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ALOIS JIRASEK
535

Mrs. Roller (Knitting a stocking).—It is so nice and cool here.

Mrs. Rettig.—And such a fine place for listening.

Gülich.—We did not wish to disturb you.

Rejsek (To Chadima).—Now do you see?

Mrs. Roller (To Plavec).—Have you convinced yourself that the magistrate's wife here—?

Plavec.—Yes, yes, she was right.

Gülich.—And I too, when I said: "A cat that would not catch mice!"

Mrs. Rettig (Motioning towards Lenka and Valenta).—O no, Dr. Gulich, here the heart was victor.

Mrs. Roubínek.—Mrs. Roller! (As she departs.)

Mrs. Roller.—Yes, we won't detain them. (Walks away.)

Gülich (To Mrs. Rettig).—And what else is there on the program?

Mrs. Rettig.—Something that is sure to please you: Bohemian songs.

Gülich-—O, thank you; it is too late for that now. (Calling after the ladies.)

Roubínek (Still in consternation).—This is all topsy-turvy; Zizka and the Emperor Joseph—

Mrs. Roubínek (Already off the stage).—Aber Roubínek! (Roubínek starts and follows her.)

Chadima (To Gulich, whom he stops just as the latter is leaving).—Doctor, doctor! (Rejsek follows Chadima.)

Gülich (Rises irritably).—Fellow, let us have no—!

Chadima.—l've nothing to say except to let you know that the shop sign is in order again, and is in Bohemian, again in Bohemian: I'm a rocky man, rocky.

Rejsek.—And I am having a Bohemian sign made too.

Chadima.—And there will be more of them, there will—there will!

Gülich—What is that to me! (Goes out.)

Chadima.—So much for you! (Hastens up to Mrs. Rettig.) So he knows now, madam!

Rejsek (Behind Chadima).—And he will give no more trouble.

Mrs. Rettig (With a smile).—To the shop signs; but otherwise—Well, we won't give in.—Ah, Ančka!