SCENE IV.
The same. Mrs. Czeska.
Czeska (entering).—You wished to speak to me?
Doctor.—Yes, madam.
Anton (bows to Mrs. Czeska, then speaks to Jozwowicz).—I am going to get the money and I will be back in a moment.
Doctor.—Very well. (Anton goes out.)
Czeska.—Who is that gentleman?
Doctor.—A pilot.
Czeska.—What do you mean?
Doctor.—He guides the boat in which I am sailing. As for the rest, he is a horribly honest man.
Czeska.—I do not understand very well. What did you wish to speak to me about?
Doctor.—About the princess. You are both like mother and daughter, and you should have her entire confidence. What is the matter with her? She conceals something—some sorrow. As a doctor I must know everything, because in order to cure physical disease one must know the moral cause. (Aside) The spirit of Aesculapius forgive me this phrase.
Czeska.—My good sir, what are you asking about?
Doctor.—I have told you that the princess conceals some sorrow.
Czeska.—I do not know.
Doctor.—We both love her; let us then speak frankly.
Czeska.—I am willing.
Doctor.—Then, does she love her fiancé?
Czeska.—How can you ask me such a question? If she did not, she would not be betrothed to him. It is such a simple thing that even I do not talk to her about it any more.
Doctor.—You say: "I do not talk about it any more"; so you have already talked about it.
Czeska.—Yes. She told me that she was afraid she did not love him enough. But every pure soul fears that it does not fulfil its duty. Why did you ask me that?
Doctor (saluting her).—I have my reasons. I wished to know. (Aside) I am wasting my time with her.