Doctor (with simulated ease).--Pray, do not torture my curiosity. Stella.--Then I will close my eyes and tell you, although it is not easy for any young girl. You know Mr. George Pretwic well, do you not? Doctor (uneasily).--I know him. Stella.--How do you like him? He is my fiancé. Doctor (rising).--Your fiancé? Stella.--Good gracious!--then you do not approve of my choice? (A moment of silence.) Doctor.--Only one moment. Your choice, princess, if it is of your heart and will, must be good--only--it was unexpected news to me; therefore, perhaps, I received it a little too seriously. But I could not hear it with indifference owing to the affection I have for--your family. And then, my opinion does not amount to anything in such a matter. Princess, I congratulate you and wish you all happiness. Stella.--Thank you. Now I shall be more easy. Doctor.--You must return to your father. Your news has been so sudden that it has shocked me a little. I must collect my wits--I must familiarize myself with the thought. But in any event, I congratulate you. Stella.--Good night. (She stops in the door, looks at the Doctor and goes in.) SCENE VIII. Jozwowicz (alone).--Too late! END OF ACT I. * * * * * ACT II. The stage represents the same drawing-room. SCENE I. Jozwowicz. Anton. Doctor.--Anton, come here. We can talk quietly, for they are preparing my room. What news from the city? Anton.--Good news. In an hour or so a delegation of the voters will be here. You must say something to them--you understand? Something about education--public roads, heavy taxes. You know what to say better than I do. Doctor.--I know, I know; and how do they like my platform? Anton.--You have made a great hit. I congratulate you. It is written with scientific accuracy. The papers of the Conservative party have gone mad with wrath. Doctor.--Very good. What more? Anton.--Three days ago your election was doubtful in the suburbs. I learned about it, however--gathered the electors and made a speech. "Citizens," I said, in the end, "I know only one remedy for all your misery--it is called Jozwowicz. Long live Progress!" I also attacked the Conservative party. Doctor.--Anton, you are a great boy. Then there is a hope of victory? Anton.--Almost a surety. And then, even if we do not win now, the future is open to us. And do you know why? Because--leaving out the details of the election, you and I, while talking of our business affairs, need not laugh at each other, like Roman augurs. Progress and truth are on our side, and every day makes a new breach in the old wall. We are only aiding the centuries and we must conquer. I am talking calmly: Our people, our electors are merely sheep, but we wish to make men of them, and therein lies our strength. As for me, if I were not persuaded that in my principles lie truth and progress, I would spit on everything and become a monk.