You are both like mother and daughter,
and you should have her entire confidence. What is the matter with
her? She conceals something--some sorrow. As a doctor I must know
everything, because in order to cure physical disease one must know
the moral cause. (Aside) The spirit of Aesculapius forgive me this
phrase.
Czeska.--My good sir, what are you asking about?
Doctor.--I have told you that the princess conceals some sorrow.
Czeska.--I do not know.
Doctor.--We both love her; let us then speak frankly.
Czeska.--I am willing.
Doctor.--Then, does she love her fiance?
Czeska.--How can you ask me such a question? If she did not, she would
not be betrothed to him. It is such a simple thing that even I do not
talk to her about it any more.
Doctor.--You say: "I do not talk about it any more"; so you have
already talked about it.
Czeska.--Yes. She told me that she was afraid she did not love him
enough. But every pure soul fears that it does not fulfil its duty.
Why did you ask me that?
Doctor (saluting her).--I have my reasons. I wished to know. (Aside) I
am wasting my time with her.
SCENE V.
The same. Jan Miliszewski.
Jan.--I could not find mamma. Good-morning, madam. Do I intrude?
Czeska.--Not at all, sir. (To Jozwowicz) She will do her duty; rest
assured of that.
Doctor.--Thank you. (Czeska goes out.)
Jan.--Doctor.
Doctor.--I am listening to you, sir.
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