Braha.—But he was here. He brought some grain—

Dame Klásek.—That again is a new trick that he may leave the house.

Braha.—They say that they left with the teachers’ assistant; he and Zima—

Dame Klásek.—And Sejtko.—Aha—

Braha.—To give a concert.

Dame Klásek.—But for whom, for whom! And what is more, even if they do play, is it not all a trick? I believe nothing. I don’t believe anyone but the cards, they speak (pulls out the cards, sits down on the wheelbarrow) the truth—Look! here The ace of hearts—and in its path a jack of spades, and here a green one—aha—a fine concert—it’s a woman, (snatches the cards and jumps up) a woman, and no concert. Where did they go?

Braha.—They said they were going (pointing to the woods beyond the bridge) to the woods, toward the little castle. Our miller also went there. He was forced to. He is escorting the Princess, is lighting her way with a lantern.

Dame Klásek.—So? At that rate (suddenly makes up her mind) we shall see about that. I’ll catch up to them, I’ll get them. (While speaking she goes to the bridge.) We’ll have a fine concert then! (Hurriedly disappears into the woods on the right.)

Braha.—What a serpent! She ought to live with a dragon. (Enters the mill.)

Míchal (Peering out of the shrubbery, laughing).—Ha ha, Ivan!—He will breathe so peacefully—in the moonshine—peacefully—! Everything is running that way—his first night there will be a most pleasant one—with music!—But my time has come.—The miller is gone ha, ha!

Grandmother (In the mill).—Hanička!

Míchal conceals himself in the shrubbery. Hanička looks toward the trees at the right, behind the mill; than suddenly darts forward and runs quickly across the bridge.

Míchal (Is startled, but suddenly bursts forth and tries to catch her).—Sunbeam!

Hanička, who is already across the bridge, hastens to the right at the rear into the woods.