Marie.—Then why is she following you up all the time, and why are you at Vrána’s so much?

Tomeš.—I truly pity the child if she cares for me. It is only her mistaken sense of gratitude . . . I jumped into the lake to save her that time she was drowning . . . (Earnestly) But I do not give her a thought . . . Don’t you believe me?

Marie.—I do believe you, but at times my heart is heavy when I think of Lída. The Countess asked about her yesterday. And today she gave me a hint that you should guard yourself. It might go badly with you, were you to be caught hunting in the woods.

Tomeš.—The Countess,—she is very kind to us; she is still a descendant of the early Czechish rulers, and her heart is with us. But the Count . . .

Marie (Gazing into the park, and seizing Tomeš by the hand).—Father with the park keeper!

Havelka (Comes from the park with the warden.)

Tomeš (Steps away from Marie)

Havelka.—Accursed fellows! If the Count had happened to come upon it . . .

Tomeš (Approaching).—Did something happen, Mr. Gamewarden?

Havelka.—They killed a young roe during the night, and left it at the very edge of the park! If the Count had come across it, I would at once be dismissed from his service. Those accursed serfs don’t know when they have had enough . . . they would even deprive an honest fellow of his bread.

Tomeš (Heatedly).—Some clumsy sportsman might have done it! Perhaps it won’t occur again.

Havelka.—You are trying to assure me?

Tomeš (Seeing he had exposed something).—I believe that I can. I will go today to all the neighboring villages, and speak with the poachers there, and I will hold myself responsible if this same accident occurs again.