SCENE VII.
The same. Drahomir
Drahomir.--Princess.
Stella.--Ah!
Drahomir.--What! Have I frightened you? I came to tell you that the boats are waiting. What is the matter with you?
Stella.--Nothing. Let us be going.
(Drahomir offers his arm--they go out.)
SCENE VIII.
Doctor (alone--looking after them).--Oh! I--under--stand!
END OF ACT II.
ACT III.
The same Drawing-room.
SCENE I.
(Mr. Podczaski enters, followed by a servant.)
Podczaski.--Tell the Doctor that Mr. Podczaski wishes to see him on an important matter.
Servant.--The Doctor is very busy. The princess is ill. But I will tell him (goes out).
Podczaski (alone).--I have enough of this work for nothing. The countess sends me about to agitate for her, but when I ask her for some money, she answers: We shall see about it after the election. She is an aristocrat and she refuses a hundred florins to a n.o.bleman. To the deuce with such business. I had better try elsewhere, to serve the Doctor. He pays because he has common sense. And as he will bite them, then I will rise in consideration.
SCENE II.
Podczaski. Jozwowicz.
Podczaski.--Your servant, sir.
Doctor.--What can I do for you?
Podczaski.--Well, sir, I am going to come right to the point. You know what services I have rendered the Countess Miliszewski?
Doctor.--Yes, you have been agitating against me in favor of Count Miliszewski. Podczaski.--No, not at all, sir. Well, sir, it was so, but I am going to change that, and you may be certain--
Doctor.--In a word, what do you wish, sir?
Podczaski.--G.o.d sees, sir, that I served the countess faithfully, and it cost me quite a little, but on consulting my conscience I have concluded not to act any more against such a man as you, sir, for the sake of the country.
Doctor.--I appreciate your sentiments, which are those of a good citizen. You do not wish to act against me any longer?
Podczaski.--No, sir!
Doctor.--You are right. Then you are with me?
Podczaski.--If I may offer my services--
Doctor.--I accept.
Podczaski (aside).--He is a man--I have a hundred florins in my pocket already. (Aloud) My grat.i.tude--
Doctor.--Mine will be shown after the election.
Podczaski.--Oh!
SCENE III.
The same. Jan Miliszewski--then Anton.
Jan.--Good-morning, doctor. Is my mother here?
Doctor.--The countess is not here.
Jan.--We came together, but mamma went directly to the prince"s apartment. I remained alone and I cannot find my way to the prince"s apartment. (Seeing Podczaski, who bows to him) Ah! Mr. Podczaski, what are you doing here?
Podczaski.--Your servant, sir. Well, I came to consult the doctor--I have rheumatism in my feet.
Jan.--Doctor, will you be kind enough to show me to the Prince"s apartment?
Doctor.--They are in the left wing of the chateau.
Jan.--Thank you. But later I would like to have a talk with you.