JUNE
171
JENIK: On the contrary. I like you for being so, but. . .
LIDKA: But?
JENIK: Well, men are apt to squander such a store, when they find it in a woman.
LIDKA (interrupts him suddenly with a springlet of ice in her voice): Stop. . . Stop. . .
MRS. LEDYNSKA (enters from the side-room): There, I'm all ready now.
JENIK: Mother, we came within an ace of losing Lidka!
MRS. LEDYNSKA (frightened): What's that you say?
JENIK: Oh, nothing . . . Lidka came over a bit faint, that's all. (He enters the side-room to fetch his hat and stick.)
MRS. LEDYNSKA: I was quite frightened for the moment.
LIDKA (forcing a smile): I was playing at being ill.
MRS. LEDYNSKA (concernedly) : But there's nothing the matter now, eh? Perhaps I'd better stay at home.
LIDKA (quickly): Nothing of the kind. What a willy idea to think of.
JENIK (returning with his hat on and lighting a cigarette): Well, take care of yourself, Lidka . . . I suppose you'll go down to Hořický's, won't you. . .?
MRS. LEDYNSKA: Keep the door well bolted
