Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/554

534 And so we are both free and we have not broken our friendship, das heisst, neither you with me or I with you. And for the rest, let them talk! (To Mrs. Rettig.) I have overstepped the boundary line, and now must step back.

Mrs. Rettig.—But with full honor.

Lenka (Gratefully and stirreedstirred [sic] by happiness, appealingly).— Doctor!

Plavec.—Not a word, not one; I know; I am not angry.

Mrs. Rettig.—Nor at me either?

Plavec.—One does not thank a doctor for an unpleasant medicine.

comes in from the rear, more rapidly than is his wont and evidently ill at ease. and  come in with him, but remain in the rear.

Chadima (To him in a suppressed but eager voice).—As I said, Mr. Registrar, they are there—over there.

Roubínek (Stops by the bench).—Have you not seen my wife, if you please?

Plavec.—She was here a moment ago.

Roubínek.—Alone?

Plavec.—No, she met—

Roubínek (Frightened)—She met—and so that—!(Goes towards the temple, and at the foot of the steps calls) Betty, Betty dear! (Silence.)

All look at with surprise.

Roubínek (Goes hesitatingly up the steps).—Never in my life have I—(Takes off his hat and wipes his brow) Betty, Betty dear!

Gülich (Comes out of the temple).—Ach, Herr Registrar.

Roubínek (Starts).—It is he!

Mrs. Rettig (To ).—We have classic witnesses.

comes out of the temple.

Roubínek.—And she! Betty, you, what have you—?

Mrs. Roubínek (Indignantly).—Aber Roubínek.

Chadima (To ).—You see, you see!

Roubínek.—But this—! (Becomes silent as he steps forward.)