Chapter 20

Podczaski. Jozwowicz.

Podczaski.--Your servant, sir.

Doctor.--What can I do for you?

Podczaski.--Well, sir, I am going to come right to the point. You know what services I have rendered the Countess Miliszewski?

Doctor.--Yes, you have been agitating against me in favor of Count Miliszewski. Podczaski.--No, not at all, sir. Well, sir, it was so, but I am going to change that, and you may be certain--

Doctor.--In a word, what do you wish, sir?

Podczaski.--God sees, sir, that I served the countess faithfully, and it cost me quite a little, but on consulting my conscience I have concluded not to act any more against such a man as you, sir, for the sake of the country.

Doctor.--I appreciate your sentiments, which are those of a good citizen. You do not wish to act against me any longer?

Podczaski.--No, sir!

Doctor.--You are right. Then you are with me?

Podczaski.--If I may offer my services--

Doctor.--I accept.

Podczaski (aside).--He is a man--I have a hundred florins in my pocket already. (Aloud) My gratitude--

Doctor.--Mine will be shown after the election.

Podczaski.--Oh!