The original version of The Two Widows, with its spoken dialogue, was later expanded and given additional arias for performance in Prague in 1878. The overture and the second act Polka have provided an occasional concert item from a work that remains thoroughly Czech, in spite of its remoter French provenance.

The two widows of the title, the lady of the manor Karolina and her cousin Anezÿka are compelled into an encounter with Ladislav, who gains entry to the house through appearing as a poacher and finally being apprehended by the comic gamekeeper Mumlal. Anežka is attracted to the very eligible Ladislav, but is resolved to remain loyal to her husband's memory, until provoked by the deliberate flirtation of her sister, designed to make her change her mind, which she finally does.