Prince.—­You say that they have nothing to eat?

George.—­Almost nothing, my prince.

Prince.—­God punishes them for voting for such a man (he points to
Jozwowicz) as that one.

Doctor (bows).—­They have not elected me yet.

Stella.—­Papa.

Prince.—­What did I want to say?  Aha!  Pretwic!

George.—­I listen to you, my prince.

Prince.—­You said that they were starving?

George.—­I said—­almost.

Prince.—­Very well, then.  Go to my cashier, Horkiewicz, and tell him to give that rabble a thousand florins. (He raps with the stick.) They must know that I will not permit any one to be hungry.

Stella—­Dear father!

Drahomir.—­I knew it would end that way.

Prince.—­Yes, Mr. Jozwowicz! Noblesse oblige! Do you understand, your Excellency, Mr. Jozwowicz?

Doctor.—­I understand, Your Highness.

Prince (giving his arm to Mrs. Czeska).—­And now let us take some tea. 
(George takes leave and goes out.)

Doctor.—­I must also be going.  I am tired and I have some letters to write.

Prince.—­Upon my honor, one might think that he was already a minister.  But come to see us—­I cannot sleep without you.

Doctor.—­I will be at the service of Your Highness.

Prince (muttering).—­As soon as this Robespierre arrived, I immediately felt better.

Stella.—­Doctor, wait a moment.  I do not take any tea.  I will only put papa in his place, and then I will be back immediately.  I must have a talk with you.

SCENE VII.

Jozwowicz alone—­then Stella.

Doctor.—­What are these people doing here, and what does she wish to tell me?  Is it possible—­But no, it is impossible.  I am uneasy, but in a moment everything will be cleared up.  What an ass I am!  She simply wishes to talk to me about the prince’s health.  It is this moonlight that makes me so dreamy—­I ought to have a guitar.

Stella (entering).—­Mr. Jozwowicz?

Doctor.—­I am here, princess.

Stella.—­I did my best not to make you wait too long.  Let us be seated and have a talk, as formerly, when I was small and not well and you took care of my health.  I remember sometimes I used to fall asleep, and you carried me in your arms to my room.

Doctor.—­The darling of every one in the house was very weak then.

Stella.—­And to-day, if she is well, it is thanks to you.  If she has any knowledge, it is also thanks to you.  I am a plant of which you have taken good care.

Doctor.—­And my greatest pride.  There were few calm, genial moments in my life—­and peace I found only in that house.

Stella.—­You were always good, and for that reason I look upon you as an older brother.

Doctor.—­Your words form the only smile in my life.  I not only respect you, but I also love you dearly—­like a sister, like my own child.