So Runs the World Part 18

SCENE VII.

The same. Drahomir

Drahomir.--Princess.

Stella.--Ah!

Drahomir.--What! Have I frightened you? I came to tell you that the boats are waiting. What is the matter with you?

Stella.--Nothing. Let us be going.

(Drahomir offers his arm--they go out.)

SCENE VIII.

Doctor (alone--looking after them).--Oh! I--under--stand!

END OF ACT II.

ACT III.

The same Drawing-room.

SCENE I.

(Mr. Podczaski enters, followed by a servant.)

Podczaski.--Tell the Doctor that Mr. Podczaski wishes to see him on an important matter.

Servant.--The Doctor is very busy. The princess is ill. But I will tell him (goes out).

Podczaski (alone).--I have enough of this work for nothing. The countess sends me about to agitate for her, but when I ask her for some money, she answers: We shall see about it after the election. She is an aristocrat and she refuses a hundred florins to a n.o.bleman. To the deuce with such business. I had better try elsewhere, to serve the Doctor. He pays because he has common sense. And as he will bite them, then I will rise in consideration.

SCENE II.

Podczaski. Jozwowicz.

Podczaski.--Your servant, sir.

Doctor.--What can I do for you?

Podczaski.--Well, sir, I am going to come right to the point. You know what services I have rendered the Countess Miliszewski?

Doctor.--Yes, you have been agitating against me in favor of Count Miliszewski. Podczaski.--No, not at all, sir. Well, sir, it was so, but I am going to change that, and you may be certain--

Doctor.--In a word, what do you wish, sir?

Podczaski.--G.o.d sees, sir, that I served the countess faithfully, and it cost me quite a little, but on consulting my conscience I have concluded not to act any more against such a man as you, sir, for the sake of the country.

Doctor.--I appreciate your sentiments, which are those of a good citizen. You do not wish to act against me any longer?

Podczaski.--No, sir!

Doctor.--You are right. Then you are with me?

Podczaski.--If I may offer my services--

Doctor.--I accept.

Podczaski (aside).--He is a man--I have a hundred florins in my pocket already. (Aloud) My grat.i.tude--

Doctor.--Mine will be shown after the election.

Podczaski.--Oh!

SCENE III.

The same. Jan Miliszewski--then Anton.

Jan.--Good-morning, doctor. Is my mother here?

Doctor.--The countess is not here.

Jan.--We came together, but mamma went directly to the prince's apartment. I remained alone and I cannot find my way to the prince's apartment. (Seeing Podczaski, who bows to him) Ah! Mr. Podczaski, what are you doing here?

Podczaski.--Your servant, sir. Well, I came to consult the doctor--I have rheumatism in my feet.

Jan.--Doctor, will you be kind enough to show me to the Prince's apartment?

Doctor.--They are in the left wing of the chateau.

Jan.--Thank you. But later I would like to have a talk with you.