Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/556

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Ančka (Coming in suddenly from the left).—If you please, sir—

(Looks at and , and observes that all is well.)

Plavec.—We have missed you here. You have come with your lover?

Ančka.—No, I have come, but alone, without a lover; I have dismissed him already. I have come for you.

Plavec.—What now?

Ančka.—They have sent from Osík to ask you to call on old Kabrhel.

Plavec—It is an urgent matter. I will go directly. (To .) In the evening of my life I wished to enjoy a fresh morning, but it is evening and it will remain so. But it is no longer so hot, it is not suffocating, and—and—(Touched.) Miss Lenka, (offering her his hand) you have a beautiful morning before you, and may you have happiness also!

Lenka (In tears).—Doctor!

Plavec (Offering his hand to ).—And may you likewise!

Mrs. Rettig (Offering her hand to , with hearty good will).—My dear doctor!

Plavec (With forced humor).—But no writing this up, fellow patriot! (Goes out on the left.)

Mrs. Rettig (To the young couple).—And what now?

Lenka (Embracing her in a burst of gratitude and joy).—Auntie, my precious auntie!

Mrs. Rettig.—There, that's the way it should be! (Gives her hand to .) You see!

Valenta.—Madam, how can I thank you! (Kisses her hand, comes in from the rear.)

Ančka (Has been watching everything with unconcealed emotion, then speaks with decision).—And old Mrs. Zelenek after all is absolutely right!

Mrs. Rettig.—The singing will start now.

All move towards the left. and , in the rear, follow them.