-Yes, Mr. Jozwowicz! _Noblesse oblige!_ Do you understand,
your Excellency, Mr. Jozwowicz?

Doctor.--I understand, Your Highness.

Prince (giving his arm to Mrs. Czeska).--And now let us take some tea.
(George takes leave and goes out.)

Doctor.--I must also be going. I am tired and I have some letters to
write.

Prince.--Upon my honor, one might think that he was already a
minister. But come to see us--I cannot sleep without you.

Doctor.--I will be at the service of Your Highness.

Prince (muttering).--As soon as this Robespierre arrived, I
immediately felt better.

Stella.--Doctor, wait a moment. I do not take any tea. I will only put
papa in his place, and then I will be back immediately. I must have a
talk with you.

SCENE VII.

Jozwowicz alone--then Stella.

Doctor.--What are these people doing here, and what does she wish to
tell me? Is it possible--But no, it is impossible. I am uneasy, but in
a moment everything will be cleared up. What an ass I am! She simply
wishes to talk to me about the prince's health. It is this moonlight
that makes me so dreamy--I ought to have a guitar.

Stella (entering).--Mr. Jozwowicz?

Doctor.--I am here, princess.

Stella.--I did my best not to make you wait too long. Let us be seated
and have a talk, as formerly, when I was small and not well and you
took care of my health. I remember sometimes I used to fall asleep,
and you carried me in your arms to my room.

Doctor.--The darling of every one in the house was very weak then.

Stella.--And to-day, if she is well, it is thanks to you. If she has
any knowledge, it is also thanks to you. I am a plant of which you
have taken good care.

Doctor.--And my greatest pride. There were few calm, genial moments in
my life--and peace I found only in that house.

Stella.--You were always good, and for that reason I look upon you as
an older brother.

Doctor.--Your words form the only smile in my life. I not only respect
you, but I also love you dearly--like a sister, like my own child.

Stella.--Thank you. I have not the same confidence in any one else's
judgment and honesty as I have in yours, so I wished to speak to you
about an important matter. I hope even that what I am going to tell
you will please you as much as it pleases me. Is it true that you are
going to become a member of parliament?

Doctor (with uneasiness).--No, it is only probable. But speak of what
concerns you.

Stella.--Well, then--ah, Lord!