Kralenec (Softly, full of anxiety).—If, on top of all our other troubles, that boy were to become sick . . . (Just then the mother of Kralenec enters, wrapped in a shawl, a bundle on her arm.)
Scene XI
Mrs. Kralenec
Kralencova.—Peace be with you, children!
Tonicka (Joyfully).—Oh mother! We had given you up! (Kisses her on each cheek. Kralenec kisses her also.)
Kralenec.—Welcome, mother! It was good of you to come!
Kralencova (Taking off her wraps).—And I wanted to come day before yesterday. Here are some dried prunes and apples which I brought. (Bozenka and Ruzenka run up to kiss her hand. She in turn caresses them.) And where is your little Pepicek?
Tonicka.—Just now, poor little chap, he is in bed.
Kralencova.—Well, well, I pray the Lord will not send any illness. (Goes to the bed to kiss him.)
Pepicek (Faintly).—Grandmother!
Kralencova.—My little boy, my poor little chick, since I have come to see you, you must not get sick! Surely you will not, will you?
Pepicek.—I won’t, grandmother!
Kralencova (Drying her eyes).—So you are having anxiety on account of this child? Always something!
Tonicka.—And suppose something worse should be waiting us!
Kralencova (Frightened).—What’s that?
Tonicka.—Mother, I would rather not tell you yet. Be seated. I will bring you something in a minute. You see, Vojtech . . .
Kralencova.—Surely not . . .
Tonicka.—Is just getting ready to go to the chancery. They are letting men out of work.
Kralencova.—Oh, Holy Mother! If they should let you go! Then it will be just as it now is with us! Where would you all go?
Kralenec.—And what has happened at your place?
Kralencova.—Josef received his notice day before last. Half
