and laugh, but you just learn your parts and practice, so that the performance may pass off well. If it succeeds—and I hope that it will succeed—the girls will come to us of their own accord, you will see, even these who are now laughing most.

Mařenka (Glancing at the clock)—But Lenka hasn't come.

Aninka.—Since she is engaged!

Tyny.—And then retainer Valenta has arrived.

Mrs. Rettig (Hastily)—We mustn't forget the cooking. (To Aninka.) Today our task is a simple dinner: beef soup with vegetables, beef with onion gravy and cucumbers, roast duck, lettuce salad, a plate of hot rolls—(smiling) that's what my husband likes—and then a dish of fruit. (Merrily.) How will it go, Aninka?

Aninka.—I think that I can manage it all.

Mrs. Rettig (Points to the rest).—But the official committee will come to pass judgment on it.

Aninka.—Don't worry about it, auntie. I'm going. (Goes out by the door in the rear.)

Mrs. Rettig (To the others).—You still have plenty of time for your handwork.

Tonička.—Come on, let's have a song.

Mařenka.—No, let's talk about the play.

Tyny.—No, about the picnic. O, how I look forward to it. (They go out hastily into the next room.)

Mrs. Rettig (After them).—Be happy, be happy while you are young! I'll follow you directly. (She is about to go to the rear door, when there is a knock on it. It opens and Valenta appears on the threshold.)

Mrs. Rettig.—Ah, Mr. Retainer, or rather Mr. Forester!

Valenta (Evidently ill at ease).—Pardon me if I venture to intrude.—May I?

Mrs. Rettig.—I am very sorry, but today, when school is in session, I cannot receive any one.

Valenta.—I was here yesterday afternoon, but I was told that madam and her husband had gone to Mýto.

Mrs. Rettig.—Yes, we were there.

Valenta (Exclaims, having hitherto smothered his excitement).—Madam, I must speak once more with the tax-collector's daughter.