Jan.--Let us speak frankly. Mamma wishes me to become a member of
parliament, but I do not care for it.
Doctor.--You are too modest, sir.
Jan.--You are sneering, and I do not know how to defend myself. But
I am frank with you--I would not care a bit about being elected
to parliament if it were not for my mamma. When mamma wishes for
something it must be accomplished. All women of the family of
Srokoszynski are that way, and mamma is of that family.
Doctor.--But, count, you have a will of your own.
Jan.--That is the trouble--the Miliszewskis are all ruled by the
women. It is our family characteristic, sir.
Doctor.--A knightly characteristic indeed! But what can I do for you?
Jan.--I am not going to oppose you.
Doctor.--I must be as frank with you as you are with me. Until now you
have helped me.
Jan.--I don't know how, but if it is so, then you must help me in your
turn.
Doctor.--In what?
Jan.--It is a very delicate question. But you must not tell mamma
anything about it.
Doctor.--Certainly not.
Jan.--Mamma wishes me to marry the princess, but I, sir, I do not
want--
Doctor.--You do not want?
Jan.--It astonishes you?
Doctor.--I must be frank--
Jan.--I do not wish to because I do not wish to. When a man does not
feel like marrying, then he does not feel like it. You will suppose
that I am in love with some one else? It may be.
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