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2
THE WILL O’ THE WISP
Charles Fořt.
Bohuš V. Novák.
Miss Bukovský, a singer.
Stáza Faltys, a modiste.
Bukác, a newspaper reporter.
Réza artists’ models.
Božena
Servant at Dr. Vlasák’s.

ACT I

The common atelier of Dušek and Hlaváček. At the rear an entrance to the front hall, curtained off by embroidered draperies. At the right an entrance into a bedroom, before which is a screen. On the left, occupying the entire width of the wall, a large window. In the left corner a divan above which is arranged a canopy of rugs and squares of faded material. Two artists easels. The smaller, which is turned at an angle away from the audience, holds a sketching-board with a drawing. The larger easel is turned towards the audience and on it is an unfinished painting of considerable size, unframed. Part of this picture is only outlined in charcoal; the rest of the surface shows the colors laid on. As far as can be recognized, it is to be a picture of Psyche pursued by dogs and geese. The girls figure—Psyche—is, comparatively speaking, the most finished of any portion of the picture. Throughout the studio there are many small articles of art and furniture, in the corners and on the walls. Sketches, unfinished pictures, costumes, trifles, etc. On the whole, the disorder is artistic.

Dušek (Standing with palette before a large canvas and talking to some one behind a Spanish screen).—Well, we’re through for the day, Réza. Come tomorrow at ten if you have time. Will you?

Réza (Behind the screen and not visible. Some of her garments are thrown over top of screen and she withdraws one garment after another as she clothes herself. She is unseen while speaking).—To be sure I will. Mr. Šimr doesn’t need me any more and I don’t go anywhere else.

Dušek.—Is Šimr done?

Réza.—He will be soon.

Dušek.—You’ll be lonely now, won’t you?