philosopher.

CATHERINE [suddenly smiling and extending her hand to him to be
kissed]. Courtier!

EDSTASTON [kissing it]. Not at all. Your Majesty is very good. I
have been very awkward; but I did not intend it. I am rather
stupid, I am afraid.

CATHERINE. Stupid! By no means. Courage, Captain: we are pleased.
[He falls on his knee. She takes his cheeks in her hands: turns
up his face: and adds] We are greatly pleased. [She slaps his
cheek coquettishly: he bows almost to his knee.] The petit lever
is over. [She turns to go into the cabinet, and stumbles against
the supine Patiomkin.] Ach! [Edstaston springs to her assistance,
seizing Patiomkin's heels and shifting him out of the Empress's
path.] We thank you, Captain.

He bows gallantly and is rewarded by a very gracious smile. Then
Catherine goes into her cabinet, followed by the princess
Dashkoff, who turns at the door to make a deep courtsey to
Edstaston.

VARINKA. Happy Little Father! Remember: I did this for you. [She
runs out after the Empress.]

Edstaston, somewhat dazed, crosses the room to the courtiers, and
is received with marked deference, each courtier making him a
profound bow or curtsey before withdrawing through the central
doors. He returns each obeisance with a nervous jerk, and turns