throws her arms round Patiomkin's neck and covers his face with
kisses].

THE SERGEANT [moved to tears]. Sainted Nicholas: bless your
lambs!

CATHERINE. Do you wonder now that I love Russia as I love no
other place on earth?

NARYSHKIN [appearing at the door]. Majesty: the model for the new
museum has arrived.

CATHERINE [rising eagerly and making for the curtains]. Let us
go. I can think of nothing but my museum. [In the archway she
stops and turns to Edstaston, who has hurried to lift the curtain
for her.] Captain, I wish you every happiness that your little
angel can bring you. [For his ear alone.] I could have brought
you more; but you did not think so. Farewell.

EDSTASTON [kissing her hand, which, instead of releasing, he
holds caressingly and rather patronizingly in his own]. I feel
your Majesty's kindness so much that I really cannot leave you
without a word of plain wholesome English advice.

CATHERINE snatching her hand away and bounding forward as if he
had touched her with a spur]. Advice!!!

PATIOMKIN. Madman: take care!

NARYSHKIN. Advise the Empress!!