is certain.

Prince.--Yes. I do not like him, and I am afraid of him and I am fond
of him, but I tell you I could not live without him.

Drahomir.--He is an honest man, too.

Prince.--Honest? Very well, then, but you are better because you are
not a democrat. Drahomir, I love you. Stella, I love him--Ah! She is
not here.

Drahomir.--Thank you, prince.

Prince.--If I had another daughter, I would--well--

Drahomir.--Prince, pray do not speak that way. (Aside) I must run
away.

Prince.--Come, have a cigar with me. We will call the others and have
a talk. Jozwowicz! Pretwic!

Doctor (entering).--What are your orders, Your Highness?

Prince.--You, Robespierre, come and have a cigar. Thank you, my boy.
You have rid me of the countess.

Doctor.--I will send for Pretwic, and we will join you. (He rings the
bell. A servant comes in--the prince and Drahomir go out.) Ask Mr.
Pretwic to come here. (The servant goes out.)

Doctor (alone).--Anton was right. I am helping along the logic. But
I do not like the sap--because I am accustomed to break. (Pretwic
enters.)

SCENE XII.

Pretwic. Jozwowicz.

George.--I was looking for you.

Doctor.--The prince has invited us to smoke a cigar with him.

George.--Wait a moment. For God's sake tell me what it means. Stella
changes while looking at her--there is something heavy in the air.
What does it mean?

Doctor.--That melancholy is the mode now.

George.--You are joking with me.

Doctor.--I know nothing.

George.--Excuse me. The blood rushes to my head. I see some
catastrophe hanging over me. I thought you would say something to
pacify me. I thought you were my friend.

Doctor.--Do you doubt it?

George.--Shake hands first. Then give me some advice.

Doctor.--Advice? Are you ill?

George (with an effort).--Truly, you play with me as a cat with a
mouse.

Doctor.--Because I know nothing of presentiments.

George.--Did you not tell me that she is not ill?

Doctor.--No, she is wearied.

George.--You speak about it in a strange way and you have no
conception of the pain that your words cause me.

Doctor.--Then try to distract her.

George.--What? Who?

Doctor.--Who? Count Drahomir, for instance.

George.--Is she fond of him?

Doctor.--And he of her also. Such poetical souls are always fond of
each other.

George.--What do you mean by that?

Doctor (sharply).--And you--how do you take my words?

George (rises.)--Not another word. You understa