Stella.--Sometimes I think that there is none in this world.

Drahomir.--We cannot grasp it with our common sense, and will not fly
after that winged vision. Sometimes perhaps it flies near us, but
before we discover it, before we stretch out our hands, it is too
late!

Stella.--What sad words--too late!

SCENE VIII.

The same. Jozwowicz.

Doctor (entering, laughs).--Ha! ha! Do you know what has happened?

Stella.--Is it something amusing?

Doctor.--A dreadful, tragic, but before a ridiculous thing.
Miliszewski wished to challenge Pretwic.

Stella.--For Heaven's sake!

Doctor.--You must laugh with me. If there were anything dreadful I
would not frighten you, princess.

Drahomir.--And what has been the end of it?

Doctor.--I was angry with Mr. Pretwic for taking the matter so
seriously.

Drahomir.--How could he help it?

Doctor.--But it would be shameful for a man like Mr. Pretwic to fight
with such a poor thing.

Stella.--The doctor is right. I do not understand Mr. Pretwic.

Doctor.--Our princess must not be irritated. I have made peace between
them. Mr. Pretwic did not grasp the real situation and his naturally
sanguine disposition carried him away. But now that I have explained
to him, he agrees that it would be too utterly ridiculous.

Drahomir.--And what about Miliszewski?

Doctor.--I have sent him to his mamma. He is a good boy.

Stella.--I shall scold Mr. Pretwic, nevertheless.

Drahomir.--But you must not be too severe.

Stella.--You are laughing, gentlemen. I am sorry that it was necessary
to explain the matter to Mr. Pretwic. I must scold him immediately
(she goes out).

SCENE IX.

Drahomir. Doctor.

Drahomir.--The princess is a true angel.

Doctor.--Yes, there is not a spot in the crystalline purity of her
nature.

Drahomir.--It must be true when even you, a sceptic, speak of her with
such enthusiasm.

Doctor.--I have been here six years. When I came she wore short
dresses. She grew by my side. Six years have their strength--it was
impossible not to become attached to her.

Drahomir.--I believe you. (After a while of silence) Strange, however,
that you self-made people have no hearts.

Doctor.--Why?

Drahomir.--Because--I know what you would say about her social
position, but hearts are equal, so it does not matter. Then how did it
happen that you, being so near the princess, did not--

Doctor (interrupting).--What?

Drahomir.--I cannot find an expression.