he want here? What if I had met him on the stairs?
Vlasák (Likewise excited).—That’s why I had to detain him here until you came. (Notices Helen. Tenderly) Helen, darling, you’re all a-tremble!
Helen (Sighs).—There isn’t any wonder! The very journey—from the bridge here—and the fright—when I knew you were not at home alone! (She draws the shawl from her head to her shoulders.)
Vlasák.—Come, sit down.—You are shaking! (Leads her to the divan where the light is very dim.) Shall I put the lamp here?
Helen (Seating herself).—No, thank you, no, the light bothers my eyes. (A pause.) Come, Viki, sit by me! (Laughs.) So, you’re a diplomat! I came near finding Dušek here instead of you. (She ruffles his hair.)
Vlasák.—I couldn’t help it, really. He came—I couldn’t deny myself to him . . . What a terrible man! (Sighs and then laughs.) Do you know Helen, love, what he wanted? That I should speak a good word for him—to your father!
Helen (Softly).—The fool!
Vlasák.—No one but a man in love could become such an idiot! (Abruptly.) Apropos, Helen, what did you promise Dušek yesterday?
Helen (Amazed).—I?
Vlasák.—From his talk, I gathered that he is wholly convinced of your love. Did you say something to him?
Helen (Bursts out in wicked laughter).—Didn’t he say, also, that on my bended knees, I implored him to marry me? What does that man think?
Vlasák.—Haven’t I told you repeatedly to get rid of him at one stroke? He is becoming more and more inconvenient. Tell him once for all—“I’ll take you!” or “I won’t have you!” “Your wooing is agreeable,” or not—in short, one way or other—so that the affair would come to an end!
Helen (Absorbed in thought).—Ah, it will all end, anyway. . . (Tosses her head.) Victor, Dušek has never been an obstacle to you (A pause.)
Vlasák (Embraces her and slowly lifts her from the divan).—Helen, darling
Helen (Arising independently and crossing the room).—Sweetheart, I want to talk seriously with you today. (Smiles.) Yes, seriously! (Seats herself at the writing desk and indicates a
