Marie.—My Lady!
Countess.—Do not be afraid. I would not interfere. Child, I myself am somewhat fond of your Tomeš.
Marie (Kissing the hand of the Countess).—My precious Countess!
Countess.—I knew how he felt when I saw him looking at you while you two danced together. Fine looking young man, to be sure.
(MARIE shyly brushes away the tears.)
Countess (Laughingly).—So, so; your joy has melted you into tears. Don’t you have a bit of lonely longing to see him?
Marie.—Yes, joy and longing intermingled. And frankly speaking, I am deeply worried.
Countess (Surprised).—Worried?
Marie (Gazing about, adds uncertainly).—We are speaking of Tomeš, and,—he does not deny that he goes a-poaching.
Countess (Laughing).—And you are weeping about it? He appears to be a fearless and daring fellow!
Marie.—Yes, yes, but the Count! And what would happen to Tomeš were he to be caught?
Countess (Seriously).—That must not happen. Your lover must not carry his favorite pastime to so desperate an end. That would be serious!
Marie.-—hat is what I fear; that is why I worry about him!
Countess.—Let him indulge his whim, but warn him not to involve himself in trouble. (Half jokingly) But you have so much influence over him,—surely you need have no fear. (During their conversation they arrive at the spot where the bagpiper disappeared into the forest.) Now go home, child. Your father, the game keeper, will be coming soon. I will return to the castle. If you come to the village, stop to see me. I will delay the bagpiper there, if you wish to hear him again. (Tomeš now appears, coming from the direction of the game reserve. He pauses, seeing Marie with the Countess.)
Marie.—Thank you, many thanks, noble lady, but I doubt whether I can come today.
Countess.—Then make it tomorrow, at the latest! It is now at least three days since you have paid me a call. And I have been preparing something for you!
Marie.—How kind you are, my Lady! (Kisses her hand.)
(The Countess laughingly touches Marie’s cheek with her lips, and goes away. Marie returns to the cottage of the game keeper.
