Doctor (alone—­looking after them).—­Oh!  I—­under—­stand!

END OF ACT II.

* * * * *

ACT III.

The same Drawing-room.

SCENE I.

(Mr. Podczaski enters, followed by a servant.)

Podczaski.—­Tell the Doctor that Mr. Podczaski wishes to see him on an important matter.

Servant.—­The Doctor is very busy.  The princess is ill.  But I will tell him (goes out).

Podczaski (alone).—­I have enough of this work for nothing.  The countess sends me about to agitate for her, but when I ask her for some money, she answers:  We shall see about it after the election.  She is an aristocrat and she refuses a hundred florins to a nobleman.  To the deuce with such business.  I had better try elsewhere, to serve the Doctor.  He pays because he has common sense.  And as he will bite them, then I will rise in consideration.

SCENE II.

Podczaski.  Jozwowicz.

Podczaski.—­Your servant, sir.

Doctor.—­What can I do for you?

Podczaski.—­Well, sir, I am going to come right to the point.  You know what services I have rendered the Countess Miliszewski?

Doctor.—­Yes, you have been agitating against me in favor of Count Miliszewski.  Podczaski.—­No, not at all, sir.  Well, sir, it was so, but I am going to change that, and you may be certain—­

Doctor.—­In a word, what do you wish, sir?

Podczaski.—­God sees, sir, that I served the countess faithfully, and it cost me quite a little, but on consulting my conscience I have concluded not to act any more against such a man as you, sir, for the sake of the country.

Doctor.—­I appreciate your sentiments, which are those of a good citizen.  You do not wish to act against me any longer?

Podczaski.—­No, sir!

Doctor.—­You are right.  Then you are with me?

Podczaski.—­If I may offer my services—­

Doctor.—­I accept.

Podczaski (aside).—­He is a man—­I have a hundred florins in my pocket already. (Aloud) My gratitude—­

Doctor.—­Mine will be shown after the election.

Podczaski.—­Oh!

SCENE III.

The same.  Jan Miliszewski—­then Anton.

Jan.—­Good-morning, doctor.  Is my mother here?

Doctor.—­The countess is not here.

Jan.—­We came together, but mamma went directly to the prince’s apartment.  I remained alone and I cannot find my way to the prince’s apartment. (Seeing Podczaski, who bows to him) Ah!  Mr. Podczaski, what are you doing here?

Podczaski.—­Your servant, sir.  Well, I came to consult the doctor—­I have rheumatism in my feet.

Jan.—­Doctor, will you be kind enough to show me to the Prince’s apartment?