(Drahomir offers his arm--they go out.) SCENE VIII. Doctor (alone--looking after them).--Oh! I--under--stand! END OF ACT II. * * * * * ACT III. The same Drawing-room. SCENE I. (Mr. Podczaski enters, followed by a servant.) Podczaski.--Tell the Doctor that Mr. Podczaski wishes to see him on an important matter. Servant.--The Doctor is very busy. The princess is ill. But I will tell him (goes out). Podczaski (alone).--I have enough of this work for nothing. The countess sends me about to agitate for her, but when I ask her for some money, she answers: We shall see about it after the election. She is an aristocrat and she refuses a hundred florins to a nobleman. To the deuce with such business. I had better try elsewhere, to serve the Doctor. He pays because he has common sense. And as he will bite them, then I will rise in consideration. SCENE II. Podczaski. Jozwowicz. Podczaski.--Your servant, sir. Doctor.--What can I do for you? Podczaski.--Well, sir, I am going to come right to the point. You know what services I have rendered the Countess Miliszewski? Doctor.--Yes, you have been agitating against me in favor of Count Miliszewski. Podczaski.--No, not at all, sir. Well, sir, it was so, but I am going to change that, and you may be certain-- Doctor.--In a word, what do you wish, sir? Podczaski.--God sees, sir, that I served the countess faithfully, and it cost me quite a little, but on consulting my conscience I have concluded not to act any more against such a man as you, sir, for the sake of the country. Doctor.--I appreciate your sentiments, which are those of a good citizen. You do not wish to act against me any longer? Podczaski.--No, sir! Doctor.--You are right. Then you are with me? Podczaski.--If I may offer my services-- Doctor.--I accept. Podczaski (aside).--He is a man--I have a hundred florins in my pocket already. (Aloud) My gratitude-- Doctor.--Mine will be shown after the election. Podczaski.--Oh! SCENE III. The same. Jan Miliszewski--then Anton. Jan.--Good-morning, doctor. Is my mother here? Doctor.--The countess is not here. Jan.--We came together, but mamma went directly to the prince's apartment. I remained alone and I cannot find my way to the prince's apartment. (Seeing Podczaski, who bows to him) Ah! Mr. Podczaski, what are you doing here? Podczaski.--Your servant, sir. Well, I came to consult the doctor--I have rheumatism in my feet. Jan.--Doctor, will you be kind enough to show me to the Prince's apartment? Doctor.--They are in the left wing of the château. Jan.--Thank you. But later I would like to have a talk with you. Doctor.--I will be at your service, sir. (Jan goes toward the door. He knocks against Anton.) Anton.--I beg your pardon, sir. Jan.--Pardon (he adjusts his monocle and looks at Anton--then goes out).