Mme. Jadwiga, both our lives are tangled. When I was most
unhappy, when everything abandoned me, there remained with me the love
of an idea--love of the country.

Jadwiga (thoughtfully).--The love of an idea--country. There is
something great in that. You, by each of your pictures, increase the
glory of the country and make famous its name, but I--what can I do?

Leon.--The one who lives simply, suffers and quietly fulfils his
duties--he also serves his country.

Jadwiga.--What duties? Give them to me. For every-day life one great,
ideal love is not enough for me. I am a woman! I must cling to
something--twine about something like the ivy--otherwise truly, sir, I
should fall to the ground and be trampled upon (with an outburst). If
I could only respect him!

Leon.--But, madam, you should remember to whom you are speaking of
such matters. I have no right to know of your family affairs.

Jadwiga.--No. You have not the right, nor are you obliged nor willing.
Only friendly hearts know affliction--only those who suffer can
sympathize. You--looking into the stars--you pass human misery and do
not turn your head even when that misery shouts to you. It is your
fault.

Leon.--My fault!

Jadwiga.--Do not frown, and do not close your mouth (beseechingly). I
do not reproach you for anything. I have forgiven you long ago,
and now I, the giddy woman whom the world always sees merry and
laughing--I am really so miserable that I have even no strength left
for hatred.

Leon.--Madam! Enough! I have listened to your story--do not make me
tell you mine. If you should hear it a still heavier burden would fall
on your shoulders.

Jadwiga.--No, no. We could be happy and we are not. It is the fault
of both. How dreadful to think that we separated on account of almost
nothing--on account of one thoughtless word--and we separated forever
(she covers her face with her hands), without hope.

Leon.--That word was nothing for you, but I remember it still with
brain and heart. I was not then what I am to-day. I was poor, unknown,
and you were my whole future, my aim, my riches.

Jadwiga.--Oh, Mr. Leon, Mr. Leon, what a golden dream it was!

Leon.--But I was proud because I knew that there was in me the divine
spark. I loved you dearly, I trusted you--and nothing disturbed the
security around me. Suddenly one evening Mr. Karlowiecki appeared, and
already the second evening you told me that you gave more than you
received.

Jadwiga.--