Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/534

514 Plavec.—Jealous? Of whom?

Mrs. Rettig.—Perhaps even today. They say that retainer Valenta is in love with Lenka. And he has just been made a huntsman—

Plavec.—You merely raise specters, madam, just as if I were already with Miss Lenka at Nedošín.

Mrs. Rettig.—Then it is understood that you will come. What would they say of you if you didn't? I will take her under my protection. Trust her to me; I am her "auntie;" I still am.

Plavec.—And you will give her away at the wedding.

Mrs. Rettig.—Thank you for the invitation, but—I should prefer to be godmother.

Plavec (Alarmed, starts back).—O, O—to think of my rocking and soothing crying babies!

Mrs. Rettig (Gravely).—That thought alone might preserve you. Just imagine a young wife, without children, in the bloom of her youth, with the warmest heart, more and more desiring children, but in vain; and beside her—pardon me—an aged husband, growing cold and feeble—pray finish the picture for yourself.

Plavec (Touched by this).—You are my enemy!

Mrs. Rettig.—You are your own enemy!

Plavec.—No, no, madam, it is impossible.

Mrs. Rettig.—You have set your mind upon it; that is all there is to say. (After a moment's silence she continues with a smile.) But you will come to the picnic to please Miss Lenka?

Plavec.—I shall have to do that—and on your account too. But you must not frighten me there any more.

Mrs. Rettig.—No, there we shall make merry. There will be Bohemian songs and declamations.—And then we shall dance the galop.

Plavec (Jestingly).—You and I together?

Mrs. Rettig.—No, you and your bride to be.

Plavec (Pretending to be about to run away).—O, good-by!

Plavec.—What is it? Has some one sent for me?

Ančka.—No, sir, but I forgot to tell madam something. And since you are here—well, I was going to tell you this afternoon. (A pause.) If you please, I am going to get married.