Lída.—Keep your gold and silver. I will not be lured by your vile money!

Beauvalle.—You bold lizard!

Lída.—Condemn me, revile me, it is safe . . . ours (with sarcasm) are now at a safe distance. But listen, and promise me to fulfill your promise if I now do you a great service.

Beauvalle.—What do you want, refusing my money?

Lída.—I want even more. If I were today, tomorrow, at some time before he leaves . . . if I were to place Tomeš into your hands . . .

Beauvalle (Overcome, but anxiously).—And you can do that?

Lída.—And if I could, I say, if it is possible. I do not know if fate will be with me . . . (placing her hand on her head) I feel strangely here . . . might if I could succeed in placimg him in your power . . . Count do you promise me not to put him to death?

Beauvalle.—If the people will become quieted and scatter . . . I will not put him to death!

Lída (With clear decisive voice).—Without Tomeš, not one arm will be raised, without him, not one man will leave this place!

Beauvalle.—If that is the case, accomplish your purpose . . . put him into our power.

Lída (With lowered voice and shifting eyes).—If by that time, my reason does not altogether desert me, perhaps I can do it. I am ever at his steps . . . I know where he goes . . . every move he makes . . . (to herself, lost in her thoughts) and I must manage to keep him away from her.

Beauvalle.—What are you saying?

Lída (Surprised).—Did I say something?

Beauvalle.—You want to prevent some one else from getting him!

Lída (Placing her hand over her heart).—She must not get him . . . she must not . . . if I myself must pay the penalty with my life. (After a moment she quiets down.) Just promise me, give me your word, noble Count, that after it is over, she shall not have him!

Beauvalle.—Of whom are you speaking? Of Marie? (Points to the cottage.)

Lída.—You are, noble Count, in authority here. We are all in your power. Without your consent, Tomeš will never dare marry that one from the cottage. Promise me, that you will