George.--And to give her time to break her engagement! Yes, yes! I am cursed. I suspect him now of everything. He avoids me. Doctor.--Mr. Pretwic. George.--Enough. I am going to ask him when he will be back. He has saved my life once, and slain me ten times. (He tries to leave.) Doctor.--Where are you going? George.--To ask him how long he is going away. Doctor.--Wait a moment. How could you ask him such a question? Perhaps he is innocent, but pride will shut his mouth and everything will be lost. Stay here--you can leave only over my corpse. I am not afraid of you!--do you understand? In a moment they will be here. You wish for proofs--you shall have them. From the piazza you cannot hear them, but you can see them. You shall be persuaded with your own eyes--perhaps you will regret your impetuosity. George (after a while).--Very well, then. May God grant that I was mistaken! Thank you--but you must not leave me now. Doctor.--One word more. No matter what happens I shall consider you a villain if you place her life in peril by any outburst. George.--Granted. Where shall we go? Doctor.--On the piazza. But you have fever--you are already shaking. George.--I am out of breath. Some one is coming. Let us be going. SCENE VIII. Drahomir. Then Stella. Drahomir.--The last evening and the last time. (After a while.) O Lord, thy will be done! Stella (enters).--The Doctor told me that you wished to see me. Drahomir.--Yes, madam. Pray forgive my boldness. A very important affair calls me home. I come to bid you good-bye. Stella.--You are going away? Drahomir.--To day I am going to Swietlenice, to-morrow still further. (A moment of silence.) Stella.--Yes, it is necessary. Drahomir.--Life has flown like a dream--it is time to wake up. Stella.--Shall we see each other again? Drahomir.--If God permits it. Stella.--Then let us shake hands in farewell. I can assure you that you have a friend in me. Friendship is like an immortal--it is a pale flower, but does not wither. May God guide you and protect you. The heart--of a sister--will follow you everywhere. Remember-- Drahomir.--Farewell. Stella.--Farewell. (She goes toward the door. Then suddenly turns. With a sob in her voice.) Why do you deceive me? You are going forever. Drahomir.--Have mercy on me. Stella.--Are you going away forever? Drahomir.--Yes, then. Stella.--I guessed it. But perhaps it is better--for both of us. Drahomir.--Oh, yes. There are things which cannot be expressed, although the heart is bursting. A while ago you told me that you will remember--it will be better for you to forget. Stella.--I cannot. (She weeps.) Drahomir (passionately).--Then I love you, my dearest, and that is the reason why I escape. (He presses her to his breast.) Stella (awakening).--Oh, God! (She rushes, out.) SCENE IX. Drahomir. Jozwowicz. George. (George stops with Jozwowicz near the door.) Drahomir.--Ah, it is you, George.