Hlaváček (With a smile).—In a neglected studio, gracious lady.

Helen (Extending her hand to Dušek).—First of all, let me thank you, Mr. Dušek, most cordially for the Böcklin. It is a splendid work.

Mrs. Heller.—Although somewhat incomprehensible. You’ll pardon me, gentlemen,—but your modern art is a little heavy and mysterious for us ordinary mortals.

Helen (Laughing).—Auntie is opposed to all modernism! But don’t be angry, the modern poets fare just the same with her.

Dušek.—And how about you, Miss? (Noticing that the ladies had not yet seated themselves.) But I pray, ladies! (Indicating the divan.)

Mrs. Heller (About to seat herself on a nearby stool).

Dušek (Pointing to a divan).—Ah, gracious lady, I pray!

Mrs. Heller.—Thank you, thank you—it’s all one!

Helen (Seating herself on the divan).—I will sit here myself—and the sign says I’ll not marry!

Dušek (Smiling).—Don’t forget, Miss, about our modern art! Do you like it?

Helen.—Assuredly more than Auntie does. There is something illusive—tempting about it (She laughs.) You know, I’m not an aesthetic. But everywhere in foreign countries I prefer the salons to the galleries. The galleries are serious and dead in their classicism—but in the salons there is warmth and evolution, life breathing with passion. . . Is it not so, gentlemen?

Dušek (Inspired and amazed).—Miss——

Hlaváček—It seems we could easily win over Miss Lindner to our guild.

(Dušek gives Hlaváček a displeased look.)

Helen.—Most assuredly Mr. Hlaváček! (With coquettish modesty.) I paint a little myself.

Dusek (Surprised).—Indeed?

Mrs. Heller.—Helen has temperament—that’s true! (Laughing.) She didn’t even want to leave Paris last year.

Helen.—The gentlemen will readily understand that.

Hlaváček.—And we certainly envy you!

Mrs. Heller.—Apropos, Mr. Dušek, we are not coming alone here. Dr. Vlasák promised that he would come for us here.

Dušek.—Ah, I beg——