VARINKA. You don't admire her, then?
EDSTASTON. Well, I—naturally—of course, I can't deny that the uniform was very becoming—perhaps a little unfeminine—still-
- Dead silence. Catherine and the Court watch him stonily. He is wretchedly embarrassed.
CATHERINE [with cold majesty]. Well, sir: is that all you have to say?
EDSTASTON. Surely there is no harm in noticing that er—that er—[He stops again.]
CATHERINE. Noticing that er—? [He gazes at her, speechless, like a fascinated rabbit. She repeats fiercely.] That er—?
EDSTASTON [startled into speech]. Well, that your Majesty was— was—[soothingly] Well, let me put it this way: that it was rather natural for a man to admire your Majesty without being a philosopher.
CATHERINE [suddenly smiling and extending her hand to him to be kissed]. Courtier!
EDSTASTON [kissing it]. Not at all. Your Majesty is very good. I have been very awkward; but I did not intend it. I am rather stupid, I am afraid.
CATHERINE. Stupid! By no means. Courage, Captain: we are pleased. [He falls on his knee. She takes his cheeks in her hands: turns up his face: and adds] We are greatly pleased. [She slaps his cheek coquettishly: he bows almost to his knee.] The petit lever is over. [She turns to go into the cabinet, and stumbles against the supine Patiomkin.] Ach! [Edstaston springs to her assistance, seizing Patiomkin's heels and shifting him out of the Empress's path.] We thank you, Captain.
- He bows gallantly and is rewarded by a very gracious smile. Then Catherine goes into her cabinet
