Perhaps
he is innocent, but pride will shut his mouth and everything will be
lost. Stay here--you can leave only over my corpse. I am not afraid of
you!--do you understand? In a moment they will be here. You wish for
proofs--you shall have them. From the piazza you cannot hear them, but
you can see them. You shall be persuaded with your own eyes--perhaps
you will regret your impetuosity.

George (after a while).--Very well, then. May God grant that I was
mistaken! Thank you--but you must not leave me now.

Doctor.--One word more. No matter what happens I shall consider you a
villain if you place her life in peril by any outburst.

George.--Granted. Where shall we go?

Doctor.--On the piazza. But you have fever--you are already shaking.

George.--I am out of breath. Some one is coming. Let us be going.

SCENE VIII.

Drahomir. Then Stella.

Drahomir.--The last evening and the last time. (After a while.) O
Lord, thy will be done!

Stella (enters).--The Doctor told me that you wished to see me.

Drahomir.--Yes, madam. Pray forgive my boldness. A very important
affair calls me home. I come to bid you good-bye.

Stella.--You are going away?

Drahomir.--To day I am going to Swietlenice, to-morrow still further.
(A moment of silence.)

Stella.--Yes, it is necessary.

Drahomir.--Life has flown like a dream--it is time to wake up.

Stella.--Shall we see each other again?

Drahomir.--If God permits it.

Stella.--Then let us shake hands in farewell. I can assure you that
you have a friend in me. Friendship is like an immortal--it is a pale
flower, but does not wither. May God guide you and protect you. The
heart--of a sister--will follow you everywhere. Remember--

Drahomir.--Farewell.

Stella.--Farewell. (She goes toward the door. Then suddenly turns.
With a sob in her voice.) Why do you deceive me? You are going
forever.

Drahomir.--Have mercy on me.

Stella.--Are you going away forever?

Drahomir.--Yes, then.

Stella.--I guessed it. But perhaps it is better--for both of us.

Drahomir.--Oh, yes. There are things which cannot be expressed,
although the heart is bursting. A while ago you told me that you will
remember--it will be better for you to forget.

Stella.--I cannot. (She weeps.)

Drahomir (passionately).--Then I love you, my dearest, and that is the
reason why I escape. (He presses her to his breast.)

Stella (awakening).--Oh, God! (She rushes, out.)

SCENE IX.

Drahomir. Jozw