English lady, is leaning on the river wall. She turns expectantly
on hearing the garden gate opened and closed. Edstaston hurries
in. With a cry of delight she throws her arms round his neck.

CLAIRE. Darling!

EDSTASTON [making a wry face]. Don't call me darling.

CLAIRE [amazed and chilled]. Why?

EDSTASTON. I have been called darling all the morning.

CLAIRE [with a flash of jealousy]. By whom?

EDSTASTON. By everybody. By the most unutterable swine. And if we
do not leave this abominable city now: do you hear? now; I shall
be called darling by the Empress.

CLAIRE [with magnificent snobbery]. She would not dare. Did you
tell her you were engaged to me?

EDSTASTON. Of course not.

CLAIRE. Why?

EDSTASTON. Because I didn't particularly want to have you
knouted, and to be hanged or sent to Siberia myself.

CLAIRE. What on earth do you mean?