Page:Poet Lore, volume 36, 1925.pdf/351

 Miller.—Who?

Braha.—The water man, the water sprite!

Braha.—We turned on the wheel and everything went as if greased, you saw it; and now all at once the wheel has stopped and won’t move; and everything about it is in perfect condition, but the water sprite twinkles behind it, red cap, green coat and buttons glittering like gold. I saw him, it was he, the water goblin. I told you he would have his revenge for Hanička.

Dame Klásek.—What, he too is hovering about! Because of Hanička? Another such tom cat?

Miller.—Come.

Braha.—Take a bast rope.

Miller.—I’ll chase him away, even without a rope. (Hastens into the mill. follows.)

Dame Klásek (To ).—Let’s go see. (Hastens into the mill. follows her, halts at the door, however, waits a moment, then leaves by the hall door.)

The stage is empty for a moment.

, hiding a rather large old wooden lantern behind her, stands at the hall door, looks about, then enters rapidly, sets the lantern on the table, examines it, opens the small door, closes it, suddenly listens, rapidly places the lantern on the seat near the stove, and steps in front of it, facing the hall door through which enters.

Grandmother.—Alone? And without herbs, without flowers? (Glances at the wall.) Ah, a wreath.

Hanička.—The herbs are already on the floor in the little room.

Grandmother.—Why did you not wait? Who knows how you put them away.

Hanička.—O, very well, you can see for yourself.

Grandmother.—It is twilight in there by now.

Hanička.—Don’t you want to go with a lantern?

Grandmother.—Who would go about now with a lantern!

Hanička.—I would, at once. I like the lantern.