Chapter 10

Jozwowicz alone--then Stella.

Doctor.--What are these people doing here, and what does she wish to tell me? Is it possible--But no, it is impossible. I am uneasy, but in a moment everything will be cleared up. What an ass I am! She simply wishes to talk to me about the prince's health. It is this moonlight that makes me so dreamy--I ought to have a guitar.

Stella (entering).--Mr. Jozwowicz?

Doctor.--I am here, princess.

Stella.--I did my best not to make you wait too long. Let us be seated and have a talk, as formerly, when I was small and not well and you took care of my health. I remember sometimes I used to fall asleep, and you carried me in your arms to my room.

Doctor.--The darling of every one in the house was very weak then.

Stella.--And to-day, if she is well, it is thanks to you. If she has any knowledge, it is also thanks to you. I am a plant of which you have taken good care.

Doctor.--And my greatest pride. There were few calm, genial moments in my life--and peace I found only in that house.

Stella.--You were always good, and for that reason I look upon you as an older brother.

Doctor.--Your words form the only smile in my life. I not only respect you, but I also love you dearly--like a sister, like my own child.

Stella.--Thank you. I have not the same confidence in any one else's judgment and honesty as I have in yours, so I wished to speak to you about an important matter. I hope even that what I am going to tell you will please you as much as it pleases me. Is it true that you are going to become a member of parliament?

Doctor (with uneasiness).--No, it is only probable. But speak of what concerns you.

Stella.--Well, then--ah, Lord! But you will not leave papa, will you?

Doctor (breathing heavily).--Oh, you wish to speak of the prince's health?

Stella.--No, I know that papa is getting better. I did not expect that it would be difficult--I am afraid of the severe opinion that you have of people.

Doctor (with simulated ease).--Pray, do not torture my curiosity.

Stella.--Then I will close my eyes and tell you, although it is not easy for any young girl. You know Mr. George Pretwic well, do you not?

Doctor (uneasily).--I know him.

Stella.--How do you like him? He is my fiancé.

Doctor (rising).--Your fiancé?

Stella.--Good gracious!--then you do not approve of my choice? (A moment of silence.)

Doctor.--Only one moment. Your choice, princess, if it is of your heart and will, must be good--only--it was unexpected news to me; therefore, perhaps, I received it a little too seriously. But I could not hear it with indifference owing to the affection I have for--your family. And then, my opinion does not amount to anything in such a matter. Princess, I congratulate you and wish you all happiness.

Stella.--Thank you. Now I shall be more easy.

Doctor.--You must return to your father. Your news has been so sudden that it has shocked me a little. I must collect my wits--I must familiarize myself with the thought. But in any event, I congratulate you.

Stella.--Good night. (She stops in the door, looks at the Doctor and goes in.)