SCENE VIII.
(The door opens suddenly. Countess Miliszewska rushes in).
Countess.—Jan, where is my Jan? O God, what is the matter? How dreadful!
Doctor (rushing toward her).—Be silent, madam.
Stella.—What has happened?
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?