SCENE III.
Jozwowicz. Anton.
Anton (rushing in).—Man, have you become an idiot? When every moment is valuable, you remain here. The results are uncertain. They have put up big posters—Husarski's partisans are catching the votes in the streets. For God's sake come with me. A carriage is waiting for us.
Doctor.—I must remain here. I cannot go under any consideration in the world. Let be what may.
Anton.—I did not expect such conduct from you. Come and show yourself, if only for a moment, and the victory is ours. I cannot speak any more. I am dead tired. Have you become a madman? There—we have worked for him, and he clings to a petticoat and stays here.
Doctor.—Anton! Even if I should lose there I would not stir one step from here. I cannot and I will not go.
Anton.—So?
Doctor.—Yes.
Anton.—Do what you please, then. Very well. My congratulations. (He walks up and down the room; then he puts his hands in his pockets and stands before Jozwowicz.) What does it mean?
Doctor.—It means that I must remain here. At this moment Drahomir stands opposite Pretwic with a pistol. If the news of the fight should come to the princess, she would pay for it with her life.
Anton.—They are fighting!
Doctor.—For life or death. In a moment the news will come who is killed. (A moment of silence.)
Anton.—Jozwowicz, you have done all this.
Doctor.—Yes, it is I, I crushed those who were in my way, and I shall act the same always. You have me such as I am.
Anton.—If so, I am no longer in a hurry. Do you know what I am going to tell you?
Doctor.—You must go for a while. The princess is coming. (He opens the door of a side room.) Go in there for a moment.