R.U.R. Karel Čapek (story read aloud .TXT) 📖

as much as them. Helena But Nana, I’m surprised you’re not sorry for them. Nana Why, you’re scared of them too. You know you are. Why else did you bring me here? Helena I’m not scared, really I’m not, Nana. I’m only sorry for them. Nana You’re scared. Nobody could help being scared. Why, the dog’s scared of them. He won’t take a scrap of meat out of their hands. He draws in his tail and howls when he knows they’re about. Helena The dog has no sense. Nana He’s better than them, and he knows it. Even the horse shies when he meets them. They don’t have any young, and a dog has young, everyone has young⁠— Helena Turning back. Please fasten up my dress, Nana. Nana I say it’s against God’s will to⁠— Helena What is it that smells so nice? Nana Flowers. Helena What for? Nana Now you can turn around. Helena Turns; crosses to C. Oh, aren’t they lovely? Look, Nana. What’s happening today? Nana It ought to be the end of the world. Enter Domin L. 2. He crosses down front of table L. C. Helena Crosses to him. Oh, hello, Harry. Nana turns upstage to L. Harry, why all these flowers? Domin Guess. This scene is played down in front of L. C. table. Helena Well, it’s not my birthday! Domin Better than that. Helena I don’t know. Tell me. Domin It’s ten years ago today since you came here. Helena Ten years? Today? Why⁠—They embrace.) Nana Muttering. I’m off. She exits L. 1. Helena Fancy you remembering. Domin I’m really ashamed, Helena. I didn’t. Helena But you⁠— Domin They remembered. Helena Who? Domin Busman, Hallemeier⁠—all of them. Put your hand in my pocket. Helena Takes necklace from his Left jacket pocket. Oh! Pearls! A necklace! Harry, is this for me? Domin It’s from Busman. Helena But we can’t accept it, can we? Domin Oh, yes, we can. Puts necklace on table L. C. Put your hand in the other pocket. Helena Takes a revolver out of his Right pocket. What’s that? Domin Sorry. Not that. Try again. He puts gun in pocket. Helena Oh, Harry, why do you carry a revolver? Domin It got there by mistake. Helena You never used to carry one. Domin No, you’re right. Indicates breast pocket. There, that’s the pocket. Helena Takes out cameo. A cameo. Why, it’s a Greek cameo. Domin Apparently. Anyhow, Fabry says it is. Helena Fabry? Did Mr. Fabry give me that? Domin Of course. Opens the L. 1 door. And look in here. Helena, come and see this. Both exit L. 1. Helena (Off L. 1) Oh, isn’t it fine? Is this from you? Domin Off L. 1 No, from Alquist. And there’s another on the piano. Helena This must be from you? Domin There’s a card on it. Helena From Doctor Gall. Reappearing in L. 1 doorway. Oh, Harry, I feel embarrassed at so much kindness. Domin Enters to up R. of table L. C. Come here. This is what Hallemeier brought you. Helena To up L. of desk. These beautiful flowers? Domin Yes. It’s a new kind. Cyclamen-Helena. He grew them in honor of you. They are almost as beautiful as you. Helena Kissing him. Harry, why do they all⁠— Domin They’re awfully fond of you. I’m afraid that my present is a little⁠—Look out of the window. Crosses to window and beckons to her. Helena Where? They go out into the balcony. Domin Into the harbor. Helena There’s a new ship. Domin That’s your ship. Helena Mine? How do you mean? Domin R. For you to take trips in⁠—for your amusement. Helena L. Harry, that’s a gunboat. Domin A gunboat? What are you thinking of? It’s only a little bigger and more solid than most ships. Helena Yes, but with guns. Domin Oh, yes, with a few guns. You’ll travel like a queen, Helena. Helena What’s the meaning of it? Has anything happened? Domin Good heavens, no. I say, try these pearls. Crosses to R. of table L. C. Helena Harry, have you had bad news? Domin On the contrary, no letters have arrived for a whole week. Helena Nor telegrams? Coming into the room C. Domin Nor telegrams. Helena What does that mean? Domin Holidays for us! We all sit in the office with our feet on the table and take a nap. No letters⁠—no telegrams. Glorious! Helena Then you’ll stay with me today? Domin Certainly. Embraces her. That is, we will see. Do you remember ten years ago today? Crosses to L. of table L. C. Miss Glory, it’s a great honor to welcome you. They assume the same positions as when they first met ten years before in Domin’s office. Helena To table. Oh, Mr. Manager, I’m so interested in your factory. She sits R. of table. Domin I’m sorry, Miss Glory, it’s strictly forbidden. The manufacture of artificial people is a secret. Helena But to oblige the young lady who has come a long way. Domin Leans on table. Certainly, Miss Glory. I have no secrets from you. Helena Are you sure, Harry? Leaning on desk, seriously, his right hand on hers. Domin Yes. They gradually draw apart. Helena But I warn you, sir, this young lady intends to do terrible things. Domin Good gracious, Miss Glory. Perhaps she doesn’t want to marry me. Helena Heaven forbid. She never dreamt of such a thing. But she came here intending to stir up a revolt among your Robots. Domin A revolt of the Robots! Helena Low voice. Harry, what’s the matter with you? Domin Laughing it off. A revolt of the Robots, that’s a fine idea. Crosses to back of table. She watches him suspiciously. Miss Glory, it would be easier for you to cause bolts and screws to rebel than our Robots. You know, Helena, you’re wonderful. You’ve turned the hearts of us all. Sits on table. Helena Oh, I was fearfully impressed by you all then. You were all so sure of yourselves, so strong. I