Jan.--He permitted himself to be killed. I saw that very plainly. He did not fire at Drahomir at all. He did not wish to kill Drahomir. Six steps--it was too near. It was dreadful to look at his death. Truly, I would have preferred to be killed myself. They had to fire on command--one! two! three! We heard the shot, but only one. We rushed--Pretwic advanced two steps, knelt and tried to speak. The blood flowed from his mouth. Then he took up the pistol and fired to one side. We were around him and he said to Drahomir: "You have done me a favor and I thank you. This life belonged to you, because you saved it. Forgive me," he said, "brother!" Then he said: "Give me your hand" and expired. (He wipes his forehead with a handkerchief.) Drahomir threw himself on his breast--it was dreadful. Poor Princess Stella. What will become of her now? Doctor.--For God's sake, not a word in her presence. She is ill. Jan.--I will be silent. Doctor.--You must control your emotion. Jan.--I cannot. My knees are trembling. SCENE VII. The same. The prince leaning on Stella's shoulder, and Mrs. Czeska. Prince.--I thought Pretwic was with you. Jozwowicz, where is Pretwic? Doctor.--I do not know. Stella.--Did he tell you where he was going? Doctor.--I know nothing about it. Czeska (to Jan).--Count, what is the matter with you? You are so pale. Jan.--Nothing. It is on account of the heat. Prince.--Jozwowicz, Pretwic told me-- SCENE VIII. (The door opens suddenly. Countess Miliszewska rushes in). Countess.--Jan, where is my Jan? O God, what is the matter? How dreadful! Doctor (rushing toward her).--Be silent, madam. Stella.--What has happened? Countess.--Then you have not killed Pretwic? You have not fought? Doctor.--Madam, be silent. Stella.--Who is killed? Countess.--Stella, my dearest, Drahomir has killed Pretwic. Stella.--Killed! O God! Doctor.--Princess, it is not true. Stella.--Killed! (She staggers and falls.) Doctor.--She has fainted. Let us carry her to her chamber. Prince.--My child! Czeska.--Stelunia! (The prince and Jozwowicz carry Stella. The countess and Czeska follow them.) Jan (alone).--It is dreadful. Who could have expected that mamma would return! (The countess appears in the door.) Mamma, how is the princess? Countess.--The doctor is trying to bring her to her senses. Until now he has not succeeded. Jan, let us be going. Jan (in despair).--I shall not go. Why did you return from the city? Countess.--For you. To-day is election day--have you forgotten it? Jan.--I do not wish to be a member of parliament. Why did you tell her that Pretwic was killed? SCENE IX. The same. Jozwowicz. Countess and Jan together.--What news? Doctor.--Everything is over. (The bell is heard tolling in the chapel of the château.) Jan (frightened).--What, the bell of the chapel? Then she is dead! (Jozwowicz comes to the front of the stage and sits down.) SCENE X. The same. Podczaski.