English Father: God knows it is your duty to be brave and wait on the Empress. Come.
EDSTASTON. No. I had rather—
PATIOMKIN [hauling him along]. Come.
VARINKA [pulling him and coaxing him]. Come, little love: you can't refuse me.
EDSTASTON. But how can I?
PATIOMKIN. Why not? She won't eat you.
VARINKA. She will; but you must come.
EDSTASTON. I assure you—it is quite out of the question—my clothes—
VARINKA. You look perfect.
PATIOMKIN. Come along, darling.
EDSTASTON [struggling]. Impossible—
VARINKA. Come, come, come.
EDSTASTON. No. Believe me—I don't wish—I—
VARINKA. Carry him, uncle.
PATIOMKIN [lifting him in his arms like a father carrying a little boy]. Yes: I'll carry you.
EDSTASTON. Dash it all, this is ridiculous!
VARINKA [seizing his ankles and dancing as he is carried out]. You must come. If you kick you will blacken my eyes.
PATIOMKIN. Come, baby, come.
- By this time they have made their way through the door and are out of hearing.
