the aconite, belladonna and pills, prepare the agua distillata. It has nothing to do with me, but with those young folks. I know how it all began, how they began to like each other and just how much they like each other now.

Mrs. Rettig.—Lenka has been here.

Ančka (Hastily).—And I beg you, what—?

Mrs. Rettig.—She says that the doctor would be put to shame, laughed at.

Ančka.—That he is already, and will be more so. Of course: she such a little rosebud, barely blossoming, grafted on an old stump, if I may say so! And what does the doctor think about it, pray?

Mrs. Rettig.—I have still to talk with him.

Ančka.—The poor retainer! If only he could have a talk with Miss Lenka!

Mrs. Rettig.—Maybe he will.

Ančka.—Ah, where?

Mrs. Rettig.—In the grove.

Ančka.—Now I always said, if you would help them, madam—

Mrs. Rettig.—Ančka dear, tell the retainer—

Plavec (Still not to be seen, walking in. He speaks in a loud, good-natured, merry voice).—Where are you, madam, in the kitchen or in the parlor?

Mrs. Rettig.—In the parlor, doctor.

Ančka (Hastily).—What am I to say?

Mrs. Rettig (Hastily).—It's too late, he is here.—Couldn't you come a little later for those directions?

Ančka.—I will.

Mrs. Rettig (Going to the door).—But not a word now!

Plavec (At the open door).—Gehorsamster—^[1] What, Ančka! You here! Has the magistrate's wife asked you to come too?

Ančka (Frankly).—O no, I—

Mrs. Rettig (Interrupts).—It was just something about the cooking. Ančka, it will be best as I told you.

Ančka.—And if I, madam; if I—

Mrs. Rettig.—Yes, just come again; I'll tell you, I'll tell you.