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.
Prince.--I have been a second father to you.
Doctor.--Your Highness, let us speak calmly. If you have been to me a
father, I have until now been to you a son. But the father must not
bar to his son the road to distinction.
Prince.--Public distinction is not for such people as you, sir.
Doctor (laughing).--A moment ago Your Highness called me a son.
Prince.--What son?
Doctor.
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