Stella.--Who is killed?
Countess.--Stella, my dearest, Drahomir has killed Pretwic.
Stella.--Killed! O G.o.d!
Doctor.--Princess, it is not true.
Stella.--Killed! (She staggers and falls.)
Doctor.--She has fainted. Let us carry her to her chamber.
Prince.--My child!
Czeska.--Stelunia! (The prince and Jozwowicz carry Stella. The countess and Czeska follow them.)
Jan (alone).--It is dreadful. Who could have expected that mamma would return! (The countess appears in the door.) Mamma, how is the princess?
Countess.--The doctor is trying to bring her to her senses. Until now he has not succeeded. Jan, let us be going.
Jan (in despair).--I shall not go. Why did you return from the city?
Countess.--For you. To-day is election day--have you forgotten it?
Jan.--I do not wish to be a member of parliament. Why did you tell her that Pretwic was killed?
SCENE IX.
The same. Jozwowicz.
Countess and Jan together.--What news?
Doctor.--Everything is over. (The bell is heard tolling in the chapel of the chateau.)
Jan (frightened).--What, the bell of the chapel? Then she is dead!
(Jozwowicz comes to the front of the stage and sits down.)
SCENE X.
The same. Podczaski.
Podczaski (rushing in suddenly).--Victory! Victory! The deputation is here. (Voices behind the stage) Hurrah! Hurrah! for victory!
Jozwowicz.--I have lost!
FINISH.