Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/56

 Zuzanka.—You take me lightly and laugh at me, yet I know you are deceiving me!

Rozmberk.—With what, my beauty?

Zuzanka.—You are hiding the lady that Hannewaldt has brought.

Rozmberk (With a start).—Who told you that?

Zuzanka.—No one had to be present. One can guess where she is for she entered your apartment and has never left it.

Rozmberk.—How carefully my apartment must be watched when my Zuzanka can tell me of every one who comes and goes and leaves or enters.

Zuzanka (Hanging on his arm).—Count, command the lady to leave the palace. Quiet me once more, and restore my peace of mind.

Rozmberk (With a laugh).—We will speak of it later, lovely one. Hannewaldt wishes to speak with me about a most important matter.

Zuzanka.—Do not send me away. Let Hannewaldt wait when it is I who asks permission to be with you yet a while. And besides, you have promised Třebon to walk over the meadows toward evening with the entire court. Let us go together, and I will accompany you.

Rozmberk (To himself).—She wants to draw me out of the house. No, no, I must not allow it. (Aloud) We will go in a half hour and take a stroll over the meadows. In the meantime, dress yourself for me—as prettily as you can. Now I must be alone, and do my work.

Zuzanka (Ardently).—Without me! I go now, Count, I will go, and your cruel command is altogether unnecessary. (Aside.) How shall I get her out now? (Walks away.)

Rozmberk.—Wait! But it is as well that she is out of hearing. (Hastens to the alchemist’s laboratory and raps on the door.) Bilent! ( steps out. At the same time, appears in the door at the left.)

Hannewaldt (With a letter in his hand).—Here is an important letter, Your Grace. Will you sign it as the confirmation to your decision.