Hlaváček (Surprised).—What are you sighing about?
Dušek.—Oh, something just struck me . . . (After a while he puts his hand into his pocket.) Read this. (He draws a crumpled letter from his pocket.)
Hlaváček (Takes it but looks at the signature first). From Stáza. (Reads. A pause.) Well?
Dušek.—What do you say to it?
Hlaváček.—Do you want to know the truth?
Dušek (Lifts his head).—Well?
Hlaváček (Taps his fingers on the letter).—That is what worries and frightens you now. You see? These are the ropes which you were cursing. My good fellow, do you know how we all warned you six years ago? And even a year ago you could have retreated—but now?
Dušek.—Did you read what she writes? All at once she wants to leave Prague. And these reproaches! Am I driving her out?
Hlaváček.—She wants exactly the same thing you want. Is she to wait here forever? (He looks at the letter again.) As for the rest—I know why she wrote it. I talked with her in Spalena Street yesterday; she told me. She has seen you twice with the Lindner woman and her aunt. That’s what’s the matter. (Shrugging his shoulders.) She’s a woman—persuade her if you can!
Dušek (Amazed).—Is that why?
Hlaváček.—And do you think I’m surprised at her? I myself can see that you are getting singed elsewhere.
Dušek (Lifts his head violently).
Hlaváček (Sharply). Why, certainly—here on this portrait! Dušek, take care—
Dušek (Irritably).—If I hadn’t buried myself up to my neck among you, I wouldn’t feel all this weight. (Suddenly.) But I’ll get rid of it, I will yet rise above that which has already crushed the rest of you.
Hlaváček (Humorously).—Me too?
Dušek (Violently).—You too!
Hlaváček.—Well, to be sure I wear a last year’s coat, and as for a better pair of boots (He raises his foot) I haven’t the price either—
Dušek.—You see? A greasy hat and a worn tie are your complete pride—yours and your comrades’.
Hlaváček.—Yours? (Angrily.) Baron!
