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 st.u.r.dy 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 chateau?
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 G.o.d 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, G.o.d!
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 G.o.d"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.
SCENE VII.
Jozwowicz. George Pretwic.
George (entering).--What do you wish with me?
Doctor.--I wish to give you good advice about the princess"s health.
George.--How is she?
Doctor.--Better. I allowed her to leave bed because she and Drahomir asked me to.