ACT IV
The artists’ atelier of the first act. Hlaváček and Šimr are now located here. Many things are changed and on the whole the studio is simpler in its appointments. The divan is still in the corner but minus the canopy. The screen near the side door is also missing. In the front near the left wall is a shelf with various small articles. Under it there hangs a large decorative plate. The pictures on the two easels are turned at right angles from the audience. In the center of the studio is a small table on which is a jardiniere with an azalea plant containing white blossoms. Near the window on a stand is a palm. Through the window the ruddy glow of the setting sun shines, coloring the white azalea blossoms a deep pink. Later the glow grows dimmer gradually until towards the close of the act, there is only a soft twilight. The freshness of a May evening is apparent.
Hlaváček (Seated at a smaller easel on which he is painting the azaleas placed not far away. While he works he whistles a merry Slovák tune. Having finished whistling a measure, he rises and views his sketch from a distance. Then he sits down again and paints. He hums the tune slowly again and gradually breaks into singing).—
Oh, that’s what you have for it all, Katrine
Oh, that’s what you have, Kathie—
How oft I came to see you, love,
Beneath your little window!
(He whistles again.)
Dušek (Enters meantime, slowly. The change in him is apparent. His hair and beard are unshaved and unkempt; his clothes of the latest cut to be sure, but uncared for. His cravat, though modish, twisted and carelessly tied. On his head a fashionable tall silk hat but it is unpressed and ruffled. His entire behavior is now timid, uncertain and almost frightened. He enters without removing his hat).—At your service, Ládo!
Hlaváček (Sees Dušek, stops whistling, throws away his palette and turns on his stool).—Dušek! Well, I’m glad to see you again! (Extends his hand.) Most happy, old pal! (Gazes at him.) Man, what are you doing ? Do you know that I haven’t seen you since last winter?
Dušek (Smiles bitterly).—Yes, I know it. I haven’t seen
