Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/384

 distress of my mother and the poverty closing in upon us all, then you should be aware, at Ieast, of the fate that is awaiting us within the next few days.

Dr. Svoboda (To Neufeld)—Away from here, away!

Neufeld.—I am going. But first, look at these. (Extends his hand with the notes.)

Dr. Svoboda.—Those are the notes!

Neufeld.—These are your notes, Venerable Doctor, which I purchased from Lewi. The election will occur in a month’s time, but these notes are due in somewhat less than three weeks. Sell me the estate, and I will let you have the notes at a marketable rate in the bargain.

Dr. Svoboda.—I will not sell.

Neufeld—If you refuse, you will be ruined even before the election.

Dr. Svoboda.—But you cannot prevent me from casting my vote.

Neufeld.—I cannot, but I will pave that road for you in such a manner that you will have reason to remember it for a long time to come. I will spoil your credit, so you will find it to be impossible to pay your notes, and I will have them protested on the very day they fall due. I will seize everything movable in both this castle and in court, then demand an executioner’s sale of this entire estate, and on the day you cast your election vote, you will take your seat there with the knowledge that you are a beggar, with the knowledge that you have brought ruin upon your entire family.

Dr. Svoboda.—And if I knew I were to sell my very life for it, I will not part now with this state! Away from here, you scoundrel, (stepping toward him) away from this castle, or I will have you thrust out or kill you!

KlementiaKlementina [sic]—Ludvik!

Neufeld.—I am going. But in less than a month’s time, you also will leave. And when you leave, it will be with the knowledge that the return road is forever barred! (Walks out.)

Klementina—Jaroslav hold him!

(Jarostav follows .)

Klementina.—Ludvik, this is my last opportunity to warn