Doctor.—­You have lost your position?

Anton.—­On account of the agitation against Husarski.

Doctor.—­Have you found any means against him?

Anton.—­I have-written an article.  I have brought it to you.  Read it.  He sues me—­he will beat me.  They will put me in prison, but it will be only after the election, and my article wronged him very much.

Doctor.—­Very well.

Anton.—­But when I am in prison you must take care of my wife and children.  I love them dearly.  I have three of them.  It is too much—­but natura lex dura.

Doctor.—­Be assured.

Anton.—­You would not believe me if I were to tell you that I am almost happy.  Sometimes it seems to me that our country is a moldy room and that I open the window and let in the fresh air.  We will work very hard.  I believe in you, because you are an iron man.

Doctor.—­I shall either perish or gain two victories.

Anton.—­Two?

Doctor.—­Yes; the other one even to-day, here.  The events have surprised me in some way.  The facts turned against me, and I was obliged to build my plans of action only a short while ago.

Anton.—­Eh!  If we win only there.  Do you know what—­I would prefer that you abandon the idea of the other victory.

Doctor.—­Anton, you are mistaken.

Anton.—­Because you worry a great deal.  You have grown awfully thin. 
Look in the mirror.

Doctor.—­No matter; after I have sprung the mine I shall be calmer and the mine is ready.

Anton.—­But it will cost you too much.

Doctor.—­Yes, but I shall not retract.

Anton.—­At least be careful and do not smear your hands with the powder.

SCENE III.

The same.  Stella.

Stella (entering, notices Anton).—­Ah, excuse me.

Doctor.—­Mr. Anton Zuk, a friend of mine. (Anton bows.) What is your wish, princess?

Stella.—­You told me to stay in bed and it is so hard to lie down. 
Mrs. Czeska went to the chapel and I escaped.  Do you approve?

Doctor.—­I cannot help it, princess, although I would like to scold you like a disobedient child.  A few moments ago some one else begged for you also.

Stella.—­Who was it?

Doctor.—­Count Drahomir.  And he begged so earnestly that I promised him that I would allow you to leave the bed.  He wishes to have a talk with you to-day, because he will not be able to see you again.

Stella (aside).—­What does it mean?

Doctor.—­He will be here at five o’clock.

Stella.—­Very well.

Doctor.—­And now, pray, return to your room.  Your dress is too thin and you might catch cold.

SCENE IV.

Jozwowicz.  Anton.

Anton.—­Ah, that is the princess.

Doctor.—­Yes, it is she.