Tomeš.—I talk as I do because this is a shameful piece of business.

Havelka (Suspiciously).—Very well . . . but we two, I hope, will not have a chance meeting in the forest?

Marie (Stepping up to the game warden).—What are you hinting at, father?

Havelka.—Nothing, it is nothing, my child. (To Tomeš) Have a care. You don’t want people to talk ill of you. The Countess was asking me some time ago whether I could not use you as an assistant. I would be glad to say a good word for you.

Marie.—Dear father!

Tomeš.—If I could only become a gamekeeper. I would give up everything else on earth to do it!

Havelka.—Your desire may be fulfilled. Just now, do not be so rash. Did you come to see me,—or, (laughing as he smoothed his daughter’s hair) did you know I was not at home?

Tomeš.—I came to pay my respects to you, and instead I found Marie here.

Havelka.—And you surely were not disappointed. What did you wish?

Tomeš.—They will very shortly send you a message from the castle.

Havelka.—From the castle?

Tomeš.—Yes. You are to go up there. They are holding a council.

Havelka.—About what?

Tomeš.—About the poachers.

Havelka.—And what did they say?

Tomeš.—The count was angry, and grew greatly excited because a little poaching had been going on in these forests. He wants to take harsh measures to put an end to it. (With rising voice) He has heard that in these very woods (pointing around him) they once erected a gallows for the poachers,—

Marie (With great agitation).—Tomsi!

Tomeš (Continues).—and that they will hang upon them the first poacher, without even a trial, that is caught from now on!

Marie.—A contemptible death on the scaffold!