Gülich (In comic despair).—I am afraid of silence, madam.
Mrs. Roubínek (Glancing out suddenly).—O, we aren't silent. (Mrs. Roller withdraws.)
Gülich.—Ah! I believe that.
Mrs. Roubínek.—We know something about Mrs. Rettig.
Gülich (Advancing to the foot of the steps).—What?
Mrs. Roubínek.—Then you must come in.
Gülich.—It is more comfortable down here.
Mrs. Roubínek.—No, no, just come in here, quick. (Withdraws.) Gulich goes into the temple.)
Scene XVI
Chadima, Rejsek.
The two shoemakers have come in at the rear during the conversation between Dr. Gulich and Mrs. Roubínek, and have been waiting, watching them.
Chadima (Excited, but not drunk).—It was he, Gülich, Dr. Gülich!
Rejsek.—It was, it was; I didn't say it wasn't.
Chadima (More testily).—It was he!
Rejsek (Soothingly).—Of course it was, it was.
Chadima.—And it was she, Mrs. Roubínek, the registrar's wife.
Rejsek.—Y es, it was the registrar's wife, František; it was.
Chadima.—So you see, so you see; now he has his sign daubed.
Rejsek.—But who knows—?
Chadima.—Be still, just be still! Now I have him in my clutch; I will declaim to him from Patrčka's "Medley:" you know
Rejsek.—I know, Franc, I know.
Chadima.—And right here by the steps. (He takes his post and declaims.)
He who is black cannot be white;
The rooster loves the hen.—
Rejsek.—But not that, Franc; you would scare them away. I tell you what: we'll send the registrar after them.
Chadima (Starts)—Upon my word! You see! Come, come! (Tugging at him.) He will open his eyes! And the little lady! And the doctor! Won't his bristles stand up; won't he be rocky! (They go out on the left, in the rear.)
