Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/340

 Scheffel (Approaching ).—I am going to be very uncivil, gracious lady.

Klementina.—Ah!

Scheffel.—May I remind you, gracious lady.

Klementina.—Oh, you wished to have a few words? I will be very much pleased. Attend me to my room, Mr. Scheffel. (Enter . Speaks to .) Mr. Kytka, you will excuse me for a moment. (Makes a sign to who answers with a clumsy bow.  and  walk off to the left.)

Kytka.—And now I am with you, Respected Doctor, alone. Now, now,  I will attempt it  doctor!

Dr. Svoboda.—You appear to be somewhat disturbed, dear friend!

Kytka.—I am (Looking around, trying to compose himself.) I cannot speak! But perhaps you have already noticed, dear doctor, that there is nothing on earth which would delight me more, (Choking) the privilege of asking for your daughter’s hand

Dr. Svoboda (Laughing).—Mine?

Kytka.—That is just the case the hand of your daughter, Anezka.

Dr. Svoboda.—And does my daughter know of this?

Kytka.—She does not! She does not! I have not had the courage! I am here now for the fifth time to pay my respects, and I knew her even before that but I can only look  I am not able to talk!

Dr. Svoboda.—But just try to, once.

Kytka.—This time, I am going to. Doctor, you know my father left me a sugar-factory with an estate which I sold for six hundred thousand florins!

Dr. Svoboda (Frowning, says to himself).—So that is the most important news, you poor mortal!

Kytka.—I will give your daughter all that I have if she will only accept me. I want nothing for myself, (With emphasis) but her!