Countess.—­Then you have not killed Pretwic?  You have not fought?

Doctor.—­Madam, be silent.

Stella.—­Who is killed?

Countess.—­Stella, my dearest, Drahomir has killed Pretwic.

Stella.—­Killed!  O God!

Doctor.—­Princess, it is not true.

Stella.—­Killed! (She staggers and falls.)

Doctor.—­She has fainted.  Let us carry her to her chamber.

Prince.—­My child!

Czeska.—­Stelunia! (The prince and Jozwowicz carry Stella.  The countess and Czeska follow them.)

Jan (alone).—­It is dreadful.  Who could have expected that mamma would return! (The countess appears in the door.) Mamma, how is the princess?

Countess.—­The doctor is trying to bring her to her senses.  Until now he has not succeeded.  Jan, let us be going.

Jan (in despair).—­I shall not go.  Why did you return from the city?

Countess.—­For you.  To-day is election day—­have you forgotten it?

Jan.—­I do not wish to be a member of parliament.  Why did you tell her that Pretwic was killed?

SCENE IX.

The same.  Jozwowicz.

Countess and Jan together.—­What news?

Doctor.—­Everything is over. (The bell is heard tolling in the chapel of the chateau.)

Jan (frightened).—­What, the bell of the chapel?  Then she is dead! 
(Jozwowicz comes to the front of the stage and sits down.)

SCENE X.

The same.  Podczaski.

Podczaski (rushing in suddenly).—­Victory!  Victory!  The deputation is here. (Voices behind the stage) Hurrah!  Hurrah! for victory!

Jozwowicz.—­I have lost!

FINIS.