Kralenec.—Take his notice!
Tonicka.—Heaven prosper them! We shall be obliged to exert ourselves in some other direction! (Aside to her husband.) Just so it does not affect that school.
Pivousek.—And there is another trifle.
Kralenec, Tonicka (Frightened).—What is that?
Pivousek.—Every miner who has children,—either his own, or adopted ones,—must announce to the assistant superintendent, Merfajt, in which school he will enroll them in the future,—whether they will attend the same one they used to attend, or the new school which the miners built recently.
Kralenec.—And if we wish to send them to our own school?
Pivousek.—He who sends them to the new school will probably be dismissed from work. You understand, why Mr. Merfajt wishes to know.
Kralenec.—And that was the instruction of the new superintendent?
Pivousek.—That is the company’s instruction. Who is back of it, may be easily guessed. The new superintendent will follow up the orders he has received. He says this plotting must cease.
Kralenec.—Nobody has been plotting!
Pivousek.—I don’t know of any plotting, either. But that is what they said.
Kralenec,—And we would be compelled to give up work? And be discharged, now in the winter?
Pivousek.—Neither Mr. Merfajt nor the new superintendent have as yet said so. But you can look ahead and guess. That is what the company is doing elsewhere. They will do the same here. But I must go now. So Good luck, and Good night! (He leaves.)
Kralenec (Slowly).—Good night. (The children rush in, Bozena, Pepicek, and Ruzena.)
Bozenka.—Aunty! They gave us some kolace at Skarban’s!
Ruzenka.—And I had some pretzels!
Pepicek.—And I also!
Kralenec (Looking at the children with emotion).—Tonicka! The children!
