Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/339

 more sincere the demonstration, the better it pleases me. I hope the Lord will grant you all the gifts of health and happiness.

Skala—And you hope that we, the common people, may retain our reason and good sense, so as not to bother you more than we should.—(Laughter.)

Hromadka.—We beg you to get along with us the best you can.

Dr. Svoboda.—I will try! I will endeavor to. Give my greetings to the entire community, and in the afternoon, come out to the park. There we will have a gathering, all of us together.

Hromadka—(Leaps up, shouting from the balcony).—Afternoon to the park! (Making the sign of eating and noon drinking.) (More laughter.)

People (Below).—Glory! Glory! Glory! (The deputation taking leave.)

Dr. SvododaSvoboda [sic].—The Lord be with you, good friends and neighbors!

Hromadka (Turning to, who in consternation, but looking unconcerned, is trying to find a way to escape. finally seizes her hand. In that instant he slips and falls).—Thunder!

Klementina.—Thank the Lord! (Laughter in the group around her.)

Skala.—Well, friend, you did that neatly! (Pointing to .) What a picture!

( arises, and in the midst of laughter, steps backward to the right.)

Jaroslav (Pointing out to  and ).—And that is also a part of the public office!

, later.

Kytka.—Well, that was fine! I would give a thousand dollars to have some one speak the same way of me.

Jaroslav.—I could make better use of that thousand.

Kytka.—Well, perhaps! Then I would give you another thousand.

Jaroslav (To himself).—Money bag!