But it is not with
the princess. Naturally, when mamma says: "Jan, go ahead," I go ahead,
because I cannot help it. The Miliszewskis knew how to manage the men,
but not the women.
Doctor.--I do not understand--how can I be useful to you?
Jan.--You can do anything in this house, so you must help me secretly,
to be refused.
Doctor.--Count, you may rely on me in that matter.
Jan.--Thank you.
Doctor.--And it will be so much the easier done because the princess
is betrothed.
Jan.--I did not know that any one dared to compete with me.
Doctor (aside).--What an idea! (Aloud) It is Mr. George Pretwic.
Jan.--Then they wished to make sport of me.
Doctor.--Mr. Pretwic is an audacious man. You were perfectly right
when you said the question was a delicate one. The people are afraid
of Mr. Pretwic; if you were to give up, people would say that--
Jan.--That I am also afraid? Then I will not give up. My dear sir, I
see you do not know the Miliszewskis. We do not know how to handle the
women, but there is not a coward in our family. I know that people
laugh at me, but the one who would dare to call me a coward would not
laugh. I will show them at once that I am not a coward. Where is Mr.
Pretwic?
Doctor.--He is in the garden (pointing through the window). Do you see
him there, near the lake?
Jan.--Good-bye.
SCENE VI.
Jozwowicz alone--then Anton.
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