in the front hall.) And Hlaváček, here, also has that idea.
Hlaváček (Enters).—And Réza also? My respects, Dušek!
Dušek.—Welcome!
Hlaváček.—Are you two gossiping?
Réza.—About you.
Hlaváček.—Confusion! (He taps Réza under the chin.) If only the locksmith knew that Réza still persists in being a model!
Réza.—Well, he knows whom he is courting, and yet he doesn’t want anyone else.
Hlavaček.—Well, I don’t know about that, Réza! They say a certain countess thinks a whole lot of your locksmith. She owns three locks.[1]
Réza (Laughing).—And she hasn’t the key to them, is that it? Let Franta make them for her then! (Suddenly) Heavens, here I am plunged in gossip—and at four I am due in Smichov. (Seizes her little hat and sunshade which were lying on the divan.) Tomorrow at ten, Mr. Dušek?
Dušek.—And in the afternoon, also; we have to work hard now.
Hlaváček.—Will you come tomorrow, Réza? I will make a sketch for myself at the same time.
Réza (At the door).—You’ll do the parasite act, I’m sure of that. (Departing.) Well, good-bye!
Hlaváček.—Good luck! (A pause. Hlaváček inspects Dušek’s picture.) Have you been working long?
Dušek.—Since half past one. I didn’t even go to the coffee house.
Hlaváček.—They were inquiring about you there.
Dušek.— Who?
Hlaváček.—Well, Reitlinger—and those others. I had to play chess with them myself.
Dušek (Banteringly).—My, but that displeased you!
Hlaváček.—I'm not going to paint all the time, and where am I to go?
Dušek.—To be sure! If you’re not painting, you must sit in the coffee-house or in the ale-house.
Hlaváček.—You’ve never in your life been there, have you?- ↑ There is here a play on words which cannot be reproduced in English. The word “zámek” has two meanings (1) a lock to a door, and (2) a castle or palace. Hence one who has three “zámsky” may be the possessor of three noble castles or only the humble owner of three door-locks.
