Doctor.--But I have found it. You are asking me why I did not fall in
love with her?

Drahomir.--I hesitated to pronounce the too bold word.

Doctor.--Truly, if you, count, are lacking in boldness, I am going to
help you out, and I ask you: And you, sir?

Drahomir.--Doctor, be careful.

Doctor.--I hear some lyrical tone.

Drahomir.--Let us finish this conversation.

Doctor.--As you say, although I can speak quietly, and in order to
change the conversation, I prefer to ask you: Do you think she will be
happy with Mr. Pretwic?

Drahomir.--What a question! George loves her dearly.

Doctor.--I do not doubt it, but their natures are so different. Her
thoughts and sentiments are as delicate as cobweb--and George? Have
you noticed how hurt she was that he accepted the challenge?

Drahomir.--Why did you tell her about it?

Doctor.--I was wrong. Therefore George--

Drahomir.--Will be happy with her.

Doctor.--Any one would be happy with her, and to every one one might
give the advice to search for some one like her. Yes, count, search
for some one like her (he goes out).

Drahomir (alone).--Search for some one like her--and if there is some
one like, her--too late (he sits down and covers his face with his
hand).

SCENE X.

Stella. Drahomir.

Stella (seeing Drahomir, looks at him for a while).--What is the
matter with you?

Drahomir.--You here? (A moment of silence.)

Stella (confused).--I am searching for papa. Excuse me, sir, I must
go.

Drahomir (softly)--Go, madam. (She goes out. At the door she stops,
hesitates for a while and then disappears.) I must get away from here
as soon as possible.

SCENE XI.

Drahomir. Prince. Finally Jozwowicz.

Prince (rushing in).--She has tormented me until now. Good gracious!
Ah, it is you, Drahomir.

Drahomir.--Yes, prince. Who tormented you?

Prince.--The Countess Miliszewski. My dear boy, how can he be a member
of parliament when he is so densely stupid!

Drahomir.--It is true.

Prince.--Don't you see! And then she proposed to marry him to Stella.
The idea! She is already betrothed. But of course they did not know.

Drahomir.--How did you get rid of her?

Prince.--The doctor helped me out. Jozwowicz is a smart man--he has
more intelligence than all of us together.

Drahomir.--It is true.

Prince.--But you, Drahomir, you are smart also, are you not?

Drahomir.--How can I either affirm or deny? But Jozwowicz is very
intelligent, that much