Beauvalle (To Jan).—Tell him he need not be afraid to come. I have a matter to propose to him. (Jan departs. To Dejm) That was a happy suggestion. I, at the same time, will rid myself of a man who is getting to be a thorn in the flesh here.

(At the edge of the park appears Havelka with the park keeper. Havelka gazes seriously once more at the dead beast, then turns to Beauvalle.)

Havelka, park keeper, Countess, Beauvalle, Dejm, Bubna, later Tomeš, Lída.

Havelka (Drops on one knee before the Count).—Your Grace, I beg you, do not drive me away!

Bubna.—What has happened?

Countess.—Havelko!

Beauvalle.—What news do you bring?

Havelka.—I found a dead beast!

Beauvalle (Angrily).—A dead animal?

Havelka.—One of those two wild boars has been shot!

Beauvalle.—Shot?

Havelka.—It lies here, near by,—it managed to get this far. (He points to the forest. Beauvalle hastens there. All gaze after them.)

Beauvalle.—Shot,—that animal has been shot! Do you know who killed it? Tell me, if you do not wish me to hold you responsible.

Havelka.—I do not know for a certainty. I have a suspicion.

Beauvalle.—Who was it?

Havelka.—I will tell, I must protect myself. I saw a man hurrying from the park soon after the shot was fired, though I could not catch up with him. He might have fired that shot.

Beauvalle.—VWho was he?

Havelka.—Tomeš,—more I do not know.

Beauvalle.—Tomeš? Oh, I shall punish him, I shall punish him as no one yet has been punished.

Countess (Frightened).—You promised him your protection! (From the castle steps Tomeš, behind him, unnoticed comes Lída.)

Beauvalle (Sees Tomeš).—That is he! Seize him!