EDSTASTON. Precisely. [To Claire. ] You observe, my love: "little
darling." Well, if her Majesty calls him a darling, is it my
fault that she calls me one too?

CLAIRE. I don't care: I don't think you ought to have done it. I
am very angry and offended.

EDSTASTON. They tied me up, dear. I couldn't help it. I fought
for all I was worth.

THE SERGEANT [at the curtains]. He fought with the strength of
lions and bears. God knows I shall carry a broken sweetbread to
my grave.

EDSTASTON. You can't mean to throw me over, Claire. [Urgently.]
Claire. Claire.

VARINKA [in a transport of sympathetic emotion, pleading with
clasped hands to Claire]. Oh, sweet little angel lamb, he loves
you: it shines in his darling eyes. Pardon him, pardon him.

PATIOMKIN [rushing from the Empress's side to Claire and falling
on his knees to her]. Pardon him, pardon him, little cherub!
little wild duck! little star! little glory! little jewel in the
crown of heaven!

CLAIRE. This is perfectly ridiculous.

VARINKA [kneeling to her]. Pardon him, pardon him, little