SCENE III.
Mrs. Czeska, George, then Stella.
Czeska.—I should scold you, as I have my dear girl, for keeping the secret. But she has already told me everything, so I only say, may God bless you both.
George (kissing her hand).—Thank you, madam.
Czeska.—I have reared that child. I was ten years with her, so I know what a treasure you take, sir. You have said that your hands are too rough. I have answered her—not too rough, for they are honest. But Stella is a very delicate flower. She must be loved much, and have good care taken of her. But you will be able to do it—will you not?
George.—What can I tell you? As far as it is in human power to make happy that dearest to me girl, so far I wish to assure her happiness with me.
Czeska.—With all my soul, I say: God bless you!
George.—The Princess Stella loves you like her own mother, so I will be as frank with you as with a mother. My life has been a very hard one. There was a moment when my life was suspended by one thread—Karol rescued me then, and for that I love him as a brother; and then—
Czeska.—Stella told me. You lived far from here?
George.—I was in the empty steppe, half wild myself, among strangers, therefore very sad and longing for the country. Sometimes there was not a living soul around me.