Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/546

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Mrs. Roubínek (Comes in from the right).—Ach, Frau von Roller and the doctor! (To him.) I have just been thnking ofithinking of [sic] you.

Plavec (Disturbed).—Of me? Why so, pray?

Mrs. Roubínek.—It was this way.—I was looking for Roubínek—he couldn't wait to see me, he can't stay without me for even a moment—and so we were looking for each other through the grove. And the moment I got here, (pointing to the right behind the temple) behind a tree I caught sight of—

Plavec.—Whom!

Mrs. Roubínek.—Retainer Valenta from the castle, or rather the young forester, owner of the lodge at Luben. I thought that he was just strolling around, or else waiting for some one. I recognized him perfectly.

Mrs. Roller.—Very likely he has come to say good-by, poor fellow.

Plavec (Who has been listening with evident uneasiness).—"Poor fellow"—why "poor fellow?"—And "to say good-by"—what?—And—the music is coming to a close. Pardon me—I must see for myself. (He bows and with hat in hand goes out quickly by the left in the foreground.)

Mrs. Roller.—You have smoked him out. (Stifles a laugh.)

Mrs. Roubínek.—He is running off to watch them. (Stifles a laugh.)

Mrs. Roller.—But, Frau von Roubínek, this retainer, as you were saying—

Mrs. Roubínek.—He is here, and I watched him for a while. He is strolling about.

Mrs. Roller.—Did he see you?

Mrs. Roubínek.—No, I was so cautious.

Mrs. Roller (Positively).—He is waiting for somebody.

Mrs. Roubínek.—This is a fine place for a rendezvous.