Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/366

 Dr. Svoboda.—You appear to be terribly excited!

Broz.—During the night, the flood and whirlwind made fearful ravages in the fields. All the grain that was cut is now ruined! The rest lies flooded on the ground. As for the hops, they are completely destroyed.

Dr. Svoboda.—This is awful!

Broz.—And still it is steadily raining, and the water keeps on rising. Bastyr came running to the farm manager for men to fortify the flood-gates.

Dr. Svoboda.—I shall go to see about them myself.

Broz.—Please, wait a while longer. Lewi has arrived. I wrote him day before yesterday.

Dr. Svoboda (To himself).—The notes!

Broz.—Yes, the notes. (Talks aside to the doctor.)

Jaroslav (Meditating).—Aron Lewi could cool our papa off a bit! His notes will speak up more forcibly than all our duplicity!

Lewi (A rich Jew, small, corpulent, in fashionable street attire. He greets the others in a decided Jewish accent.).—Honorable Doctor, I have been requested to come. I hardly cared about the honor in this weather. (Pointing to the window.)

Dr. Svoboda.—It was kind of you, Mr. Lewi

Lewi.—What do you wish?

Dr. Svoboda.—Within three weeks, my notes will be due.

Lewi.—Somewhat sooner.

Dr. Svoboda.—I will be caught up financially before the summer is over. And I have need of 6000 florins more. What about the loan, Mr. Lewi?

Lewi.—I am unable to grant your request.

Dr. Svoboda (Frightened).—You refuse to extend the notes?

Lewi.—I have no security. The harvest this year is destroyed.

Dr. Svoboda.—Then for your security, let me give you a tract of timber.

Lewi.—The timber will not answer the purpose since it cannot be felled. ( talks aside to . to himself,) This salon, this castle and estate,—that would not be so bad! ( enters.)

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