Servant.—God grant you good evening, gracious master! I couldn’t come earlier. My daughter came late from school and I didn’t want to leave the baby at home without any one to look after it. I’ll be through in a minute.
Vlasák (To Fořt).—Just lay off your things, Fořt. I’m sorry I have to lead you into a dark room.
Fořt.—I’ll bring in a fine mess. Allow me to hang my overcoat in the vestibule if there is a hook there. (Goes out of room.)
Vlasák.—Light the way for him, Mrs. Šebesta.
(Follows Fořt into vestibule.)
(Servant goes towards vestibule holding the candle aloft.)
Vlasák (Returns without his overcoat. Breathes into his numbed hands). Thunder! Such weather! And here it’s no better.
(Fořt returning minus his overcoat.)
Servant.—Shall I make a light, gracious master?
Vlasák.—Light up!
(Servant goes to writing desk and lights lamp there. A light is cast around the table but otherwise the room is in semi-darkness.)
Vlasák.—Was any one here? (Draws down the curtain.)
Servant.—Some gentleman, just as I came to build the fire. He said that he’d come again, for it was something important, he said.
Vlasák (Thoughtfully).—I wonder who it could have been?
(Servant again stirring in the stove, and blowing at the fire. Coughs violently.)
Vlasák.—There, Mrs. Šebesta—(Turning to Fořt.) Sit down Fořt and excuse me just a minute.—(To the servant.) And hurry up, Mrs. Šebesta, build a fire in the bedroom, too, so that you wouldn’t have to come back here again. And make a big fire, understand?
Servant.—So soon, gracious master?—I’ll have to go get some coal, then, for I used up the last for this stove.
Vlasák.—Is it all gone again? (Puts his hand into his pocket.) Well, hurry then—here is a crown. (Hands her the money.)
Servant.—The coal dealer who used to be in this building has moved out. I’ll have to go clear over to Carmelite Street. (Closes the stove door, takes the lighted candle, standing beside the stove and goes to the bedroom.)
Vlasák.—If you had come a little later, Fořt, you wouldn’t have found me at home. I have to go away soon.
