Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/341

Dr. Svoboda.—Well, I will refer the matter to her mother. Hold your head up! Go into the garden, compose yourself, then come back. (Enter Klementina, quickly, looking somewhat disturbed.)

Klementina (Notices Kytka).—Ah! (Kytka bows and walks away.)

Dr. Svoboda.—What is it?

Klementina.—I have news!

Dr. Svoboda—The same as I have, I wonder!

Klementina.—What is it?

Dr. Svoboda.—Young Kytka has just asked me for the hand of Anezka.

Klementina (With brightening face).—And Mr. Scheffel has just asked me for the hand of Filipina.

Dr. Svoboda (To himself).—Ah! Then we will be celebrating two weddings at one time!

Klementina.—You are so serious!

Dr. Svoboda.—It is a serious matter. It is necessary, first of all, to know what the children think about it.

Klementina.—Filipina is fortunate. She truly likes Mr. Scheffel.

Dr. Svoboda.—And Anezka?

Klementina.—She is so reticent. I feel that she is almost a stranger to me. She is such a riddle that I have not the patience to solve her.

Dr. Svoboda.—You love her altogether too little!

Klementina.—About as much as she loves me. But you, at least, cannot complain that you do not possess her affection!

Dr. Svoboda.—She is a kind and dutiful daughter.

Klementina.—A bit provincial. You two are just alike. And as I was saying, that Kytka—

Dr. Svoboda (Moving about nervously).—Is a simple boy . .

Klementina (Seating herself; ironically).—Yes, very simple!

Dr. Svoboda (Seating himself).—What a pity that he hasn’t a little more intelligence!

Klementina (Proudly).—For Anezka, he has quite enough!