VARINKA [surprised]. His real name? Popof, of course. Why do you
laugh, Little Father?

EDSTASTON. How can anyone with a sense of humor help laughing?
Pop off! [He is convulsed.]

VARINKA [looking at her uncle, taps her forehead significantly]!!

PATIOMKIN [aside to Varinka]. No: only English. He will amuse
Catherine. [To Edstaston.] Come, you shall tell the joke to the
Empress: she is by way of being a humorist [he takes him by the
arm, and leads him towards the door].

EDSTASTON [resisting]. No, really. I am not fit--

PATIOMKIN. Persuade him, Little angel Mother.

VARINKA [taking his other arm]. Yes, yes, yes. Little English
Father: God knows it is your duty to be brave and wait on the
Empress. Come.

EDSTASTON. No. I had rather--

PATIOMKIN [hauling him along]. Come.

VARINKA [pulling him and coaxing him]. Come, little love: you
can't refuse me.

EDSTASTON. But how can I?