Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/390

 Prochazka.—These, (pointing to the furnishings) we had the servants bring these things in here, so the family would be left in peace for a few days, and so they might be spared the pain of seeing what is going on.

( bows his head with pain.)

Dub (To the others).—Let us go away. We will say he drove us out. Then the appraisement will hold out longer.

Prochazka.—Your grace may command us. We will return in the morning.

Cizek (Aside to ).—I will tell Neufeld that the doctor is here. (They leave.)

Dr. Svoboda (Holding his head between his hands, rocking back and forth.) This was once my home—this was once my property—a ruin upon the wreck of my life. You will-o’-the-wisp, you dream, where have you led me? Those longings that soared so high, what murderous cliffs you have dashed my frail craft against, shattering it to pieces. Now the rabble is grovelling among my possessions, slime and mire coat my most cherished mementoes, and the worms will soon be crawling through the remains of the corpse. (Taking various objects in his hands.) Pictures of my parents, souvenirs of forgotten honors, my past glory, all that is now buried with my by gone years—you are all here, and I myself am cast aside with you. Nothing is left me now, not even the consciousness that I have helped to win the Cause for which I battled. All have fallen into the abyss. The deluge has drowned us all. Everything dear to me which I wished to preserve has been destroyed with my own ruin. (He sinks into a chair. From the left enter and . The ladies are dressed in black travelling costumes with hats on their heads.  carries a travelling coat on his arm, a bag in his hand.  in deep agitation, paces the salon, occasionally wiping her eyes.  keeps close to her mother, despair in her face. It is rapidly growing dark. No one sees  who is hovering over the articles scattered on the floor. When the ladies advance to the front, they see the doctor for the first time.)