So Runs the World Part 10

Czeska--You have mine also--as for Mr. Pretwic, I have a bone to pick with him.

George--Why, dear madam?

Czeska.--Because you are a bad boy. (To Stella and Drahomir.) You had better go to the Prince, and let us talk for a while.

Stella.--Mother, I see you wish to flirt with Mr. Pretwic.

Czeska.--Be quiet, you giddy thing. May I not compete with you? But you must remember, you Mayflower, that before every autumn there is a spring. Well, be off!

Stella (to Drahomir).--Let us go; Papa is in the garden and I am afraid that he is feeling worse. What a pity it is that the doctor is not here.

SCENE III.

Mrs. Czeska, George, then Stella.

Czeska.--I should scold you, as I have my dear girl, for keeping the secret. But she has already told me everything, so I only say, may G.o.d bless you both.

George (kissing her hand).--Thank you, madam.

Czeska.--I have reared that child. I was ten years with her, so I know what a treasure you take, sir. You have said that your hands are too rough. I have answered her--not too rough, for they are honest. But Stella is a very delicate flower. She must be loved much, and have good care taken of her. But you will be able to do it--will you not?

George.--What can I tell you? As far as it is in human power to make happy that dearest to me girl, so far I wish to a.s.sure her happiness with me.

Czeska.--With all my soul, I say: G.o.d bless you!

George.--The Princess Stella loves you like her own mother, so I will be as frank with you as with a mother. My life has been a very hard one. There was a moment when my life was suspended by one thread--Karol rescued me then, and for that I love him as a brother; and then--

Czeska.--Stella told me. You lived far from here?

George.--I was in the empty steppe, half wild myself, among strangers, therefore very sad and longing for the country. Sometimes there was not a living soul around me.

Czeska.--G.o.d was over the stars.

George.--That is quite different. But a heart thrown on earth must love some one. Therefore, with all this capacity for love, I prayed to G.o.d that he permit me to love some one. He has granted my prayer, and has given her to me. Do you understand me now?

Czeska.--Yes, I do understand you!

George.--How quickly everything has changed. I inherited here an estate and am able to settle--then I met the princess, and now I love her--she is everything in this world to me.

Czeska.--My dear Mr. Pretwic, you are worthy of Stella and she will be happy with you. My dear Stelunia--

Stella (appearing in the doorway leading to the garden. She claps her hands).--What good news! The doctor is coming. He is already in the village. Papa will at once be more quiet and is in better humor.

Czeska.--You must not rush. She is already tired. Where is the prince?

Stella.--In the garden. He wishes you to come here.

George.--We will go.

Stella (steps forward--then stops).--But you must not tell the doctor anything of our affair. I wish to tell him first. I have asked papa also to keep the secret. (They go out.)

SCENE IV.

Jozwowicz (enters through the princ.i.p.al door).--Jan, carry my trunk up-stairs and have the package I left in the antechamber sent at once to Mr. Anton Zuk, the secretary of the county.

Servant (bows).--Very well, doctor.

Jozwowicz (advances).--At last (servant goes out). After three months of absence, how quiet this house is always! In a moment I will greet them as a future member of the parliament. I have thrown six years of hard work, sleepless nights, fame, and learning into the chasm which separates us--and now we shall see! (He goes toward the door leading to the garden.) They are coming--she has not changed at all.

SCENE V.

(Through the door enter Stella, Mrs. Czeska, George, followed by Drahomir, arm and arm with the Prince Starogrodzki.)

Stella.--Here is our doctor! Our dear doctor! How do you do? We were looking for you!

Czeska (bows ceremoniously).--Especially the prince.

Jozwowicz (kissing Stella's hand).--Good evening, princess. I have also been anxious to return. I have come to stay for a longer time--to rest. Ah, the prince! How is Your Highness's health?

Prince (shaking hands).--Dear boy. I am not well. You did well to come. You must see at once what is the matter with me.

Jozwowicz.--But now Your Highness will introduce me to these gentlemen.

Prince.--It is true. Doctor Jozwowicz, the minister of my interior affairs--I said it well, did I not? For you do look after my health.

Count Karol Drahomir.

Drahomir.--Your name is familiar to me, therefore, strictly speaking, I alone ought to introduce myself.

Doctor.--Sir.

Prince (introducing).--Mr. George Pretwic, our neighbor, and--(Stella makes a sign) and--I wish to say--

George.--If I am not mistaken, your schoolmate.

Doctor.--I did not wish to be the first to recollect.

George.--I am glad to see you. It is quite a long time since then, but we were good comrades. Truly, I am very glad, especially after what I have heard here about you.

Drahomir.--You are the good spirit of this house.

Stella.--Oh, yes!

Prince.--Let me tell you my opinion of him.