Dušek.—But, if I am detaining you——

(Vlasák in his excitement does not catch his words.)

Dušek.—It isn’t anything pressing, at least, for you, sir—

Vlasák (Suddenly).—Oh, I pray—that’s all right! I have to wait for the servant, anyway.

Dušek.—But I wouldn’t like to——

Vlasák (Again looks at his watch and becomes absorbed in thought. Suddenly after having glanced involuntarily towards the door of the bedroom).—Just stay, Mr. Dušek. (Seats himself at the writing desk and motions to him to take a nearby seat.) Have a seat.

Dušek (Seats himself. His manner is hesitating).—Now, I don’t know how to begin. We were, yesterday evening, my dear doctor, at Mrs. Heller’s——

Vlasák (Rises).—Wait, didn’t some one ring?

Dušek.—No, I didn’t hear anything.

Vlasák (Listening).—I must have imagined it. (Seats himself again). Go on!

Dušek (Begins anew).—For that matter, doctor, I don’t believe I need to—(Suddenly) What’s the use of any beating about the bush? I’ll tell you openly why I’ve come to you.

(Vlasák impatiently twisting in his chair.)

Dušek.—Undoubtedly you know that a great change has come into my life. Ever since I’ve known Miss Lindner——

Vlasák (Laughs nervously).—Ah, that’s the reason!

Dušek (More joyfully).—Oh, you already know? Doctor, I’ve wronged you. (Abruptly) That is, I beg your pardon,—wronged!— I express myself stupidly. But it was said, you know, that you were—courting—Miss Lindner.

Vlasák (With twitching lips).—To be sure—it would be strange indeed if gossips wouldn’t dish up some such report! (Hesitates.)

Dušek.—And so I was involuntarily prejudiced against you.—Forgive me! But, that isn’t the question. Last evening I experienced two great joys; the first when I heard of your engagement to Miss Daneš——

Vlasák (Hastily).—Oh, no, no—we are not engaged yet!

Dušek.—Then, that you had been paying court only to her. But that is really only the preface to the reason for my coming here. Yesterday, I finally took courage—