something unusual, and now it is beginning to appear as though I might be coming to it!
Tonicka (Jokingly).—A general you certainly will not become!
Kralenec (Buried in his thoughts).—But I am going willingly into something I never experienced before, . . . Ahead of me is uncertainty, apparent want,—and still I go headlong into it, still I am not afraid! I take measures that must react against your interests, against my own,— and yet I have no fear! Surely they cannot hold out against us for long!
Tonicka (Handing him his cap).—Vojtech, I am proud of you! I have always been very proud of you, but now I like you better than ever before!
Kralenec.—What a child you are! (Kisses her. The children enter.)
Bozenka.—Aunty, Pepicek’s head began to ache! He was busy playing, and all at once, he let everything lie, and said he must go home!
Kralenec.—What is the matter with you, my boy?
Pepicek.—My head hurts!
Tonicka.—Come here, my little boy! It won’t be anything serious. (Places her hand on his forehead.) His head feels hot (To Pepicek.) Well, wait a bit, little one, wait! All will pass away again! I will put a remedy of some sort on your forehead, . . . it will soon stop aching.
Pepicek (Faintly).—Mother dear, I think I will go to bed!
Kralenec (In a subdued voice).—Something is the matter with that child!
Tonicka (Quietly).—I think so myself. But it probably is only a passing fever. Cut up some potato shavings for me. (Takes the child, carries him to the bed, removes his clothes and puts him to sleep.)
(Kralenec takes off his cap, brings a potato to the table, and cuts it into strips.)
(Tonicka, taking a clean handkerchief, folds it, sprinkles it with strips of freshly sliced potatoes, and places the handkerchief on the child’s forehead.)
Bozenka.—I will play with you a while, Pepicku.
Ruzenka.—And I also.
Bozenka.—What do you want me to bring you?
Pepicek.—Nothing at all.
Kralenec.—Shall I tell the doctor to stop here?
Tonicka.—Do nothing now. It will pass away.
