EDSTASTON [addled]. Well, I--I--I--that is, I--[He stammers
himself dumb.]

CATHERINE [after a pitiless silence]. We are waiting for your
answer.

EDSTASTON. But I never said I admired your Majesty. The lady has
twisted my words.

VARINKA. You don't admire her, then?

EDSTASTON. Well, I--naturally--of course, I can't deny that the
uniform was very becoming--perhaps a little unfeminine--still-

Dead silence. Catherine and the Court watch him stonily. He is
wretchedly embarrassed.

CATHERINE [with cold majesty]. Well, sir: is that all you have to
say?

EDSTASTON. Surely there is no harm in noticing that er--that er--
[He stops again.]

CATHERINE. Noticing that er--? [He gazes at her, speechless, like
a fascinated rabbit. She repeats fiercely.] That er--?

EDSTASTON [startled into speech]. Well, that your Majesty was--
was--[soothingly] Well, let me put it this way: that it was
rather natural for a man to admire your Majesty without being a