ned, I think
some bad spirit has mixed with us and entangled everything so that
only death can disentangle it.

Doctor.--A duel is very often ended by a mere wound.

George.--I insulted Drahomir gravely, and such an insult cannot be
wiped out by a wound. Believe me, one of us must die. But I came to
talk with you about something else.

Doctor.--I am listening to you.

George.--Frankly speaking, as I do not know what will become of me,
and whether in an hour I shall be alive or not, I came to have one
more look at her. Because I love her dearly. Perhaps I was too rough
for her--too stupid--but I loved her. May God punish me if I have not
desired her happiness. As you see me here it is true that at this
moment I pity her the most and feel miserable about her future.
Listen: whether I am killed or not, she cannot be mine. Drahomir
cannot marry her, because he could not marry the woman whose fiance he
has killed. Of the three of us you alone will remain near her. Take
care of her--guard her. Into your hands I give her, the only treasure
I ever possessed.

Doctor (quietly).--I shall carry out your wishes.

George.--And now--I may be killed. I wish to die like a Christian. If
ever I have offended you, forgive me. (They shake hands. George goes
out.)

Doctor (alone).--Yes, of the three of us I alone shall remain near
her.

SCENE III.

Jozwowicz. Anton.

Anton (rushing in).--Man, have you become an idiot? When every moment
is valuable, you remain here. The results are uncertain. They have put
up big posters--Husarski's partisans are catching the votes in the
streets. For God's sake come with me. A carriage is waiting for us.

Doctor.--I must remain here. I cannot go under any consideration in
the world. Let be what may.

Anton.--I did not expect such conduct from you. Come and show
yourself, if only for a moment, and the victory is ours. I cannot
speak any more. I am dead tired. Have you become a madman? There--we
have worked for him, and he clings to a petticoat and stays here.

Doctor.--Anton! Even if I should lose there I would not stir one step
from here. I cannot and I will not go.

Anton.--So?

Doctor.--Yes.

Anton.--Do what you please, then. Very well. My congratulations. (He
walks up and down the room; then he puts his hands in his pockets and
stands before Jozwowicz.) What does it mean?

Doctor.--It means that I must remain here. At this moment Drahomir
stands opposite Pretwic with a pistol