So Runs the World

Doctor. – What can I do for you?

Podczaski. – Well, sir, I am going to come right to the point. You know what services I have rendered the Countess Miliszewski?

Doctor. – Yes, you have been agitating against me in favor of Count Miliszewski. Podczaski. – No, not at all, sir. Well, sir, it was so, but I am going to change that, and you may be certain —

Doctor. – In a word, what do you wish, sir?

Podczaski. – God sees, sir, that I served the countess faithfully, and it cost me quite a little, but on consulting my conscience I have concluded not to act any more against such a man as you, sir, for the sake of the country.

Doctor. – I appreciate your sentiments, which are those of a good citizen. You do not wish to act against me any longer?

Podczaski. – No, sir!

Doctor. – You are right. Then you are with me?

Podczaski. – If I may offer my services —

Doctor. – I accept.

Podczaski (aside). – He is a man – I have a hundred florins in my pocket already. (Aloud) My gratitude —

Doctor. – Mine will be shown after the election.

Podczaski. – Oh!

SCENE III

The same. Jan Miliszewski – then Anton.

Jan. – Good-morning, doctor. Is my mother here?

Doctor. – The countess is not here.

Jan. – We came together, but mamma went directly to the prince's apartment. I remained alone and I cannot find my way to the prince's apartment. (Seeing Podczaski, who bows to him) Ah! Mr. Podczaski, what are you doing here?

Podczaski. – Your servant, sir. Well, I came to consult the doctor – I have rheumatism in my feet.

Jan. – Doctor, will you be kind enough to show me to the Prince's apartment?

Doctor. – They are in the left wing of the château.

Jan. – Thank you. But later I would like to have a talk with you.

Doctor. – I will be at your service, sir.

(Jan goes toward the door. He knocks against Anton.)

Anton. – I beg your pardon, sir.

Jan. – Pardon (he adjusts his monocle and looks at Anton – then goes out).

Anton (to Doctor). – I was told you were here and I rushed. Listen, a matter of great importance. (Seeing Podczaski) What! You are here? Our adversary here?

Podczaski (speaking in Anton's ear). – I am no longer your adversary.

Anton (looking at him). – So much the better then – but leave us alone just the same.

Podczaski (aside). – Bad. (Aloud) Gentleman, do not forget me. (Aside)

The devil has taken my hundred florins. (He goes out.)

Anton. – What did he wish?

Doctor. – Money.

Anton. – Did you give it to him?

Doctor. – No.

Anton. – You did well. We do not bribe. But no matter about that. What good luck that they put up Miliszewski for a candidate. Otherwise you would be lost because Husarski would have had the majority.

Doctor. – Anton, I am sure that we will be defeated.

Anton. – No! What am I for? Uf! How tired I am. Let me rest for five minutes (he sits down). Good gracious! how soft the furniture is here. We must donate some money for some public purpose. Have you any money?

Doctor. – I have some.

Anton. – We are going to give that money to build a school.

Doctor. – Here is the key of my desk – you will find some ready money there, and some checks.

Anton. – Very well, but I must rest a moment. In the mean while what is the news here? You are not looking well. Your eyes have sunken. Upon my word, I was not so much in love with my wife. Speak – I will rest in the mean while – but speak frankly.

Doctor. – I will be frank with you.

Anton. – What more?

Doctor. – That marriage will be broken off.

Anton. – Why.

Doctor. – Because there are times when these people do not succeed in anything.

Anton. – To the garret with those peacocks. And what about that cannibal Pretwic?

Doctor. – A long story. The princess has mistaken the sympathy which she feels for him for something more serious. To-day she knows that she does not love him.

Anton. – That is good. Truly, it looks as though they were pursued by fate. It is the lot of races that have lived too long.