e man. He does not
foresee anything--I see only the logic of things which is favorable
to me, and I shall not be stupid enough to place any obstacles to my
happiness.

Anton.--I am sure you will help it along in case of need.

Doctor.--Well, I am a physician. It is my duty to assist nature.

Anton.--The programme is ready. I know you. I only wish to ask you how
you know what you say is so. Maybe it is only a story.

Doctor.--I can have verification of it through the princess's
ex-governess.

Anton.--You must know as soon as possible.

Doctor.--Mrs. Czeska will be here in a moment. I asked her to come
here.

Anton.--Then I am going. Do you know what? Do not help nature too
much, because it would be--

SCENE IV.

The same. Mrs. Czeska.

Czeska (entering).--You wished to speak to me?

Doctor.--Yes, madam.

Anton (bows to Mrs. Czeska, then speaks to Jozwowicz).--I am going to
get the money and I will be back in a moment.

Doctor.--Very well. (Anton goes out.)

Czeska.--Who is that gentleman?

Doctor.--A pilot.

Czeska.--What do you mean?

Doctor.--He guides the boat in which I am sailing. As for the rest, he
is a horribly honest man.

Czeska.--I do not understand very well. What did you wish to speak to
me about?

Doctor.--About the princess. You are both like mother and daughter,
and you should have her entire confidence. What is the matter with
her? She conceals something--some sorrow. As a doctor I must know
everything, because in order to cure physical disease one must know
the moral cause. (Aside) The spirit of Aesculapius forgive me this
phrase.

Czeska.--My good sir, what are you asking about?

Doctor.--I have told you that the princess conceals some sorrow.

Czeska.--I do not know.

Doctor.--We both love her; let us then speak frankly.

Czeska.--I am willing.

Doctor.--Then, does she love her fiance?

Czeska.--How can you ask me such a question? If she did not, she would
not be betrothed to him. It is such a simple thing that even I do not
talk to her about it any more.

Doctor.--You say: "I do not talk about it any more"; so you have
already talked about it.

Czeska.--Yes. She told me that she was afraid she did not love him
enough. But every pure soul fears that it does not fulfil its duty.
Why did you ask me that?

Doctor (saluting her).--I have my reasons. I wished to know. (Aside) I
am wasting my time with her.

SCENE V.

The same. Jan Miliszewski.

Jan.--