Prince.—Thunders? Mrs. Czeska, what? Have your heard thunder?
Czeska.—It is a very usual thing at the end of spring. Do not mind it.
Countess (in a low voice).—Jan, go ahead.
Jan.—Yes, mamma, I am going.
Countess.—Prince, you will see that Jan will not be elected purely on account of the hatred against us. They say that he does not know the country, and does not understand its needs. But before all we must not allow such people as Jozwowicz to become important in the country. Prince, is it not so?
Prince.—He will not ask your permission.
Countess.—That is exactly why the world must be coming to an end—that such people can do as they please! They dare to say that Jan will not be able to make a good representative, and that Mr. Jozwowicz will. Jan was always an excellent student in Metz. Jan, were you not a good student?
Jan.—Yes, mamma.
Podczaski.—Countess, you are perfectly right. It is the end of the world.
Stella.—What did you study especially?