and you won’t miss much. And then—do I want to marry Dušek?
Clara.—Of course, you can’t do that. But you could tell him.
Helen.—Why, when he hasn’t asked me?
Clara.—And if he does propose some time?
Helen.—He will never get to the proposal. And if he does speak out, still—well
Clara.—Well?
Helen.—Well, let him speak out! It will be a joke.
(Fořt enters at the rear and stands near the other room.)
Helen (Observes Fořt).—He won’t be the first to speak unadvisedly. (Points to the rear.) That one has already blurted out his love—and how stupidly. Just wait!
Fořt (Advances).—The company is wondering where the ladies have concealed themselves. (To Clara.) Miss Clara, you ought to hear Bláha’s concert numbers.
Helen.—And not I?
Fořt (Naïvely).—No, not you. I would like to say some thing to you.
(Clara and Helen laugh outright.)
Vlasák (Enters at rear).—In a little while the entire company will have moved to the front reception hall—and Mr. Bláha can play for himself.
Helen.—Doctor, you must set things right! Clara was just about to return; escort her to the music room. Anyway, Mr. Fořt wants to avow his love for me, he has owned up to it.
Fořt.—I wouldn’t be so bold.
Helen.—What sort of confidences can you have that Clara mustn’t hear them?
Fořt.—That’s a secret.
Vlasák (To Clara).—Come, Miss Clara, or else Fořt will yet betray his secret to us. (Departing with Clara towards the music room.)
Fořt.—Do you take me for such a fool? My dear sir, I’ve been a match for cleverer people!
Vlasák (Looks around and laughs).—Thank you for the compliment!
Mrs. Heller (Entering from other room).—It seems to me that our guests are not enjoying themselves very much. Some one runs away every little while.
Vlasák.—I’ve been looking for the deserters, my dear lady,
