CATHERINE. I would not deprive you of him for worlds; though
really I think he's rather a darling [she pats his cheek].

CLAIRE [snorting]. So I see, indeed.

EDSTASTON. Don't be angry, dearest: in this country everybody's a
darling. I'll prove it to you. [To Catherine.] Will your Majesty
be good enough to call Prince Patiomkin?

CATHERINE [surprised into haughtiness]. Why?

EDSTASTON. To oblige me.

Catherine laughs good-humoredly and goes to the curtains and
opens them. The band strikes up a Redowa.

CATHERINE [calling imperiously]. Patiomkin! [The music stops
suddenly.] Here! To me! Go on with your music there, you fools.
[The Redowa is resumed.]

The sergeant rushes from the ballroom to relieve the Empress of
the curtain. Patiomkin comes in dancing with Yarinka.

CATHERINE [to Patiomkin]. The English captain wants you, little
darling.

Catherine resumes her seat as Patiomkin intimates by a grotesque
bow that he is at Edstaston's service. Yarinka passes behind
Edstaston and Claire, and posts herself on Claire's right.