So Runs the World Part 29

George.--Frankly speaking, as I do not know what will become of me, and whether in an hour I shall be alive or not, I came to have one more look at her. Because I love her dearly. Perhaps I was too rough for her--too stupid--but I loved her. May G.o.d punish me if I have not desired her happiness. As you see me here it is true that at this moment I pity her the most and feel miserable about her future.

Listen: whether I am killed or not, she cannot be mine. Drahomir cannot marry her, because he could not marry the woman whose fiance he has killed. Of the three of us you alone will remain near her. Take care of her--guard her. Into your hands I give her, the only treasure I ever possessed.

Doctor (quietly).--I shall carry out your wishes.

George.--And now--I may be killed. I wish to die like a Christian. If ever I have offended you, forgive me. (They shake hands. George goes out.)

Doctor (alone).--Yes, of the three of us I alone shall remain near her.

SCENE III.

Jozwowicz. Anton.

Anton (rushing in).--Man, have you become an idiot? When every moment is valuable, you remain here. The results are uncertain. They have put up big posters--Husarski's partisans are catching the votes in the streets. For G.o.d's sake come with me. A carriage is waiting for us.

Doctor.--I must remain here. I cannot go under any consideration in the world. Let be what may.

Anton.--I did not expect such conduct from you. Come and show yourself, if only for a moment, and the victory is ours. I cannot speak any more. I am dead tired. Have you become a madman? There--we have worked for him, and he clings to a petticoat and stays here.

Doctor.--Anton! Even if I should lose there I would not stir one step from here. I cannot and I will not go.

Anton.--So?

Doctor.--Yes.

Anton.--Do what you please, then. Very well. My congratulations. (He walks up and down the room; then he puts his hands in his pockets and stands before Jozwowicz.) What does it mean?

Doctor.--It means that I must remain here. At this moment Drahomir stands opposite Pretwic with a pistol. If the news of the fight should come to the princess, she would pay for it with her life.

Anton.--They are fighting!

Doctor.--For life or death. In a moment the news will come who is killed. (A moment of silence.)

Anton.--Jozwowicz, you have done all this.

Doctor.--Yes, it is I, I crushed those who were in my way, and I shall act the same always. You have me such as I am.

Anton.--If so, I am no longer in a hurry. Do you know what I am going to tell you?

Doctor.--You must go for a while. The princess is coming. (He opens the door of a side room.) Go in there for a moment.

SCENE IV.

Jozwowicz and Stella.

Stella.--Doctor, what is the matter in this house?

Doctor.--What do you mean, princess?

Stella.--Mr. Pretwic came to tell me good-bye. He was very much changed and asked me to forgive him if he ever offended me.

Doctor (aside).--A sentimental a.s.s.

Stella.--He said that he might be obliged to go away in a few days. I have a presentiment that you are hiding something from me. What does it mean? Do not torture me any longer. I am so miserable that you should have pity on me.

Doctor.--Do not let anything worry you. What can there be the matter?

An idle fancy, that is all! The care of loving hearts surrounds you.

Why should you have such a wild imagination? You had better return to your apartment and do not receive any one. I will come to see you in a moment.

Stella.--Then truly there is nothing bad?

Doctor.--What an idea! Pray believe me, I should be able to remove anything which would threaten your happiness.

Stella (stretching out her hand to him).--Oh, Mr. Jozwowicz, happiness is a very difficult thing to take hold of. May only the peace not leave us. (She goes to enter the room in which Anton is.)

Doctor.--This way, princess. Some one is waiting for me in that room.

In a moment I will come to see you. Pray do not receive any one.

Anton! (The princess goes out.)

SCENE V.

Anton, Jozwowicz, then a Servant.

Anton.--Here I am. Poor child!

Doctor.--I cannot go for her sake. I must be here and not let the bad news reach her, for it would kill her.

Anton.--What! and you, knowing this, you still expose her, and sacrifice her for yourself?

Doctor (pa.s.sionately).--I love her and I must have her, even if the walls of this house should crumble around our heads.

Anton.--Man, you are talking nonsense.

Doctor.--Man, you are talking like a nincomp.o.o.p, and not like a man.

You have plenty of words in your mouth, but you lack strength--you cannot face facts. Who would dare say: You have no right to defend yourself?

Anton (after a while).--Good-bye.

Doctor.--Where are you going?

Anton.--I return to the city.

Doctor.--Are you with me or against me?