ACT I.

The stage represents a drawing-room with the principal door leading to the garden.  There are also side doors to the other rooms.

SCENE I.

Princess Stella.  Mrs. Czeska.

Czeska.—­Why do you tell me this only now?  Really, my dear Stella, I should be angry with you.  I live only a mile from here; I was your teacher before you were put into the hands of English and French governesses.  I see you almost every day.  I love my darling with all my soul, and still you did not tell me that for several weeks you have been engaged.  At least do not torture me any longer, but tell me, who is he?

Stella.—­You must guess, my dear mother.

Czeska.—­As long as you call me mother, you must not make me wait.

Stella.—­But I wish you to guess and tell me.  Naturally it is he and not another.  Believe me, it will flatter and please me.

Czeska.—­Count Drahomir, then.

Stella.—­Ah!

Czeska.—­You are blushing.  It is true.  He has not been here for a long time, but how sympathetic, how gay he is.  Well, my old eyes would be gladdened by seeing you both together.  I should at once think what a splendid couple.  Perhaps there will be something in it.

Stella.—­There will be nothing in it, because Count Drahomir, although very sympathetic, is not my fiance.  I am betrothed to Mr. Pretwic.

Czeska.—­Mr. George Pretwic?

Stella.—­Yes.  Are you surprised?

Czeska.—­No, my dear child.  May God bless you.  Why should I be surprised?  But I am so fond of Count Drahomir, so I thought it was he.  Mr. George Pretwic!—­Oh, I am not surprised at all that he should love you.  But it came a little too soon.  How long have you known each other?  Living at my Berwinek I do not know anything that goes on in the neighborhood.

Stella.—­Since three months.  My fiance has inherited an estate in this neighborhood from the Jazlowieckis, and came, as you know, from far off.  He was a near relation of the Jazlowieckis, and he himself comes of a very good family.  Dear madam, have you not heard of the Pretwics?

Czeska.—­Nothing at all, my dear Stella.  What do I care for heraldry!

Stella.—­In former times, centuries ago, the Pretwics were related to our family.  It is a very good family.  Otherwise papa would not have consented.  Well then, Mr. Pretwic came here, took possession of the Jazlowieckis estate, became acquainted with us, and—­

Czeska.—­And fell in love with you.  I should have done the same if I were in his place.  It gives him more value in my eyes.

Stella.—­Has he needed it?

Czeska.—­No, my little kitten—­rest easy.  You know I am laughed at for seeing everything in a rosy hue.  He belongs to a good family, he is young, rich, good-looking, well-bred, but—­