Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/348

 .) Ludvik! Certainly I am not going to walk to town, or go afoot to the neighbors?

Dr. Svoboda.—But surely, there are other horses to be had?

Klementina.—Not unless you mean that ancient team of yours? One would need to shoot above their heads to make them break into a trot!

Dr. Svoboda.—My dear Klementina, certainly you realize how we stand financially!

Klementina.—And if we were ten times worse off than we really are, I still would say, without a coach and pair I cannot get along! Why don’t you sell your bank stock?

Dr. Svoboda.—Impossible! Without losing half of its face value. Wait until the stock advances a bit!

Klementina.—Then try some other device. (To ) Send a telegram to Prague for the horses.

Broz.—I beg to be pardoned, gracious lady,—but there is no money to pay for them!

Klementina.—I did not ask you, officer, whether there is money or not. I sternly command you to see to it that in three days the horses are here! (Walks off to the left without acknowledging the officer’s low bow.)

Dr. Svoboda (To ).—Will it be possible?

Broz (Dryly).—Your annual income, respected sir, is already overdrawn by two thousand florins,—and the year is hardly half gone!

Dr. Svoboda (Carefully, as though afraid of pressing the subject).—Mr. Broz, this time, even I did not ask you to volunteer any information.

Broz.—Hm, hm, you will pardon the offense, I hope!

Dr. Svoboda.—If the money cannot be raised, we will not purchase any more horses before the harvest.

Broz.—That is sensible!

Dr. Svoboda.—But my contribution to Prague must be sent! At least five thousand.

Broz (With emphasis).—Doctor!

Dr. Svoboda.—Yes, at least five thousand. Sell my bank stock for six.