So Runs the World

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.

Anton. – Very pretty, but looks as though she was made of mist. As for me, I prefer women like my wife. From such as your princess you cannot expect sturdy democrats.

Doctor. – Enough of that.

Anton. – Then I will weigh anchor and sail. I will distribute the pamphlet with your address, and then I will write another article against Husarski. If they put me in prison they shall at least have a reason for it. Good-bye.

Doctor. – If you meet a servant, tell him that I am waiting for Count

Drahomir.

SCENE V

Jozwowicz – then Drahomir.

Doctor (alone). – Let that golden-haired page go, but he must see her before he goes. This leave-taking shall be the red flag for the bull. (Drahomir enters.) I am waiting for you, sir. Is Mr. Pretwic in the château?

Drahomir. – He is with the prince.

Doctor. – Count, be seated, and let us talk.

Drahomir (uneasily). – I am listening, sir.

Doctor. – You are in love with the princess.

Drahomir. – Mr. Jozwowicz!

Doctor. – On your honor – yes or no?

Drahomir. – Only God has the right to ask me such a question. I do not dare to ask myself.

Doctor. – And your conscience?

Drahomir. – And no one else.

Doctor. – Then let us turn the question. She loves you.

Drahomir. – Be silent, sir. Oh, God!

Doctor. – Your pride is broken. You knew of it?

Drahomir. – I did not wish to know it.

Doctor. – But now you are aware of it.

Drahomir. – That is the reason why I am going away from here forever.

Doctor. – It is too late, sir. You have tangled her life and now you leave her.

Drahomir. – For God's sake, what shall I do, then?

Doctor. – Go away, but not forever, and not without telling her good-bye.

Drahomir. – Why should I add the last drop to an already overflowing cup?

Doctor. – A beautiful phrase. Can you not understand that it will hurt her good name if you should go away suddenly without taking leave of her? And she – she is ill and she may not be able to bear your departure.

Drahomir. – I do not see any remedy —

Doctor. – There is only one. Find some pretext, bid her good-bye quietly, and tell her that you will be back. Otherwise it will be a heavy blow for her strength. You must leave her hope. She must not suspect anything. Perhaps later she will become accustomed to your absence – perhaps she will forget —

Drahomir. – It will be better for her to forget.

Doctor. – I will do my best, but I shall first throw a handful of earth on your memory.

Drahomir. – What shall I do, then?

Doctor. – To find a pretext to bid her good-bye, tell every one that you are going. Then come back – and go away. Mr. Pretwic also must not know anything.

Drahomir. – When shall I bid her good-bye?

Doctor. – In a moment. I told her. I will manage to be with Pretwic during that time. She will be here presently.

Drahomir. – I would prefer to die.

Doctor. – No one is certain of to-morrow. Be off now. (Drahomir goes out.)

SCENE VI

Jozwowicz. Then a servant.

Doctor. – How warm it is here! My head is splitting. (He rings – a servant enters.) Ask Mr. Pretwic to come here. (The servant goes out.) My head is bursting – but then I will have a long peace.

SCENE VII

Jozwowicz. George Pretwic.

George (entering). – What do you wish with me?

Doctor. – I wish to give you good advice about the princess's health.