Stella (appearing in the doorway leading to the garden.  She claps her hands).—­What good news!  The doctor is coming.  He is already in the village.  Papa will at once be more quiet and is in better humor.

Czeska.—­You must not rush.  She is already tired.  Where is the prince?

Stella.—­In the garden.  He wishes you to come here.

George.—­We will go.

Stella (steps forward—­then stops).—­But you must not tell the doctor anything of our affair.  I wish to tell him first.  I have asked papa also to keep the secret. (They go out.)

SCENE IV.

Jozwowicz (enters through the principal door).—­Jan, carry my trunk up-stairs and have the package I left in the antechamber sent at once to Mr. Anton Zuk, the secretary of the county.

Servant (bows).—­Very well, doctor.

Jozwowicz (advances).—­At last (servant goes out).  After three months of absence, how quiet this house is always!  In a moment I will greet them as a future member of the parliament.  I have thrown six years of hard work, sleepless nights, fame, and learning into the chasm which separates us—­and now we shall see! (He goes toward the door leading to the garden.) They are coming—­she has not changed at all.

SCENE V.

(Through the door enter Stella, Mrs. Czeska, George, followed by Drahomir, arm and arm with the Prince Starogrodzki.)

Stella.—­Here is our doctor!  Our dear doctor!  How do you do?  We were looking for you!

Czeska (bows ceremoniously).—­Especially the prince.

Jozwowicz (kissing Stella’s hand).—­Good evening, princess.  I have also been anxious to return.  I have come to stay for a longer time—­to rest.  Ah, the prince!  How is Your Highness’s health?

Prince (shaking hands).—­Dear boy.  I am not well.  You did well to come.  You must see at once what is the matter with me.

Jozwowicz.—­But now Your Highness will introduce me to these gentlemen.

Prince.—­It is true.  Doctor Jozwowicz, the minister of my interior affairs—­I said it well, did I not?  For you do look after my health.  Count Karol Drahomir.

Drahomir.—­Your name is familiar to me, therefore, strictly speaking, I alone ought to introduce myself.

Doctor.—­Sir.

Prince (introducing).—­Mr. George Pretwic, our neighbor, and—­(Stella makes a sign) and—­I wish to say—­

George.—­If I am not mistaken, your schoolmate.

Doctor.—­I did not wish to be the first to recollect.

George.—­I am glad to see you.  It is quite a long time since then, but we were good comrades.  Truly, I am very glad, especially after what I have heard here about you.

Drahomir.—­You are the good spirit of this house.

Stella.—­Oh, yes!

Prince.—­Let me tell you my opinion of him.