So Runs the World Part 25

Doctor (aside).--I must act now--otherwise everything is lost. (Aloud) Count, I have not much time to speak to you now, because in a moment I expect Anton in regard to a matter on which my whole future depends.

Listen to me. I beseech you, for the sake of the peace and health of the princess, not to mention to any one that you are going away.

Neither to the Prince nor to Mr. Pretwic.

Drahomir.--I do not understand you.

Doctor.--You will understand me. Now I cannot tell you anything more.

In a half hour pray grant me a moment of conversation. Then you will understand me--that I guarantee you. Here is Anton. You see I cannot explain now.

Drahomir.--I will see you again. (He goes out.)

SCENE II.

Anton. Jozwowicz.

Anton.--The fight is very hot. Have you the address?

Doctor.--Here it is. How goes it?

Anton.--Up to now everything is well, but I repeat--the fight is very hot. If you had not come the last time, you would have lost the battle, because Miliszewski has withdrawn and his partisans vote for Husarski. Podczaski is good for nothing. Your speech in the city hall was splendid. May thunder strike you! Your address was admired even by your enemies. Oh, we will at last be able to do something. For three days I have not slept--I have not eaten--I work and I have plenty of time, because I have lost my position.

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 a.s.sured.

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.