So Runs the World

Doctor. – All that can be expected. But you are pale, princess.

Stella. – Oh, I am well.

Doctor. – It is the consequence of the betrothal.

Stella. – It must be.

Doctor. – But health requires one to be merry – to enjoy life.

Stella. – I do not wish for any other distraction.

Doctor. – If not distraction, at least enjoyment. We here are too grave for you. Perhaps we cannot understand you.

Stella. – You are all too good.

Doctor. – At least solicitous. If you have a moment to spare let us be seated and have a talk. My solicitude must explain my boldness. With the dignity of a fiancé, serenity and happiness generally go hand in hand. When the heart is given willingly, all longing ceases and the future is viewed with serenity.

Stella. – My future contains something which might cause even the most valiant to fear.

Doctor. – Of what are you talking? You have called me a sceptic, but it is I who says: who loves, believes.

Stella. – What then?

Doctor. – Who doubts?

Stella. – Doctor.

Doctor. – Princess, I do not inquire. There are moments when the serenity visibly departs from your face, therefore I question you, which is my duty as a physician and a friend. Be calm. Pray, remember that this is asked by a man whom a while ago you called "brother," and who knows how dear to him is the happiness of such a sister! I have no one in this world – all my love of family is centred in your house. My heart has also its sorrows. Pray, quiet my apprehensions – that is all I ask you.

Stella. – What apprehensions?

Doctor. – Apprehensions of which I dare not speak. Since my return I have watched you constantly, and the more I watch you the more do I fear. You fear the future – you do not look into it with confidence and hope.

Stella. – Permit me to go.

Doctor. – No, madam. I have the right to ask, and if you fear to look into the bottom of your heart, then I have the right to say that you lack courage, and for such sinful weakness one pays later with his own happiness and the happiness of others. I suffer also – but I must – I must. Madam, listen to me. If in your heart there is even the shadow of a doubt, you have mistaken your sentiments.

Stella. – Is it possible to make such a mistake?

Doctor. – Yes. Sometimes – often one mistakes sympathy, pity, commiseration for love.

Stella. – What a dreadful mistake!

Doctor. – Which one recognizes as soon as the heart flies in another direction. The dignity of a fiancé is a hidden pain. If I am mistaken, pray forgive me.

Stella. – Doctor, I do not wish to think of such things.

Doctor. – Then I am not mistaken. Do not look on me with fear. I wish to save you, my dear child. Where is your heart? The moment that you recognize you do not love Mr. Pretwic, that moment will tell you whom you do love. No, I shall not withdraw my question. Where is your heart? By God, if he is not equal to you, he shall rise to your height! But no, I have become a madman.

Stella. – I must be going.

Doctor (barring the way). – No, you shall not go until you have given me an answer. Whom do you love?

Stella. – Doctor, spare me – otherwise I shall doubt everything. Have pity on me.

Doctor (brutally) – Whom do you love?

SCENE VII

The same. Drahomir

Drahomir. – Princess.

Stella. – Ah!

Drahomir. – What! Have I frightened you? I came to tell you that the boats are waiting. What is the matter with you?

Stella. – Nothing. Let us be going.

(Drahomir offers his arm – they go out.)

SCENE VIII

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.