Czeska.--Stella told me. You lived far from here? George.--I was in the empty steppe, half wild myself, among strangers, therefore very sad and longing for the country. Sometimes there was not a living soul around me. Czeska.--God was over the stars. George.--That is quite different. But a heart thrown on earth must love some one. Therefore, with all this capacity for love, I prayed to God that he permit me to love some one. He has granted my prayer, and has given her to me. Do you understand me now? Czeska.--Yes, I do understand you! George.--How quickly everything has changed. I inherited here an estate and am able to settle--then I met the princess, and now I love her--she is everything in this world to me. Czeska.--My dear Mr. Pretwic, you are worthy of Stella and she will be happy with you. My dear Stelunia-- Stella (appearing in the doorway leading to the garden. She claps her hands).--What good news! The doctor is coming. He is already in the village. Papa will at once be more quiet and is in better humor. Czeska.--You must not rush. She is already tired. Where is the prince? Stella.--In the garden. He wishes you to come here. George.--We will go. Stella (steps forward--then stops).--But you must not tell the doctor anything of our affair. I wish to tell him first. I have asked papa also to keep the secret. (They go out.) SCENE IV. Jozwowicz (enters through the principal door).--Jan, carry my trunk up-stairs and have the package I left in the antechamber sent at once to Mr. Anton Zuk, the secretary of the county. Servant (bows).--Very well, doctor. Jozwowicz (advances).--At last (servant goes out). After three months of absence, how quiet this house is always! In a moment I will greet them as a future member of the parliament. I have thrown six years of hard work, sleepless nights, fame, and learning into the chasm which separates us--and now we shall see! (He goes toward the door leading to the garden.) They are coming--she has not changed at all. SCENE V. (Through the door enter Stella, Mrs. Czeska, George, followed by Drahomir, arm and arm with the Prince Starogrodzki.) Stella.--Here is our doctor! Our dear doctor! How do you do? We were looking for you! Czeska (bows ceremoniously).--Especially the prince. Jozwowicz (kissing Stella's hand).--Good evening, princess. I have also been anxious to return. I have come to stay for a longer time--to rest. Ah, the prince! How is Your Highness's health? Prince (shaking hands).--Dear boy. I am not well. You did well to come. You must see at once what is the matter with me. Jozwowicz.--But now Your Highness will introduce me to these gentlemen. Prince.--It is true. Doctor Jozwowicz, the minister of my interior affairs--I said it well, did I not? For you do look after my health. Count Karol Drahomir. Drahomir.--Your name is familiar to me, therefore, strictly speaking, I alone ought to introduce myself. Doctor.--Sir.