Page:Poet Lore, volume 33, 1922.pdf/233

 spare his life, and forbid him to marry,—and I will give you Tomeš perhaps very soon, I will make him your captive!

Beauvalle (Impressively).—All that you ask I shall grant you!

Lída.—You mean it?

Beauvalle.—My word is sufficient. And furthermore, I will spare your father.

Lída (With indifferent voice)—Father, a parent, and I yet have a father I had forgooten about him!

Beauvalle.—And I will grant all you request. (A shot is heard in the forest in the direction in which went. Then an uproar.  is frightened.) They are attacked! (Draws his poinard, stands with his back to the rocky cliff) Who is here? (To ) Run to the cottage. (From the cliffs runs forth a soldier.) What is happening? (A second, then a third appears, followed by .)

Havelka.—A rifle was accidentally discharged. The shot has aroused the camp and the people are flocking after us!

(Enter, and other soldiers.)

Schirnding.—Run, Count, away to the cottage. There are a few too many for us!

Beauvalle.—I warned you,—run quickly (To ) Do as you have promised. You shall have whatever you wish.

(All disappear. alone remains. On the road from the direction of the cottage appear the  with, attended by a maid.)

, maid, ; later, the armed serfs, last enters.

Countess.—I heard a shot, and the forest is filled with shouts and cries!

Marie (Anxiously).—Protect yourself, Countess, let us return to the castle (Points ahead of them.)

Countess.—This girl here,—Lída! ( goes toward while  remains unnoticed.) What has happened?

Lída (Without taking notice of the countess or hearing the question).—No, she does not come yet!

Countess.—Answer! Where is the Count, where is Baron Schirnding?

Lída (Looking up).—Countess!