detain you, Mr. Hlaváček? (Laughing.) Or do you want to hear the program?
Hlaváček (Returns with him towards the front).—I’m at your service, doctor!
Nedoma (Seating himself).—They won’t miss us. Let’s sit down!
(Hlaváček sits.)
Nedoma.—Mrs. Fabian has brought her daughters; the concert will surely begin with the “Slavonic Dances.”
(Hlaváček laughing.)
Nedoma.—Where those young women go, they play the “Slavonic Dances” for four hands. Mrs. Fabian in the meantime fairly overflows with bliss. But no doubt we’ll hear it way in here—and it would be better if we didn’t hear it at all.
Hlaváček.—The doctor evidently isn’t a lover of music.
Nedoma.—Why not? But I don’t coquette with it. (Points in the direction of the main reception room) All these yawn—at least in spirit—at such a musical soiree, but that doesn’t stand in the way of their talking learnedly about music as if it were their daily bread. They go to concerts—and are bored; they go to the opera and are bored. But while music is the fashion they must not remain away. (Behind the scenes Dvořák’s “Slavonic Dances” is played on a piano. Nedoma listens.) Do you hear?
Hlaváček (Laughing).—The doctor is a good guesser!
Nedoma.—I beg you! (Spreads himself comfortably in the chair.) I am, in my turn, interested in pictures. Not because it’s the fashion, but from an innate fondness for them. I have a nice collection of originals.
Hlaváček.—And an excellent reputation among painters, doctor. I am all the more sorry that I sold my “Will o’ the Wisp” since I learned recently that it might have become your property.
Nedoma.—Listen, Mr. Hlaváček! (Gazes at him intently.) You are a true friend of Dušek’s, are you not?
Hlaváček (Somewhat surprised by the question).—For years, doctor. We came to the academy together from the technical school and since last summer we have had a company studio.
Nedoma.—You have separated now?
Hlaváček.—That is to say, Dušek wanted to be alone. When we have finished a song, there are easily different opinions. You understand.
Nedoma.—With regard to your friend, certainly. But what—you fell out with each other?
