ALOIS JIRÁSEK
327
Miller (With a smile).—But not aloud; it is a quiet storm.
Zajíček (Surprised).—Well, well, but if it should come to the worst—well—but what is the use, what good does it do!
Miller (Stands near the flowers).—You certainly have picked enough, Hanička. (Glances at the wall; the wreath pleasantly surprises him.) And she actually (moving towards it) has fashioned a fresh wreath. Where is the faded one?
Hanička.—Here it is, among the flowers; I’ll throw it into the fire (filing her apron with the flowers) and take the herbs to Grandmother’s room. I have not been there for some time. Grandmother guards her room as if it were a treasure.
Miller (Teasingly).—Shall you take the thyme with you, too?
Hanička.—Oh, I have already hidden that. (While leaving.) But I can’t tell how you will bless me when you find out where. (Leaves hurriedly through the door leading to the hall.)
Scene IX
Miller, Zajíček, later Dame Klásek
Zajíček (As Hanička leaves).—How like a swallow!
Miller.—What have you brought us, Joseph?
Zajíček.—News.
Miller.—O, I know.
Dame Klásek (From the hall).—He is not here? (On the threshold.) He is not here? He is not—
Miller.—Your husband? He is not here.
Dame Klásek.—Aha, you assistant! (Enters.) So he is not here. (Addressing Zajíček with assurance.) Was he with you?
Zajíček (Perplexed).—Klásek?
Dame Klásek (Without waiting, rapidly). I suppose not! Just say “No.” Well-indeed “No.” O, I knew it. He said he would just drop in at the mill to ask about the grinding; whether you people would not grind up that little bit for us. Suddenly this brilliant idea, suddenly so much anxiety about grinding! No doubt he received some message while I was in the garden. I had hardly taken a glance around the garden when that message must have arrived. He left his loom and went to dress himself.