Stella and Drahomir. (They enter from the garden.)
Stella.--That walk tired me. See how weak I am (sits down). Where is
Mr. Pretwic?
Drahomir.--Young Miliszewski asked to speak to him a moment. The
countess is speaking to the prince. It seems that their conversation
is very animated because the countess did not know that you were
betrothed, and she had some designs on you. But pray excuse me; I
laugh and you suffer by it.
Stella.--I would laugh too if I did not know how much it troubles my
father. And then, I pity Count Miliszewski.
Drahomir.--I understand how a similar situation would be painful to a
man who was in love, but such is not the case with the count. He will
console himself if his mother orders it.
Stella.--Sometimes one may be mistaken about people.
Drahomir.--Do you speak about me or Miliszewski?
Stella.--Let us say it is about you. They told me that you were a
mirror of all perfections.
Drahomir.--And have you discovered that I am the personification of
all faults?
Stella.--I did not say so.
Drahomir.--But you think so. But I am not deceived. Your portrait
drawn by Mr. Pretwic and the Doctor is exactly like you.
Stella.--How was the portrait?
Drahomir.--With wings at the shoulders.
Stella.--That means that I have as much dignity as a butterfly.
Drahomir.--Angels' wings are in harmony with their dignity.
Stella.--True friendship should speak the truth. Tell me some bitter
one.
Drahomir.--Very bitter?
Stella.--As wormwood--or as is sometimes the case--with life.
Drahomir.--Then you are kind to me.
Stella.--For what sin shall I begin penitence?
Drahomir.--For lack of friendship for me.
Stella.--I was the first to appeal for friendship--in what respect am
I untrue to it?
Drahomir.--Because you share with me your joys, sports, laughter, but
when a moment of sorrow comes, you keep those thorns for yourself.
Pray share with me your troubles also.
Stella.--It is not egotism on my part. I do not wish to disturb your
serenity.
Drahomir.--The source of my serenity does not lie in egotism either.
George told me of you when I came here: "I know only how to look at
her and how to pray to her; you are younger and more mirthful, try to
amuse her." Therefore I brought all my good spirits and laid them at
your feet. But I notice that I have bored you. I see a cloud on your
face--I suspect some hidden sorrow, and being your best friend, I am
ready to give my life to dispel that cloud.
Stella (softly).--You must not talk that way.
Drahomir (clasping his hands).--Let me talk. I was a giddy boy, but I
always followed my heart, and my heart guessed your sorrow. Since that
moment a shadow fell across my joy, but I overcame it. One cannot
recall a tear which has rolled down the cheek, but a friendly hand can
dry it. Therefore I overcame that cloud in order that the tears should
not come to your eyes. If I have been mistaken, if I have chosen the
wrong path, pray forgive me. Your life will be as beautiful as a
bouquet of flowers, therefore be mirthful--be mirthful.
Stella (with emotion, giving him her hand).--I shall be; being near
you, I am capricious, spoiled, and a little bit ill. Sometimes I do
not know myself what is the matter with me, and what I wish. I am
happy; truly I am happy.
Drahomir.--Then, no matter, as Mrs. Czeska says. Let us be merry,
laugh, and run in the garden and play pranks with the countess and her
son.
Stella.--I have discovered the source of your mirth; it is a good
heart.
Drahomir.--No, madam. I am a great good-for-nothing. But the source of
true happiness is not in this.
Stella.--Sometimes I think that there is none in this world.
Drahomir.--We cannot grasp it with our common sense, and will not fly
after that winged vision. Sometimes perhaps it flies near us, but
before we discover it, before we stretch out our hands, it is too
late!
Stella.--What sad words--too late!