Stella.--He said that he might be obliged to go away in a few days. I have a presentiment that you are hiding something from me. What does it mean? Do not torture me any longer. I am so miserable that you should have pity on me. Doctor.--Do not let anything worry you. What can there be the matter? An idle fancy, that is all! The care of loving hearts surrounds you. Why should you have such a wild imagination? You had better return to your apartment and do not receive any one. I will come to see you in a moment. Stella.--Then truly there is nothing bad? Doctor.--What an idea! Pray believe me, I should be able to remove anything which would threaten your happiness. Stella (stretching out her hand to him).--Oh, Mr. Jozwowicz, happiness is a very difficult thing to take hold of. May only the peace not leave us. (She goes to enter the room in which Anton is.) Doctor.--This way, princess. Some one is waiting for me in that room. In a moment I will come to see you. Pray do not receive any one. Anton! (The princess goes out.) SCENE V. Anton, Jozwowicz, then a Servant. Anton.--Here I am. Poor child! Doctor.--I cannot go for her sake. I must be here and not let the bad news reach her, for it would kill her. Anton.--What! and you, knowing this, you still expose her, and sacrifice her for yourself? Doctor (passionately).--I love her and I must have her, even if the walls of this house should crumble around our heads. Anton.--Man, you are talking nonsense. Doctor.--Man, you are talking like a nincompoop, and not like a man. You have plenty of words in your mouth, but you lack strength--you cannot face facts. Who would dare say: You have no right to defend yourself? Anton (after a while).--Good-bye. Doctor.--Where are you going? Anton.--I return to the city. Doctor.--Are you with me or against me? Anton.--I am an honest man. A servant (enters).--A messenger brought this letter from Miliszewski. Doctor.--Give it to me. Go (tears the envelop and reads) "Pretwic is dead." (After a while) Ah-- Anton.--Before I go I must answer your question as to why I am going. I have served you faithfully. I served you like a dog because I believed in you. You knew how to use me, or perhaps to use me up. I knew that I was a tool, but I did not care for that, because--But now-- Doctor.--You give up the public affair?