Stella.--Because sometimes we cannot understand each other. There are two kinds of love--one is strong as the rocks, and the other is like a brook in which one can see one's self. When I look at George's love, I see its might, but my soul is not reflected in it like a face in a limpid brook. I love him, it is true, but sometimes it seems to me that I could love still more--that all my heart is not in that love, and then I am unhappy. Czeska.--But I cannot understand that. I take life simply. I love, or I do not love. Well Stella, the world is so cleverly constructed, and God is so good that there is nothing more easy than to be happy. But one must not make a tangle of God's affairs. Be calm. You are very much in love indeed. No matter! Stella.--That confidence in the future is exactly what I need--some of your optimism. I knew that you would frown and say: No matter! I am now more happy. Only I am afraid of our doctor. Well (looking through the window), our gentlemen are coming. Mr. Pretwic and Count Drahomir. Czeska (looking through the window.)--Your future husband is looking very well, but so is Count Drahomir. Since when is he with Mr. Pretwic? Stella (looking through the window).--For the past two weeks. Mr. Pretwic has invited him. They are coming. Czeska.--And your little heart is throbbing-- Stella.--Do not tease me again. SCENE II. Mrs. Czeska. Stella. George Pretwic. Count Drahomir.--The count has his left arm in a sling.--A servant. Servant (opening the door).--The princess is in the drawing-room. Stella.--How late you are to-day! George.--It is true. The sun is already setting. But we could not come earlier. Do you not know that there has been a fire in the neighboring village? We went there. Czeska.--We have heard of it. It seems that several houses were burned. George.--The fire began in the morning, and it was extinguished only now. Some twenty families are without a roof and bread. We are also late because Karol had an accident. Stella (with animation).--It is true. Your arm is in a sling! Drahomir.--Oh, it is a mere trifle. If there were no more serious wounds in the world, courage would be sold in all the markets. Only a slight scratch-- Stella.--Mr. Pretwic, how did it happen? George.--When it happened I was at the other end of the village, and I could not see anything on account of the smoke. I was only told that Karol had jumped into a burning house. Stella.--Oh, Lord! Drahomir (laughing).--I see that my deed gains with distance. Czeska.--You must tell us about it yourself.