Stella.—­Thank you.  I have not the same confidence in any one else’s judgment and honesty as I have in yours, so I wished to speak to you about an important matter.  I hope even that what I am going to tell you will please you as much as it pleases me.  Is it true that you are going to become a member of parliament?

Doctor (with uneasiness).—­No, it is only probable.  But speak of what concerns you.

Stella.—­Well, then—­ah, Lord!  But you will not leave papa, will you?

Doctor (breathing heavily).—­Oh, you wish to speak of the prince’s health?

Stella.—­No, I know that papa is getting better.  I did not expect that it would be difficult—­I am afraid of the severe opinion that you have of people.

Doctor (with simulated ease).—­Pray, do not torture my curiosity.

Stella.—­Then I will close my eyes and tell you, although it is not easy for any young girl.  You know Mr. George Pretwic well, do you not?

Doctor (uneasily).—­I know him.

Stella.—­How do you like him?  He is my fiance.

Doctor (rising).—­Your fiance?

Stella.—­Good gracious!—­then you do not approve of my choice? (A moment of silence.)

Doctor.—­Only one moment.  Your choice, princess, if it is of your heart and will, must be good—­only—­it was unexpected news to me; therefore, perhaps, I received it a little too seriously.  But I could not hear it with indifference owing to the affection I have for—­your family.  And then, my opinion does not amount to anything in such a matter.  Princess, I congratulate you and wish you all happiness.

Stella.—­Thank you.  Now I shall be more easy.

Doctor.—­You must return to your father.  Your news has been so sudden that it has shocked me a little.  I must collect my wits—­I must familiarize myself with the thought.  But in any event, I congratulate you.

Stella.—­Good night. (She stops in the door, looks at the Doctor and goes in.)

SCENE VIII.

Jozwowicz (alone).—­Too late!

END OF ACT I.

* * * * *

ACT II.

The stage represents the same drawing-room.

SCENE I.

Jozwowicz.  Anton.

Doctor.—­Anton, come here.  We can talk quietly, for they are preparing my room.  What news from the city?

Anton.—­Good news.  In an hour or so a delegation of the voters will be here.  You must say something to them—­you understand?  Something about education—­public roads, heavy taxes.  You know what to say better than I do.

Doctor.—­I know, I know; and how do they like my platform?

Anton.—­You have made a great hit.  I congratulate you.  It is written with scientific accuracy.  The papers of the Conservative party have gone mad with wrath.