EDSTASTON [shortly; sitting down again]. I do not wish to discuss
it.

PATIOMKIN. You think she murdered him?

EDSTASTON. I know that people have said so.

PATIOMKIN [thunderously; springing to his feet]. It is a lie:
Orloff murdered him. [Subsiding a little.] He also knocked my eye
out; but [sitting down placidly] I succeeded him for all that.
And [patting Edstaston's hand very affectionately] I'm sorry to
say, darling, that if you become Tsar, I shall murder you.

EDSTASTON [ironically returning the caress]. Thank you. The
occasion will not arise. [Rising.] I have the honor to wish your
Highness good morning.

PATIOMKIN [jumping up and stopping him on his way to the door].
Tut tut! I'm going to take you to the Empress now, this very
instant.

EDSTASTON. In these boots? Impossible! I must change.

PATIOMKIN. Nonsense! You shall come just as you are. You shall
show her your calves later on.

EDSTASTON. But it will take me only half an hour to--

PATIOMKIN. In half an hour it will be too late for the petit
lever. Come along. Damn it, man, I must oblige the British