at him. The Captain contemplates these preliminaries with
astonishment, and with some displeasure, which is not allayed
when, Patiomkin, hardly condescending to look at his visitor, of
whom he nevertheless takes stock with the corner of his one eye,
says gruffly]. Well?

EDSTASTON. My name is Edstaston: Captain Edstaston of the Light
Dragoons. I have the honor to present to your Highness this
letter from the British ambassador, which will give you all
necessary particulars. [He hands Patiomkin the letter.]

PATIOMKIN [tearing it open and glancing at it for about a
second]. What do you want?

EDSTASTON. The letter will explain to your Highness who I am.

PATIOMKIN. I don't want to know who you are. What do you want?

EDSTASTON. An audience of the Empress. [Patiomkin contemptuously
throws the letter aside. Edstaston adds hotly.] Also some
civility, if you please.

PATIOMKIN [with derision]. Ho!

VARINKA. My uncle is receiving you with unusual civility,
Captain. He has just kicked a general downstairs.

EDSTASTON. A Russian general, madam?

VARINKA. Of course.