And so we are both free and we have not broken our friendship, das heisst,[1] neither you with me or I with you. And for the rest, let them talk! (To Mrs. Rettig.) I have overstepped the boundary line, and now must step back.
Mrs. Rettig.—But with full honor.
Lenka (Gratefully and stirreed by happiness, appealingly).— Doctor!
Plavec.—Not a word, not one; I know; I am not angry.
Mrs. Rettig.—Nor at me either?
Plavec.—One does not thank a doctor for an unpleasant medicine.
Scene XX
The same; Roubínek, Chadima, Rejsek.
Roubínek comes in from the rear, more rapidly than is his wont and evidently ill at ease. Chadima and Rejsek come in with him, but remain in the rear.
Chadima (To him in a suppressed but eager voice).—As I said, Mr. Registrar, they are there—over there.
Roubínek (Stops by the bench).—Have you not seen my wife, if you please?
Plavec.—She was here a moment ago.
Roubínek.—Alone?
Plavec.—No, she met—
Roubínek (Frightened)—She met—and so that—!(Goes towards the temple, and at the foot of the steps calls) Betty, Betty dear! (Silence.)
All look at Roubínek with surprise.
Roubínek (Goes hesitatingly up the steps).—Never in my life have I—(Takes off his hat and wipes his brow) Betty, Betty dear!
Gülich (Comes out of the temple).—Ach, Herr Registrar.
Roubínek (Starts).—It is he!
Mrs. Rettig (To Plavec).—We have classic witnesses.
Mrs. Roubínek comes out of the temple.
Roubínek.—And she! Betty, you, what have you—?
Mrs. Roubínek (Indignantly).—Aber[2] Roubínek.
Chadima (To Rejsek).—You see, you see!
Roubínek.—But this—! (Becomes silent as he steps forward.)
