The latter's "simplicity of means and effective characterization fulfil perfectly the requirements for radio opera".
[5] Martinů arranged three sections of the opera (the instrumental opening, the song of Popelka, and the finale) into a "Little Suite" for chamber orchestra, including piano.
Without the proper papers, the sentry on her own side denies her request to pass, and Josephine must remain on the bridge.
The schoolmaster then joins the scene, trying to solve a riddle that he heard from Colonel Ladinsky, an officer on his own side: 'a deer is in a field, surrounded by a wall too high and steep to jump or climb.
Colonel Ladinsky appears and tells Josephine her brother is alive; it turns out that she buried another deceased soldier.