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 appearance of the entire country would become changed, and our loftiest dreams would be realized.

Broz.—I do not wish to thrust my surly egotism upon you, doctor, but I am only talking common sense, cold common sense. (An uproar in the courtyard with a rising shout.)

What a misfortune!

Voices.—Frightful! Horrible!

Dr. Svoboda.—What is happening? (Hastens out upon the balcony.)

( quickly steps in.)

Klementina.—Do you know what has happened?

Dr. Svoboda.—I just heard the poeple shouting

Klementina.—Baron Siegdorf arrived a short time ago. He requested the pleasure of seeing my new coach-horses. The coachman Jirik brought them out of the stable,—but something must have frightened the horses. One started forward and fell, drawing down the other, and now both are lying in a heap with their legs broken!

Dr. Svoboda.—And Jirik?

Klementina.—He managed to slide out of it alive.

Dr. Svoboda.—Thank Heaven! And nothing else has happened?

Klementina.—Nothing else. Except that just at that instant, old Hromadkova was passing with her cow. The cow leaped aside to escape the horses, and struck the old woman in the head with her horns.

Dr. Svoboda.—Where is Hromadkova?

Klementina.—Down below in the servant’s-hall. (Angrily.) But does she interest you more than the poor horses do?

Dr. Svoboda.—That is not a mere misfortune but an accident!

Klementina.—Then order another team of horses for me at once, and be sure they are good trotters as the others were! ( stops, looking at the treasurer.)

Broz.—They were valued at three thousand florins.

Klementina.—Then we must have that same amount.—

Broz.—But we cannot raise it!

Klementina.—Mr. Broz! (Looks intently at