Vrba the Clerk

Head forester Maran lives with his wife Bozena in a remote gamekeeper's lodge. He is satisfied with his work and with his marriage. His much younger wife, however, secretly longs for an exciting life. Her longing is fired even more by the young clerk Vrba who is hired to assist Maran. Vrba falls passionately in love with Bo§ena and she responds to his love. One day Vrba is shot by a poacher and Bozena carefully tends him for the period of his sickness. When the two young people are alone, Vrba tries to persuade Bozena to leave with him. Maran learns of Vrba's love from the poachers, but he does not have to do anything about it. Bozena herself decides to reject Vrba's love for she cannot forget that Maran took her for his wife without regard for her poverty. Vrba asks to be transferred and Maran gives him a dagger as a leaving present. He once stabbed someone with it who had seduced his friend's wife. Vrba leaves and once more the gamekeeper's lodge is filled with calm and quiet contented happiness. (jakelijan virallinen teksti)