Prince.--Very well, then. Go to my cashier, Horkiewicz, and tell him to give that rabble a thousand florins. (He raps with the stick.) They must know that I will not permit any one to be hungry. Stella--Dear father! Drahomir.--I knew it would end that way. Prince.--Yes, Mr. Jozwowicz! _Noblesse oblige!_ Do you understand, your Excellency, Mr. Jozwowicz? Doctor.--I understand, Your Highness. Prince (giving his arm to Mrs. Czeska).--And now let us take some tea. (George takes leave and goes out.) Doctor.--I must also be going. I am tired and I have some letters to write. Prince.--Upon my honor, one might think that he was already a minister. But come to see us--I cannot sleep without you. Doctor.--I will be at the service of Your Highness. Prince (muttering).--As soon as this Robespièrre arrived, I immediately felt better. Stella.--Doctor, wait a moment. I do not take any tea. I will only put papa in his place, and then I will be back immediately. I must have a talk with you. SCENE VII. 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.