Doctor.—What are these people doing here, and what does she wish to tell me? Is it possible—But no, it is impossible. I am uneasy, but in a moment everything will be cleared up. What an ass I am! She simply wishes to talk to me about the prince's health. It is this moonlight that makes me so dreamy—I ought to have a guitar.
Stella (entering).—Mr. Jozwowicz?
Doctor.—I am here, princess.
Stella.—I did my best not to make you wait too long. Let us be seated and have a talk, as formerly, when I was small and not well and you took care of my health. I remember sometimes I used to fall asleep, and you carried me in your arms to my room.
Doctor.—The darling of every one in the house was very weak then.
Stella.—And to-day, if she is well, it is thanks to you. If she has any knowledge, it is also thanks to you. I am a plant of which you have taken good care.
Doctor.—And my greatest pride. There were few calm, genial moments in my life—and peace I found only in that house.
Stella.—You were always good, and for that reason I look upon you as an older brother.
Doctor.—Your words form the only smile in my life. I not only respect you, but I also love you dearly—like a sister, like my own child.
Stella.—Thank you. I have not the same confidence in any one else's judgment and honesty as I have in yours, so I wished to speak to you about an important matter. I hope even that what I am going to tell you will please you as much as it pleases me. Is it true that you are going to become a member of parliament?