So Runs the World Part 21

Doctor.--And it will be so much the easier done because the princess is betrothed.

Jan.--I did not know that any one dared to compete with me.

Doctor (aside).--What an idea! (Aloud) It is Mr. George Pretwic.

Jan.--Then they wished to make sport of me.

Doctor.--Mr. Pretwic is an audacious man. You were perfectly right when you said the question was a delicate one. The people are afraid of Mr. Pretwic; if you were to give up, people would say that--

Jan.--That I am also afraid? Then I will not give up. My dear sir, I see you do not know the Miliszewskis. We do not know how to handle the women, but there is not a coward in our family. I know that people laugh at me, but the one who would dare to call me a coward would not laugh. I will show them at once that I am not a coward. Where is Mr.

Pretwic?

Doctor.--He is in the garden (pointing through the window). Do you see him there, near the lake?

Jan.--Good-bye.

SCENE VI.

Jozwowicz alone--then Anton.

Doctor.--The men who have not such sons are great! Ha! ha! ha!

Anton (rushing in).--You are here? Here are your receipts for the money. Why are you laughing?

Doctor.--Miliszewski has gone to challenge Pretwic.

Anton.--Are they crazy?

Doctor.--What an opinion she would have of Pretwic if he were to quarrel with such an idiot!

Anton.--You have done it.

Doctor.--I told you that I shall a.s.sist nature.

Anton.--Do as you please; I withdraw.

Doctor.--Good-bye. Or no, I am going also. I must prevent the adventure from going too far.

Anton.--I wanted to tell you that I must buy some food for my children. I will return the money--later on. Is it all right?

Doctor.--How can you ask? (Goes out.)

SCENE VII.

Stella and Drahomir. (They enter from the garden.)

Stella.--That walk tired me. See how weak I am (sits down). Where is Mr. Pretwic?

Drahomir.--Young Miliszewski asked to speak to him a moment. The countess is speaking to the prince. It seems that their conversation is very animated because the countess did not know that you were betrothed, and she had some designs on you. But pray excuse me; I laugh and you suffer by it.

Stella.--I would laugh too if I did not know how much it troubles my father. And then, I pity Count Miliszewski.

Drahomir.--I understand how a similar situation would be painful to a man who was in love, but such is not the case with the count. He will console himself if his mother orders it.

Stella.--Sometimes one may be mistaken about people.

Drahomir.--Do you speak about me or Miliszewski?

Stella.--Let us say it is about you. They told me that you were a mirror of all perfections.

Drahomir.--And have you discovered that I am the personification of all faults?

Stella.--I did not say so.

Drahomir.--But you think so. But I am not deceived. Your portrait drawn by Mr. Pretwic and the Doctor is exactly like you.

Stella.--How was the portrait?

Drahomir.--With wings at the shoulders.

Stella.--That means that I have as much dignity as a b.u.t.terfly.

Drahomir.--Angels' wings are in harmony with their dignity.

Stella.--True friendship should speak the truth. Tell me some bitter one.

Drahomir.--Very bitter?

Stella.--As wormwood--or as is sometimes the case--with life.

Drahomir.--Then you are kind to me.

Stella.--For what sin shall I begin penitence?

Drahomir.--For lack of friendship for me.

Stella.--I was the first to appeal for friendship--in what respect am I untrue to it?

Drahomir.--Because you share with me your joys, sports, laughter, but when a moment of sorrow comes, you keep those thorns for yourself.

Pray share with me your troubles also.

Stella.--It is not egotism on my part. I do not wish to disturb your serenity.

Drahomir.--The source of my serenity does not lie in egotism either.