So Runs the World

The gods departed.

Zeus remained in his joyful glory. For a while he looked after Apollo, muttering:

"Oh, yes! A stupid woman is able to resist him."

After that, as he had not slept well the previous night, he called Sleep, who, sitting on a tree in the form of a hawk, was awaiting the orders of the Father of gods and people.

PART FIFTH

WIN OR LOSE

A Drama in Five Acts.

CHARACTERS:

Prince Starogrodzki.

Stella, his daughter.

George Pretwic, Stella's fiancé.

Karol Count Drahomir, Pretwic's friend.

Countess Miliszewska.

Jan Count Miliszewski.

Anton Zuk, secretary of the county.

Dr. Jozwowicz.

Mrs. Czeska.

Mr. Podczaski.

Servants.

ACT I

The stage represents a drawing-room with the principal door leading to the garden. There are also side doors to the other rooms.

SCENE I

Princess Stella. Mrs. Czeska.

Czeska. – Why do you tell me this only now? Really, my dear Stella, I should be angry with you. I live only a mile from here; I was your teacher before you were put into the hands of English and French governesses. I see you almost every day. I love my darling with all my soul, and still you did not tell me that for several weeks you have been engaged. At least do not torture me any longer, but tell me, who is he?

Stella. – You must guess, my dear mother.

Czeska. – As long as you call me mother, you must not make me wait.

Stella. – But I wish you to guess and tell me. Naturally it is he and not another. Believe me, it will flatter and please me.

Czeska. – Count Drahomir, then.

Stella. – Ah!

Czeska. – You are blushing. It is true. He has not been here for a long time, but how sympathetic, how gay he is. Well, my old eyes would be gladdened by seeing you both together. I should at once think what a splendid couple. Perhaps there will be something in it.

Stella. – There will be nothing in it, because Count Drahomir, although very sympathetic, is not my fiancé. I am betrothed to Mr. Pretwic.

Czeska. – Mr. George Pretwic?

Stella. – Yes. Are you surprised?

Czeska. – No, my dear child. May God bless you. Why should I be surprised? But I am so fond of Count Drahomir, so I thought it was he. Mr. George Pretwic! – Oh, I am not surprised at all that he should love you. But it came a little too soon. How long have you known each other? Living at my Berwinek I do not know anything that goes on in the neighborhood.

Stella. – Since three months. My fiancé has inherited an estate in this neighborhood from the Jazlowieckis, and came, as you know, from far off. He was a near relation of the Jazlowieckis, and he himself comes of a very good family. Dear madam, have you not heard of the Pretwics?

Czeska. – Nothing at all, my dear Stella. What do I care for heraldry!

Stella. – In former times, centuries ago, the Pretwics were related to our family. It is a very good family. Otherwise papa would not have consented. Well then, Mr. Pretwic came here, took possession of the Jazlowieckis estate, became acquainted with us, and —

Czeska. – And fell in love with you. I should have done the same if I were in his place. It gives him more value in my eyes.

Stella. – Has he needed it?

Czeska. – No, my little kitten – rest easy. You know I am laughed at for seeing everything in a rosy hue. He belongs to a good family, he is young, rich, good-looking, well-bred, but —

Stella. – But what?

Czeska. – A bird must have sung it, because I cannot remember who told me that he is a little bit like a storm.

Stella. – Yes, his life has been stormy, but he was not broken by it.

Czeska. – So much the better. Listen! Such people are the best – they are true men. The more I think of it, the more sincerely I congratulate you.

Stella. – Thank you. I am glad I spoke to you frankly. The fact is that I am very lonesome here: papa is always ailing and our doctor has been away for three months.

Czeska. – Let that doctor of yours alone.

Stella. – You never liked him.

Czeska. – You know that I am not easily prejudiced against any one, but

I do not like him.

Stella. – And do you know that he has been offered a professorship at the university, and that he is anxious to be elected a member of parliament? Mother, you are really unjust. You know that he sacrificed himself for us.