Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/542

522 Tyny (Naively).—But, auntie, it seemed to me that he looked cross; that he was out of sorts when he was walking about the dancers.

Mrs. Rettig (Merrily).—It only seemed so to you, dear Tyny. But now let's be going, that you may not be altogether too late. And once more, thank you, Mr. Vacek, for the declamation. That was really a joy, it seemed to impress people deeply: I could see that in many cases, especially when you concluded: "Blessed are we, yes, thrice blessed;" and then too the passage, "Our mother tongue is spreading—"

Tyny.—And then this too: "We have cleared the path—"

Mrs. Rettig (Finishes after the interruption).—"Young men; keep on!" Yes, yes, (pressing the hands of both of them) the young will keep on; you will keep on! I am happy, happy! But now go to join the dancers! ( and go out hastily on the left.)

''looks around, goes forward on the right and glances into the temple. When she comes down the steps, emerges on the right among the trees.''

Valenta (In a low voice).—Madam!

Mrs. Rettig.—O, it is you; good, I have been looking for you!

Valenta (Coming quickly forward).—I have been waiting as you told me to do; I have been hiding myself like a poacher, twisting and dodging. I don't dare even to glance at Miss Lenka.

Mrs. Rettig.—But you will soon speak with her.

Valenta.—What, madam! Where!

Mrs. Rettig.—Here. I came to tell you to hold out and not give up in despair; not to go away in that direction—(pointing to the left.) Then Miss Lenka would be unable to see you.

Valenta.—And will she come, will she really come? And does she know?

Mrs. Rettig.—Lenka knows nothing, but you shall talk with her. I have done all that I can; the rest is your task, when you meet her. I trust that your heart will tell you what to say!

Valenta.—And the doctor?

Mrs. Rettig.—I am healing him as well as I can, only—

Valenta (Glances towards the left and starts).—He is coming this way.