Lída.—I did not hear you. I have not as yet seen Tomeš.

Countess.—Who fired? Where is the Count?

Lída.—They went away. The shot was accidental.

Countess.—But there is an uproar!

Lída.—They are rushing after them.

(Countess, steps back, from the cliffs step out three armed serfs trying under cover to locate the soldiers and the game keeper; behind them appear Jírak with Vrána. Later three more serfs from the forest come to the front.)

Jírak.—He must be here!

Vrána.—They are not far away.

Voices from the cliffs.—After them, after them! (From the clifs appear ten other serfs, crossing the scene to the other side of the forest.)

Countess.—They will be killed. (Calls) Listen, listen to me!

Vrána (Turning around).—Who is calling?

Jírak.—It is the Countess.

Vrána (Laughing).—The title of the Countess is not now held in great esteem. (Approaches the Countess.)

Marie.—Save yourself! (Runs to the Countess. Lída sees Marie, and stirs uneasily.)

Lída.—Again in front of me! Heaven, it shall be the last time.

Vrána (To the Countess).—And what do you wish, noble lady?

Countess.—Do not attract the attention of those who were here. The Count is somewhere among them.

Vrána (Turns about and calls).—Quickly after them! The Count is with them! Seize or shoot the Count!

(All the serfs disappear into the left edge of the forest, Jírak alone remaining in the midst of the center of the scene.)

Countess.—Merciful Heavens, they will be killed!

Marie.—I will try to save them. (Runs to Jírak who stands with drawn rifle gazing into the wood.) Where is Tomeš?

Jírak.—Back, retreat! Leave us alone and go away from this place! (Goes into the forest.)

Countess (In despair).—All is in vain!

Lída (Sees what is taking place, stirs uneasily, places her hand on her forehead, then to herself).—I will bring him, I will bring him here; she shall hold him, she herself! (Quickly advances toward