(Drahomir enters.) I am waiting for you, sir. Is Mr. Pretwic in the
chateau?
Drahomir.--He is with the prince.
Doctor.--Count, be seated, and let us talk.
Drahomir (uneasily).--I am listening, sir.
Doctor.--You are in love with the princess.
Drahomir.--Mr. Jozwowicz!
Doctor.--On your honor--yes or no?
Drahomir.--Only God has the right to ask me such a question. I do not
dare to ask myself.
Doctor.--And your conscience?
Drahomir.--And no one else.
Doctor.--Then let us turn the question. She loves you.
Drahomir.--Be silent, sir. Oh, God!
Doctor.--Your pride is broken. You knew of it?
Drahomir.--I did not wish to know it.
Doctor.--But now you are aware of it.
Drahomir.--That is the reason why I am going away from here forever.
Doctor.--It is too late, sir. You have tangled her life and now you
leave her.
Drahomir.--For God's sake, what shall I do, then?
Doctor.--Go away, but not forever, and not without telling her
good-bye.
Drahomir.--Why should I add the last drop to an already overflowing
cup?
Doctor.--A beautiful phrase. Can you not understand that it will hurt
her good name if you should go away suddenly without taking leave
of her? And she--she is ill and she may not be able to bear your
departure.
Drahomir.--I do not see any remedy--
Doctor.--There is only one. Find some pretext, bid her good-bye
quietly, and tell her that you will be back.
Pages:
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143