Chapter 29

Drahomir. Prince. Finally Jozwowicz.

Prince (rushing in).--She has tormented me until now. Good gracious! Ah, it is you, Drahomir.

Drahomir.--Yes, prince. Who tormented you?

Prince.--The Countess Miliszewski. My dear boy, how can he be a member of parliament when he is so densely stupid!

Drahomir.--It is true.

Prince.--Don't you see! And then she proposed to marry him to Stella. The idea! She is already betrothed. But of course they did not know.

Drahomir.--How did you get rid of her?

Prince.--The doctor helped me out. Jozwowicz is a smart man--he has more intelligence than all of us together.

Drahomir.--It is true.

Prince.--But you, Drahomir, you are smart also, are you not?

Drahomir.--How can I either affirm or deny? But Jozwowicz is very intelligent, that much is certain.

Prince.--Yes. I do not like him, and I am afraid of him and I am fond of him, but I tell you I could not live without him.

Drahomir.--He is an honest man, too.

Prince.--Honest? Very well, then, but you are better because you are not a democrat. Drahomir, I love you. Stella, I love him--Ah! She is not here.

Drahomir.--Thank you, prince.

Prince.--If I had another daughter, I would--well--

Drahomir.--Prince, pray do not speak that way. (Aside) I must run away.

Prince.--Come, have a cigar with me. We will call the others and have a talk. Jozwowicz! Pretwic!

Doctor (entering).--What are your orders, Your Highness?

Prince.--You, Robespièrre, come and have a cigar. Thank you, my boy. You have rid me of the countess.

Doctor.--I will send for Pretwic, and we will join you. (He rings the bell. A servant comes in--the prince and Drahomir go out.) Ask Mr. Pretwic to come here. (The servant goes out.)

Doctor (alone).--Anton was right. I am helping along the logic. But I do not like the sap--because I am accustomed to break. (Pretwic enters.)