Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/377

 Klementina.—Personal inclination must be subordinated to duty and it is your duty, Agnes—that much is evident.

Anezka.—No one has the right to coerce me in such a step. It is also a debatable question, mother, whether or not it is my duty!

Klementina.—You are our daughter!

Anezka.—But no daughter is compelled to marry to further the interests of her parents!

Klementina.—Agnes!

Anezka.—Forgive me, mother, and you, father don’t you understand? I cannot do otherwise!

Klementina (To ).—Now you see her as she really is, your beloved pet! Your kind and simple Anezka!

Anezka.—Mother!

Dr. Svoboda (To ).—Stop! (To .) And you, Agnes, compose yourself. You are my own flesh and blood. Were I in your place, I could not do otherwise. Nevertheless, I ask you, my dear child, on account of your entire future existence, on account of the poverty which perhaps awaits you—having you considered and weighed everything?

Anezka.—Everything.

Klementina.—You love some one else.

Anezka.—Yes.

(All look at each other.)

Klementina.—And that is?

Anezka.—Jiri Prokop.

All together.—Prokop!

Anezka (With deep agitation).—He is my one and only true love! Him I can marry and none other!

Dr. Svoboda (Rising)—My child, the Lord be with you. (Kisses her on the forehead). I ask nothing more of you.

( looks at her father, then walks slowly away, her eyes fixed upon the ground.)

Klementina (To ).—Then the last hope we entertained, aside from yourself, is lost. What now? Will you have the courage to spoil the happiness of your other daughter?