each other what we have to say.
(A knocking at the door.)
(Helen arises.)
Fořt (Enters from the front hall).—My respects, gracious Miss! (He kisses Helen's hand and silently bows to the gentlemen.)
Vlasák (Gives his hand to Fořt).—Good-evening, colleague!
Fořt (With a bow to Nedoma).—I take the liberty of introducing myself, Karl Fořt.
Helen (Quickly).—Ah, I beg pardon; I thought the gentlemen were acquainted. (Introducing.) Doctor Nedoma.
Nedoma (Extending his hand to Fořt).—I’m glad to know you, Mr. Fořt.
Helen (Indicating a chair).—Please, Mr. Fořt.
Fořt (To Helen).—You were not even at the academic ball. (To Dušek). And you, Dušek, didn’t come either!
Nedoma.—Do you wonder at it?
Fořt.—But for that, Dr. Vlasák here
Helen (Looking at Vlasák).—and Miss Daneš was there too, wasn’t she? (She laughs.)
(Fořt laughs and nods assent.)
(Mrs. Heller enters from left door near rear.)
(Hlaváček follows her. The state of his clothing indicates that it was secured in a hurry. He has a coat which was apparently made for another figure and wears a loosely tied neckker chief.)
Mrs. Heller.—Ah, Mr. Fořt! Welcome!
(Fořt kisses her hand.)
Mrs. Heller.—It seems that the gentlemen don’t want to join our company. (To Hlaváček) Allow me, Mr. Hlaváček. (Introducing) Doctor Nedoma; your sincere admirer.
Nedoma (Arising).—Mr. Hlaváček? Ah, this is a pleasure! (Presses Hlaváček’s hand cordially.)
Mrs. Heller.—I asked Mr. Hlaváček especially for your sake. (A knocking on the door. Mrs. Heller steps to the right.)
Mrs. Fabian (Enters with her daughters. She hastens in an affected manner towards Mrs. Heller).—Ah, my dear! How kind you are! (The Fabien girls kiss Mrs. Heller’s hand.)
Mrs. Heller (To the newcomers).—Please come! (She nods towards the door at the left near the rear.) And the gentlemen will also surely come; we shall begin the program now.
(All arise departing separately.)
Nedoma (Detaining Hlaváček to the last. When the company has passed out, he pauses with Hlaváček at the rear).—May I
