Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/549

Rh Gülich (In comic despair).—I am afraid of silence, madam.

Mrs. Roubínek (Glancing out suddenly).—O, we aren't silent. ( withdraws.)

Gülich.—Ah! I believe that.

Mrs. Roubínek.—We know something about Mrs. Rettig.

Gülich (Advancing to the foot of the steps).—What?

Mrs. Roubínek.—Then you must come in.

Gülich.—It is more comfortable down here.

Mrs. Roubínek.—No, no, just come in here, quick. (Withdraws.) goes into the temple.)

The two shoemakers have come in at the rear during the conversation between and, and have been waiting, watching them.

Chadima (Excited, but not drunk).—It was he, Gülich, Dr. Gülich!

Rejsek.—It was, it was; I didn't say it wasn't.

Chadima (More testily).—It was he!

Rejsek (Soothingly).—Of course it was, it was.

Chadima.—And it was she, Mrs. Roubínek, the registrar's wife.

Rejsek.—Y es, it was the registrar's wife, František; it was.

Chadima.—So you see, so you see; now he has his sign daubed.

Rejsek.—But who knows—?

Chadima.—Be still, just be still! Now I have him in my clutch; I will declaim to him from Patrčka's "Medley:" you know

Rejsek.—I know, Franc, I know.

Chadima.—And right here by the steps. (He takes his post and declaims.)

Rejsek.—But not that, Franc; you would scare them away. I tell you what: we'll send the registrar after them.

Chadima (Starts)—Upon my word! You see! Come, come! (Tugging at him.) He will open his eyes! And the little lady! And the doctor! Won't his bristles stand up; won't he be rocky! (They go out on the left, in the rear.)