So Runs the World Part 17

Doctor.--It is my future.

Prince.--And in the mean time I am vexed by every one on that account.

When I was young I was in many battles and I did not fear. I can show my decorations. I was not afraid of death on the battlefield, but those Latin illnesses of yours--Why do you look at me in that way?

Doctor.--I am looking as usual. As for your illness, I will say that it is more the imagination of Your Highness than anything else. The const.i.tution is strong, and with my a.s.sistance Your Highness will live to the age of Methusaleh.

Prince.--Are you sure of it?

Doctor.--Positive.

Prince.--Good boy! And you will not leave me?

Doctor.--Your Highness may be a.s.sured of that.

Prince.--Then you may become a member of parliament or whatever you please. Stella! Oh, she is not here! Upon my honor, that Miliszewski is an a.s.s. Don't you think so?

Doctor.--I cannot contradict Your Highness.

SCENE V.

The same. Stella and Mrs. Czeska.

Stella.--I came because I was afraid you would quarrel. Well, what is the end of the discussion?

Prince.--Well, that good-for-nothing man will do what he pleases.

Doctor.--The fact is that the prince has approved of my plans and has granted me permission to try my luck at the election.

Mrs. Czeska.--We had better all go to the garden. Mr. Pretwic and Count Drahomir are waiting--we are going for a sail on the lake.

Prince.--Then let us be going (they go out). You see, madam, that Miliszewska!

SCENE VI.

Jozwowicz, Stella. Then Drahomir.

Stella.--How is my father's health?

Doctor.--All that can be expected. But you are pale, princess.

Stella.--Oh, I am well.

Doctor.--It is the consequence of the betrothal.

Stella.--It must be.

Doctor.--But health requires one to be merry--to enjoy life.

Stella.--I do not wish for any other distraction.

Doctor.--If not distraction, at least enjoyment. We here are too grave for you. Perhaps we cannot understand you.

Stella.--You are all too good.

Doctor.--At least solicitous. If you have a moment to spare let us be seated and have a talk. My solicitude must explain my boldness. With the dignity of a fiance, serenity and happiness generally go hand in hand. When the heart is given willingly, all longing ceases and the future is viewed with serenity.

Stella.--My future contains something which might cause even the most valiant to fear.

Doctor.--Of what are you talking? You have called me a sceptic, but it is I who says: who loves, believes.

Stella.--What then?

Doctor.--Who doubts?

Stella.--Doctor.

Doctor.--Princess, I do not inquire. There are moments when the serenity visibly departs from your face, therefore I question you, which is my duty as a physician and a friend. Be calm. Pray, remember that this is asked by a man whom a while ago you called "brother," and who knows how dear to him is the happiness of such a sister! I have no one in this world--all my love of family is centred in your house. My heart has also its sorrows. Pray, quiet my apprehensions--that is all I ask you.

Stella.--What apprehensions?

Doctor.--Apprehensions of which I dare not speak. Since my return I have watched you constantly, and the more I watch you the more do I fear. You fear the future--you do not look into it with confidence and hope.

Stella.--Permit me to go.

Doctor.--No, madam. I have the right to ask, and if you fear to look into the bottom of your heart, then I have the right to say that you lack courage, and for such sinful weakness one pays later with his own happiness and the happiness of others. I suffer also--but I must--I must. Madam, listen to me. If in your heart there is even the shadow of a doubt, you have mistaken your sentiments.

Stella.--Is it possible to make such a mistake?

Doctor.--Yes. Sometimes--often one mistakes sympathy, pity, commiseration for love.

Stella.--What a dreadful mistake!

Doctor.--Which one recognizes as soon as the heart flies in another direction. The dignity of a fiance is a hidden pain. If I am mistaken, pray forgive me.

Stella.--Doctor, I do not wish to think of such things.

Doctor.--Then I am not mistaken. Do not look on me with fear. I wish to save you, my dear child. Where is your heart? The moment that you recognize you do not love Mr. Pretwic, that moment will tell you whom you do love. No, I shall not withdraw my question. Where is your heart? By G.o.d, if he is not equal to you, he shall rise to your height! But no, I have become a madman.

Stella.--I must be going.

Doctor (barring the way).--No, you shall not go until you have given me an answer. Whom do you love?

Stella.--Doctor, spare me--otherwise I shall doubt everything. Have pity on me.

Doctor (brutally)--Whom do you love?