Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/349

 Broz (To himself).—At this rate, we will soon be at the foot of the hill!

( enters.)

Dr. Svoboda (Irritably).—What has happened now? I did not wish to be disturbed by anyone!

Servant.—Old Hromad kova is begging for your aid. The cow put out her eye.

Dr. Svoboda.—What are you saying? (To himself, shortly.) Klementina did not mention that to me. Of course, the horses were of more importance! (Civilly to the servant.) Then gather together my surgical instruments. We will go to her.

SerantServant [sic].—She is waiting here. (Pointing to the door.)

Dr. Svoboda.—Bring her in.

(The opens the door. Enter, her face half-bandaged by a shawl.)

Dr. Svoboda (Greeting the old woman).—Well, well, Neighbor, and what did that fallow animal do to you? (Dismisses .)

Hromadkova.—She put out my eye! I thought I would die, right on the spot!

Servant (Enters with a surgical case.)

Dr. Svoboda.—Oh, it may not be so bad. The eye is out?

HromodkovaHromadkova [sic].—It is.

Dr. Svoboda.—I must take care of the wound, and later you shall have an artificial eye. Come.

(The old woman, servant and doctor step into the room at the left. Enter . Looks around then approaches the treasurer.)

Jaroslav.—Well then, High Lord Chancellor of the Treasury, how is your treasure? Those two thousand that I spoke of before, you have them ready for me?

Broz.—I have not, young sir.

Jaroslav.—Then they must be secured in some other way. With Aron, my credit is still good. And what about those new coach-horses for my highly respected mother?

Broz.—The doctor will not allow us to buy them,—not until after the harvest.

JaroslaJaroslav [sic] (Laughing).—Would not allow them? This will be another merry day for mother! Yes, we are getting along, fine!