(Leaves by the steps on the right.)

Dame Klásek, who, standing farther down on the steps, has observed all this with surprise, gazes after the Miller, then waves down to the musicians, but remains on the steps. She calls in a low voice).—Klásek! Zima!

Princess (With a sigh).—So this is the peace of the mysterious solitude! My dream! O heart of man, thou art not peaceful! Peace ever flees when thy beating is but heard. This journey was meant to test him and to punish him and instead I myself am punished. What must he think of me! What have those zealous servants brought down upon me! That I should be despised. That because of this dream——(Goes out by the door on the left.)

Zan picks up the lantern and follows her.

Dame Klásek, who has meanwhile stepped down, returns and waves, but still faces the steps. Suddenly, when she reaches the top step and turns forward to the terrace, Ivan appears opposite her on the top step of the left-hand staircase.

Ivan stands rigid, causing Zan and the Maid to become frightened as before.

Dame Klásek (Spits abruptly).—My, but I got a fright! So that is the way you act! Change form, do you? Or are you Míchal’s uncle! You are monster enough for that. Well, come on! Come! (Suddenly.) Good people, wherever you are, Klásek, Sejtko, Your Grace, and all your servants, every last one of you, catch him, catch the horrid creature! (Chases after him.) Ivan disappears.

Klásek (Runs up the steps).—Good Lord, Mama!

Sejtko (Follows).—What’s going on?

Zima (Follows).—Dame Klásek!

Dame Klásek.—He was here—the water sprite.

Sejtko (Teasingly).—The one you roamed about the forest with?

Dame Klásek.—Yes, and embraced around the neck. Or another. But I’ll catch that one of mine, Sejtko, I’ll catch him again; catch him and beat him some more to make up for the thrashing I’d give you now, Sejtko, if I had time: the Princess