Anton.—­So?

Doctor.—­Yes.

Anton.—­Do what you please, then.  Very well.  My congratulations. (He walks up and down the room; then he puts his hands in his pockets and stands before Jozwowicz.) What does it mean?

Doctor.—­It means that I must remain here.  At this moment Drahomir stands opposite Pretwic with a pistol.  If the news of the fight should come to the princess, she would pay for it with her life.

Anton.—­They are fighting!

Doctor.—­For life or death.  In a moment the news will come who is killed. (A moment of silence.)

Anton.—­Jozwowicz, you have done all this.

Doctor.—­Yes, it is I, I crushed those who were in my way, and I shall act the same always.  You have me such as I am.

Anton.—­If so, I am no longer in a hurry.  Do you know what I am going to tell you?

Doctor.—­You must go for a while.  The princess is coming. (He opens the door of a side room.) Go in there for a moment.

SCENE IV.

Jozwowicz and Stella.

Stella.—­Doctor, what is the matter in this house?

Doctor.—­What do you mean, princess?

Stella.—­Mr. Pretwic came to tell me good-bye.  He was very much changed and asked me to forgive him if he ever offended me.

Doctor (aside).—­A sentimental ass.

Stella.—­He said that he might be obliged to go away in a few days.  I have a presentiment that you are hiding something from me.  What does it mean?  Do not torture me any longer.  I am so miserable that you should have pity on me.

Doctor.—­Do not let anything worry you.  What can there be the matter?  An idle fancy, that is all!  The care of loving hearts surrounds you.  Why should you have such a wild imagination?  You had better return to your apartment and do not receive any one.  I will come to see you in a moment.

Stella.—­Then truly there is nothing bad?

Doctor.—­What an idea!  Pray believe me, I should be able to remove anything which would threaten your happiness.

Stella (stretching out her hand to him).—­Oh, Mr. Jozwowicz, happiness is a very difficult thing to take hold of.  May only the peace not leave us. (She goes to enter the room in which Anton is.)

Doctor.—­This way, princess.  Some one is waiting for me in that room.  In a moment I will come to see you.  Pray do not receive any one.  Anton! (The princess goes out.)

SCENE V.

Anton, Jozwowicz, then a Servant.

Anton.—­Here I am.  Poor child!

Doctor.—­I cannot go for her sake.  I must be here and not let the bad news reach her, for it would kill her.

Anton.—­What! and you, knowing this, you still expose her, and sacrifice her for yourself?

Doctor (passionately).—­I love her and I must have her, even if the walls of this house should crumble around our heads.