Countess.--Prince, you will see that Jan will not be elected purely on account of the hatred against us. They say that he does not know the country, and does not understand its needs. But before all we must not allow such people as Jozwowicz to become important in the country. Prince, is it not so? Prince.--He will not ask your permission. Countess.--That is exactly why the world must be coming to an end--that such people can do as they please! They dare to say that Jan will not be able to make a good representative, and that Mr. Jozwowicz will. Jan was always an excellent student in Metz. Jan, were you not a good student? Jan.--Yes, mamma. Podczaski.--Countess, you are perfectly right. It is the end of the world. Stella.--What did you study especially? Jan.--I, madam? I studied the history of heresy. Princess.--Mrs. Czeska--what? Have studied what? Countess.--They reproach us with not having talent, but for diplomacy one must have talent. Podczaski.--The count does even look like a diplomat. Prince (aside).--Well, not very much. Czeska.--The count does not have much to say. Jan.--No, madam, but sometimes I speak quite enough. Countess.--For my part, I declare that if Jan is not elected, we will leave the country. Podczaski.--They will be guilty of it. Countess.--It will be the fault of the prince. Prince.--Mine? Countess.--How can you permit such as Jozwowicz to compete with society people? Why do you retain him? Prince.--Frankly speaking, it is not I who keep him--it is he who keeps me. If it were not for him, I should long since be (he makes a gesture). Countess (angrily).--By keeping him, you serve the democracy. Prince.--I--I serve the democracy? Stella, do you hear? (He raps with his stick.) Countess.--Every one will say so. Mr. Jozwowicz is the democratic candidate. Prince.--But I am not, and if it is so I will not allow him to be. I have enough of Mr. Jozwowicz's democracy. They shall not say that I am the tool of democracy. (He rings the bell. A servant enters.) Ask the doctor to come here. Countess.--Now the prince is a true prince. Prince.--I serve democracy, indeed! Stella.--Papa, dear. Countess.--We must bid the prince good-bye. Jan, get ready. Good-bye, dear Stella. Good-bye, my child. (To her son.) Kiss the princess's hand. SCENE III. The same. Jozwowicz.--Your Highness must excuse me if I am too late, but I was obliged to receive the delegates. Countess.--What delegates are here? Jan, go ahead. Doctor (saluting).--Count, you must hasten, they are leaving. Podczaski.--I am Your Highness's servant. (Countess, Jan, Podczaski go out. Stella and Mrs. Czeska follow them.) SCENE IV. Jozwowicz. Prince. (A moment of silence.) Prince (rapping with his stick).--I forbid you to become a member of parliament. Doctor.--I shall not obey. Prince.--You make me angry. Doctor.--Your Highness closes to me the future. Prince (angrily).--I have brought you up. Doctor.--I preserve Your Highness's life.