The White Plague [Volume: 7(1988), pp. 431-504]

496 KAREL CAPEK
ADJUTANT
Yes, miss. (Exits.)
MARSHAL
I see. The best doctors in the world, is that it? (Stands.) A pity. I'm much
better off with you.
ANNETTE (seeing him to the door)
No reason to fear, Daddy...
MARSHAL
Fear? I fear nothing. A Marshal has his... mission. (Exits.)
(Silence except for the march coming in from outside.)
YOUNG BARON
Now you can cry, darling. Now you can cry.
ANNETTE
Maybe he does have a mission, darling. Maybe he is somehow immune.
YOUNG BARON
Immune? I've yet to see such an advanced case. For the love of God, how
could he have failed to notice it until now?
ANNETTE
He... he's had no time to think about himself.. He was so sure he was
right... (Sobs, leaning on the fireplace.)
YOUNG BARON
I'm reporting for duty today, Annette.
ANNETTE
But... but Father needs you here...
YOUNG BARON
Our family has a silly tradition: we do our duty.
ANNETTE
But Daddy says it will be over in a few days!
YOUNG BARON
Maybe. But just in case... You'll be on your own, you know. It will take
a lot of courage.
ANNETTE
I'll be brave.