So Runs the World Part 22

George told me of you when I came here: "I know only how to look at her and how to pray to her; you are younger and more mirthful, try to amuse her." Therefore I brought all my good spirits and laid them at your feet. But I notice that I have bored you. I see a cloud on your face--I suspect some hidden sorrow, and being your best friend, I am ready to give my life to dispel that cloud.

Stella (softly).--You must not talk that way.

Drahomir (clasping his hands).--Let me talk. I was a giddy boy, but I always followed my heart, and my heart guessed your sorrow. Since that moment a shadow fell across my joy, but I overcame it. One cannot recall a tear which has rolled down the cheek, but a friendly hand can dry it. Therefore I overcame that cloud in order that the tears should not come to your eyes. If I have been mistaken, if I have chosen the wrong path, pray forgive me. Your life will be as beautiful as a bouquet of flowers, therefore be mirthful--be mirthful.

Stella (with emotion, giving him her hand).--I shall be; being near you, I am capricious, spoiled, and a little bit ill. Sometimes I do not know myself what is the matter with me, and what I wish. I am happy; truly I am happy.

Drahomir.--Then, no matter, as Mrs. Czeska says. Let us be merry, laugh, and run in the garden and play pranks with the countess and her son.

Stella.--I have discovered the source of your mirth; it is a good heart.

Drahomir.--No, madam. I am a great good-for-nothing. But the source of true happiness is not in this.

Stella.--Sometimes I think that there is none in this world.

Drahomir.--We cannot grasp it with our common sense, and will not fly after that winged vision. Sometimes perhaps it flies near us, but before we discover it, before we stretch out our hands, it is too late!

Stella.--What sad words--too late!

SCENE VIII.

The same. Jozwowicz.

Doctor (entering, laughs).--Ha! ha! Do you know what has happened?

Stella.--Is it something amusing?

Doctor.--A dreadful, tragic, but before a ridiculous thing.

Miliszewski wished to challenge Pretwic.

Stella.--For Heaven's sake!

Doctor.--You must laugh with me. If there were anything dreadful I would not frighten you, princess.

Drahomir.--And what has been the end of it?

Doctor.--I was angry with Mr. Pretwic for taking the matter so seriously.

Drahomir.--How could he help it?

Doctor.--But it would be shameful for a man like Mr. Pretwic to fight with such a poor thing.

Stella.--The doctor is right. I do not understand Mr. Pretwic.

Doctor.--Our princess must not be irritated. I have made peace between them. Mr. Pretwic did not grasp the real situation and his naturally sanguine disposition carried him away. But now that I have explained to him, he agrees that it would be too utterly ridiculous.

Drahomir.--And what about Miliszewski?

Doctor.--I have sent him to his mamma. He is a good boy.

Stella.--I shall scold Mr. Pretwic, nevertheless.

Drahomir.--But you must not be too severe.

Stella.--You are laughing, gentlemen. I am sorry that it was necessary to explain the matter to Mr. Pretwic. I must scold him immediately (she goes out).

SCENE IX.

Drahomir. Doctor.

Drahomir.--The princess is a true angel.

Doctor.--Yes, there is not a spot in the crystalline purity of her nature.

Drahomir.--It must be true when even you, a sceptic, speak of her with such enthusiasm.

Doctor.--I have been here six years. When I came she wore short dresses. She grew by my side. Six years have their strength--it was impossible not to become attached to her.

Drahomir.--I believe you. (After a while of silence) Strange, however, that you self-made people have no hearts.

Doctor.--Why?

Drahomir.--Because--I know what you would say about her social position, but hearts are equal, so it does not matter. Then how did it happen that you, being so near the princess, did not--

Doctor (interrupting).--What?

Drahomir.--I cannot find an expression.

Doctor.--But I have found it. You are asking me why I did not fall in love with her?

Drahomir.--I hesitated to p.r.o.nounce the too bold word.

Doctor.--Truly, if you, count, are lacking in boldness, I am going to help you out, and I ask you: And you, sir?

Drahomir.--Doctor, be careful.

Doctor.--I hear some lyrical tone.

Drahomir.--Let us finish this conversation.

Doctor.--As you say, although I can speak quietly, and in order to change the conversation, I prefer to ask you: Do you think she will be happy with Mr. Pretwic?

Drahomir.--What a question! George loves her dearly.

Doctor.--I do not doubt it, but their natures are so different. Her thoughts and sentiments are as delicate as cobweb--and George? Have you noticed how hurt she was that he accepted the challenge?