ou.

Stella.--How was the portrait?

Drahomir.--With wings at the shoulders.

Stella.--That means that I have as much dignity as a butterfly.

Drahomir.--Angels' wings are in harmony with their dignity.

Stella.--True friendship should speak the truth. Tell me some bitter
one.

Drahomir.--Very bitter?

Stella.--As wormwood--or as is sometimes the case--with life.

Drahomir.--Then you are kind to me.

Stella.--For what sin shall I begin penitence?

Drahomir.--For lack of friendship for me.

Stella.--I was the first to appeal for friendship--in what respect am
I untrue to it?

Drahomir.--Because you share with me your joys, sports, laughter, but
when a moment of sorrow comes, you keep those thorns for yourself.
Pray share with me your troubles also.

Stella.--It is not egotism on my part. I do not wish to disturb your
serenity.

Drahomir.--The source of my serenity does not lie in egotism either.
George told me of you when I came here: "I know only how to look at
her and how to pray to her; you are younger and more mirthful, try to
amuse her." Therefore I brought all my good spirits and laid them at
your feet. But I notice that I have bored you. I see a cloud on your
face--I suspect some hidden sorrow, and being your best friend, I am
ready to give my life to dispel that cloud.

Stella (softly).--You must not talk that way.

Drahomir (clasping his hands).--Let me talk. I was a giddy boy, but I
always followed my heart, and my heart guessed your sorrow. Since that
moment a shadow fell across my joy, but I overcame it. One cannot
recall a tear which has rolled down the cheek, but a friendly hand can
dry it. Therefore I overcame that cloud in order that the tears should
not come to your eyes. If I have been mistaken, if I have chosen the
wrong path, pray forgive me. Your life will be as beautiful as a
bouquet of flowers, therefore be mirthful--be mirthful.

Stella (with emotion, giving him her hand).--I shall be; being near
you, I am capricious, spoiled, and a little bit ill. Sometimes I do
not know myself what is the matter with me, and what I wish. I am
happy; truly I am happy.

Drahomir.--Then, no matter, as Mrs. Czeska says. Let us be merry,
laugh, and run in the garden and play pranks with the countess and her
son.

Stella.--I have discovered the source of your mirth; it is a good
heart.

Drahomir.--No, madam. I am a great good-for-nothing. But the source of
true happiness is not in this.