The same Drawing Room.

SCENE I.

Jozwowicz. Drahomir.

(Jozwowicz sits at table writing in notebook. Drahomir enters.)

Drahomir.—Doctor, I came to bid you farewell.

Doctor (rising suddenly).—Ah, you are going away?

Drahomir.—Yes.

Doctor.—So suddenly? For long?

Drahomir.—I am returning to-day to Swietlenice, to George; to-morrow
I leave for Paris.

Doctor.—One word—have you said anything to any one of your plans?

Drahomir.—Not yet. I only made up my mind an hour ago.

Doctor.—Then Mr. Pretwic knows nothing about it as yet?

Drahomir.—No; but why do you ask?

Doctor (aside).—I must act now—otherwise everything is lost. (Aloud) Count, I have not much time to speak to you now, because in a moment I expect Anton in regard to a matter on which my whole future depends. Listen to me. I beseech you, for the sake of the peace and health of the princess, not to mention to any one that you are going away. Neither to the Prince nor to Mr. Pretwic.

Drahomir.—I do not understand you.

Doctor.—You will understand me. Now I cannot tell you anything more. In a half hour pray grant me a moment of conversation. Then you will understand me—that I guarantee you. Here is Anton. You see I cannot explain now.

Drahomir.—I will see you again. (He goes out.)

SCENE II.

Anton. Jozwowicz.

Anton.—The fight is very hot. Have you the address?

Doctor.—Here it is. How goes it?

Anton.—Up to now everything is well, but I repeat—the fight is very hot. If you had not come the last time, you would have lost the battle, because Miliszewski has withdrawn and his partisans vote for Husarski. Podczaski is good for nothing. Your speech in the city hall was splendid. May thunder strike you! Your address was admired even by your enemies. Oh, we will at last be able to do something. For three days I have not slept—I have not eaten—I work and I have plenty of time, because I have lost my position.

Doctor.—You have lost your position?

Anton.—On account of the agitation against Husarski.

Doctor.—Have you found any means against him?

Anton.—I have-written an article. I have brought it to you. Read it. He sues me—he will beat me. They will put me in prison, but it will be only after the election, and my article wronged him very much.

Doctor.—Very well.

Anton.—But when I am in prison you must take care of my wife and children. I love them dearly. I have three of them. It is too much—but natura lex dura.

Doctor.—Be assured.

Anton.—You would not believe me if I were to tell you that I am almost happy. Sometimes it seems to me that our country is a moldy room and that I open the window and let in the fresh air. We will work very hard. I believe in you, because you are an iron man.

Doctor.—I shall either perish or gain two victories.

Anton.—Two?

Doctor.—Yes; the other one even to-day, here. The events have surprised me in some way. The facts turned against me, and I was obliged to build my plans of action only a short while ago.

Anton.—Eh! If we win only there. Do you know what—I would prefer that you abandon the idea of the other victory.

Doctor.—Anton, you are mistaken.

Anton.—Because you worry a great deal. You have grown awfully thin.
Look in the mirror.

Doctor.—No matter; after I have sprung the mine I shall be calmer and the mine is ready.

Anton.—But it will cost you too much.

Doctor.—Yes, but I shall not retract.

Anton.—At least be careful and do not smear your hands with the powder.

SCENE III.

The same. Stella.

Stella (entering, notices Anton).—Ah, excuse me.

Doctor.—Mr. Anton Zuk, a friend of mine. (Anton bows.) What is your wish, princess?

Stella.—You told me to stay in bed and it is so hard to lie down.
Mrs. Czeska went to the chapel and I escaped. Do you approve?

Doctor.—I cannot help it, princess, although I would like to scold you like a disobedient child. A few moments ago some one else begged for you also.

Stella.—Who was it?

Doctor.—Count Drahomir. And he begged so earnestly that I promised him that I would allow you to leave the bed. He wishes to have a talk with you to-day, because he will not be able to see you again.

Stella (aside).—What does it mean?

Doctor.—He will be here at five o'clock.

Stella.—Very well.

Doctor.—And now, pray, return to your room. Your dress is too thin and you might catch cold.

SCENE IV.

Jozwowicz. Anton.

Anton.—Ah, that is the princess.

Doctor.—Yes, it is she.

Anton.—Very pretty, but looks as though she was made of mist. As for me, I prefer women like my wife. From such as your princess you cannot expect sturdy democrats.

Doctor.—Enough of that.

Anton.—Then I will weigh anchor and sail. I will distribute the pamphlet with your address, and then I will write another article against Husarski. If they put me in prison they shall at least have a reason for it. Good-bye.

Doctor.—If you meet a servant, tell him that I am waiting for Count
Drahomir.

SCENE V.

Jozwowicz—then Drahomir.

Doctor (alone).—Let that golden-haired page go, but he must see her before he goes. This leave-taking shall be the red flag for the bull. (Drahomir enters.) I am waiting for you, sir. Is Mr. Pretwic in the chÂteau?

Drahomir.—He is with the prince.

Doctor.—Count, be seated, and let us talk.

Drahomir (uneasily).—I am listening, sir.

Doctor.—You are in love with the princess.

Drahomir.—Mr. Jozwowicz!

Doctor.—On your honor—yes or no?

Drahomir.—Only God has the right to ask me such a question. I do not dare to ask myself.

Doctor.—And your conscience?

Drahomir.—And no one else.

Doctor.—Then let us turn the question. She loves you.

Drahomir.—Be silent, sir. Oh, God!

Doctor.—Your pride is broken. You knew of it?

Drahomir.—I did not wish to know it.

Doctor.—But now you are aware of it.

Drahomir.—That is the reason why I am going away from here forever.

Doctor.—It is too late, sir. You have tangled her life and now you leave her.

Drahomir.—For God's sake, what shall I do, then?

Doctor.—Go away, but not forever, and not without telling her good-bye.

Drahomir.—Why should I add the last drop to an already overflowing cup?

Doctor.—A beautiful phrase. Can you not understand that it will hurt her good name if you should go away suddenly without taking leave of her? And she—she is ill and she may not be able to bear your departure.

Drahomir.—I do not see any remedy—

Doctor.—There is only one. Find some pretext, bid her good-bye quietly, and tell her that you will be back. Otherwise it will be a heavy blow for her strength. You must leave her hope. She must not suspect anything. Perhaps later she will become accustomed to your absence—perhaps she will forget—

Drahomir.—It will be better for her to forget.

Doctor.—I will do my best, but I shall first throw a handful of earth on your memory.

Drahomir.—What shall I do, then?

Doctor.—To find a pretext to bid her good-bye, tell every one that you are going. Then come back—and go away. Mr. Pretwic also must not know anything.

Drahomir.—When shall I bid her good-bye?

Doctor.—In a moment. I told her. I will manage to be with Pretwic during that time. She will be here presently.

Drahomir.—I would prefer to die.

Doctor.—No one is certain of to-morrow. Be off now. (Drahomir goes out.)

SCENE VI.

Jozwowicz. Then a servant.

Doctor.—How warm it is here! My head is splitting. (He rings—a servant enters.) Ask Mr. Pretwic to come here. (The servant goes out.) My head is bursting—but then I will have a long peace.