conceal his interest in the visitor.

VARINKA. Have you no shame? You refuse to see the most exalted
persons. You kick princes and generals downstairs. And then you
see an English captain merely because he has given a rouble to
that common soldier. It is scandalous.

PATIOMKIN. Darling beloved, I am drunk; but I know what I am
doing. I wish to stand well with the English.

VARINKA. And you think you will impress an Englishman by
receiving him as you are now, half drunk?

PATIOMKIN [gravely]. It is true: the English despise men who
cannot drink. I must make myself wholly drunk [he takes a huge
draught of brandy.]

VARINKA. Sot!

The Sergeant returns ushering a handsome strongly built young
English officer in the uniform of a Light Dragoon. He is
evidently on fairly good terms with himself, and very sure of his
social position. He crosses the room to the end of the table
opposite Patiomkin's, and awaits the civilities of that statesman
with confidence. The Sergeant remains prudently at the door.

THE SERGEANT [paternally]. Little Father, this is the English
captain, so well recommended to her sacred Majesty the Empress.
God knows, he needs your countenance and protec-- [he vanishes
precipitately, seeing that Patiomkin is about to throw a bottle