rettig.—Well, well, such an experienced cook!

Ančka.—O, it is queer grammar that comes from a confused brain.

Mrs. Rettig (To the girls).—Well, girls, here are the cherries: