Mrs. Rettig.—Really? (With decision.) But pray believe me, that I knew nothing whatever of this, that I did not have the slightest foreboding, that I even refuse to believe it; and that, if it is true, I regard this match as unnatural, and that I will do my utmost to break it off.

Gülich.—O, then the cat would not catch mice; then (ironically) the novel would have a sad ending, without a marriage—and ladies do not like that.

Mrs. Rettig.—No, this novel would be sad if it ended in marriage. I am not of the opinion that every girl should get married merely for the sake of marrying, no matter who the man may be. That is the cause of much unhappiness, even immorality.

Mrs. Roller.—But the tax-collector's daughter will be a doctor's lady.

Mrs. Roubínek.—They will get used to each other.

Roubínek.—They must.

Mrs. Rettig.—But what if they do not get used to each other?

Gülich—(With a smile).—Then tragedy usually follows.

Mrs. Rettig.—And I do not wish any such thing either for that good man or that dear girl.

Mrs. Roller.—And you propose to separate them?

Mrs. Rettig.—I shall try.

Mrs. Roubínek.—We shall see.

Roubínek (Shufles from one foot to the other, looking upward).—Wife—

Mrs. Roubínek.—I am coming.

Mrs. Roller (To Mrs. Rettig).—If you do not believe this, madam, about the doctor and the tax-collector's daughter, you can convince yourself. They are here on the promenade. (Withdraws to the rear.)

Mrs. Rettig.—I will take a look. (Withdraws to the rear.)

Gülich.—Now we may have a chance to watch how the doctor bills and coos. (Withdraws, following the ladies. Mrs. Roubínek, with a laugh, does likewise.)

Roubínek (Follows her, last of all).—What a state of affairs! Unheard of! (Goes out after them.)

Vacek (Comes in at the left in the foreground, carrying the book