Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/340

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322
THE GREAT FREEHOLDER

Scheffel (Approaching Klementina).—I am going to be very uncivil, gracious lady.

Klementina.—Ah!

Scheffel.—May I remind you, gracious lady.

Klementina.—Oh, you wished to have a few words? I will be very much pleased. Attend me to my room, Mr. Scheffel. (Enter Dr. Svoboda. Speaks to Kytka.) Mr. Kytka, you will excuse me for a moment. (Makes a sign to Kytka who answers with a clumsy bow. Klementina and Scheffel walk off to the left.)

Scene IV

Dr. Svoboda, Kytka

Kytka.—And now I am with you, Respected Doctor, alone. Now, . . . now, . . . I will attempt it . . . doctor!

Dr. Svoboda.—You appear to be somewhat disturbed, dear friend!

Kytka.—I am (Looking around, trying to compose himself.) I cannot speak! But perhaps you have already noticed, dear doctor, that there is nothing on earth which would delight me more, (Choking) . . . the privilege of asking for your daughter’s hand . . .

Dr. Svoboda (Laughing).—Mine?

Kytka.—That is just the case . . . the hand of your daughter, Anezka.

Dr. Svoboda.—And does my daughter know of this?

Kytka.—She does not! She does not! I have not had the courage! I am here now for the fifth time to pay my respects, and I knew her even before that . . . but I can only look . . . I am not able to talk!

Dr. Svoboda.—But just try to, once.

Kytka.—This time, I am going to. Doctor, you know my father left me a sugar-factory with an estate which I sold for six hundred thousand florins!

Dr. Svoboda (Frowning, says to himself).—So that is the most important news, you poor mortal!

Kytka.—I will give your daughter all that I have if she will only accept me. I want nothing for myself, (With emphasis) but her!