Dame Klásek.—Well, then, on to the woods! You will lead me. Strike a light!

Míchal blows into the lantern. A flame bursts forth within.

Dame Klásek.—Go on, ribbon dealer, with the wet coat tail. (Pulls his coat tail.)

Míchal, gnashing his teeth, enters the forest. Dame Klásek follows him.

A terrace before the little castle in the woods. The center curves toward the rear; in the bend a wide flight of steps, with a balustrade, leading to the right and left down to the little lake. Doors lead from the right and left to the wings of the little castle. Below the terrace, trees. In the rear, a view of the deep forest behind the lake. Night; the moon above the forest.

Ivan (Enters by the steps on the left, looks about the terrace).—Nothing, all is quiet; and yet from below it seemed to me a human voice came from the little castle. (Listens.) Nothing. (Goes to both doors.) Locked. (Goes back, seats himself on the balustrade.) Silence; just as I wanted it. Water, a forest, and no human voices. (Sighs with satisfaction.) And no poetry, and no sighings! O beautiful moon, here thou hast peace. Thou surely must enjoy beaming down here, where no contemptible human carousing is heard from every corner. Thou carest not to leave this quiet spot. Thou carest not to roam about farther over the wide woods. (With satisfaction.) Ah—(He suddenly starts and listens.) A voice! (Listens.) A human voice! (Angrily.) Who dares, who has purposely, to spite me—?(A key is heard rattling in the right-hand door of the little castle. Ivan quickly steps to the left; comes down the stairs, that he may not be seen, and watches.)

Maid (Enters rapidly, but halts, in blank amazement).—Ah!

Zan (Behind her, carrying two chairs, which he places near