e happiness of others. I suffer also--but I must--I
must. Madam, listen to me. If in your heart there is even the shadow
of a doubt, you have mistaken your sentiments.

Stella.--Is it possible to make such a mistake?

Doctor.--Yes. Sometimes--often one mistakes sympathy, pity,
commiseration for love.

Stella.--What a dreadful mistake!

Doctor.--Which one recognizes as soon as the heart flies in another
direction. The dignity of a fiance is a hidden pain. If I am mistaken,
pray forgive me.

Stella.--Doctor, I do not wish to think of such things.

Doctor.--Then I am not mistaken. Do not look on me with fear. I wish
to save you, my dear child. Where is your heart? The moment that you
recognize you do not love Mr. Pretwic, that moment will tell you whom
you do love. No, I shall not withdraw my question. Where is your
heart? By God, if he is not equal to you, he shall rise to your
height! But no, I have become a madman.

Stella.--I must be going.

Doctor (barring the way).--No, you shall not go until you have given
me an answer. Whom do you love?

Stella.--Doctor, spare me--otherwise I shall doubt everything. Have
pity on me.

Doctor (brutally)--Whom do you love?

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 nobleman. 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?