Dušek.—After all, what’s the use of all quarrels? You know Goethe advised the artist to create and not talk. Paint, work as I do—and in a few years we will say what there is to say to each other.
Hlaváček (Wearily).—Well, all right! Save yourself then! (Strikes the table with his hand.) And I’ll drown myself if it’ll please you! (Noticing Dušek’s irritation.) Well—that’s all!
(The bell sounds in the front hall.)
Dušek (Quickly draws out his watch).—That surely can’t be Miss Lindner so early?
Hlaváček (Amazed).—Was she to come?
Dušek.—With Mrs. Heller, but not until four. (He looks at his watch again.) It must be they. They wish to see the studio. Please open the door.
Hlaváček (Goes slowly towards the front hall).
Dušek (Seizes a clothes-brush, quickly brushes his clothes and arranges his cravat in front of the mirror which stands on a table).
Hlaváček (In the meantime opens the door in the front hall).
Stáza (Speaks in entrance hall).
Stáza.—Is Mr. Dušek at home? (In a lower voice) Alone?
Hlaváček (Still in entrance hall).—Just go into the studio, Miss Stáza.
Dušek (Starts when he hears Stáza’s voice).
Stáza (Enters atelier after tapping on door).—Am I not interrupting? Good afternoon.
Dušek (With feigned calmness which later changes into impatience with regard to Stáza’s departure. At times he looks expectantly at his watch).—Ah, God’s greeting to you, Stázička.[1] How does it happen that you’re not at the shop?
Hlaváček.—Say, Dušek, I’ll go around to Brunner’s in the meantime and get that passe partout.
Dušek (Seizes him by the sleeve, disturbedly).—Wait! (Aloud.) He’ll bring it when he’s ready. (Turns.) Sit down, Stázička!
Stáza.—Thank you, I won’t stay long. (In a broken tone.) I have just come to say good-bye.
Dušek (Shakes his finger at her).—Stáza! Stáza!
Stáza (Seeking to gain command of herself).—No, Mr. Dušek, it is settled. Tomorrow I leave for Vienna. My sister is already awaiting me. I have not been in the shop since Tuesday—what should I do in Prague?
Hlaváček (Who has seated himself on the corner of the divan in
- ↑ Stazička, a diminutive of Stáza, used in a sense of tenderness or caress.
