He FELL downstairs. I picked him
up; and he kicked me. They all kick me when you kick them. God
knows that is not just, Little Father!
PATIOMKIN [laughs ogreishly; then returns to his place at the
table, chuckling]!!!
VARINKA. Savage! Boot! It is a disgrace. No wonder the French
sneer at us as barbarians.
THE SERGEANT [who has crept round the table to the screen, and
insinuated himself between Patiomkin's back and Varinka]. Do you
think the Prince will see the captain, little darling?
PATIOMKIN. He will not see any captain. Go to the devil!
THE SERGEANT. Be merciful, Little Father. God knows it is your
duty to see him! [To Varinka.] Intercede for him and for me,
beautiful little darling. He has given me a rouble.
PATIOMKIN. Oh, send him in, send him in; and stop pestering me.
Am I never to have a moment's peace?
The Sergeant salutes joyfully and hurries out, divining that
Patiomkin has intended to see the English captain all along, and
has played this comedy of fury and exhausted impatience to
conceal his interest in the visitor.
VARINKA. Have you no shame? You refuse to see the most exalted
persons. You kick princes and generals downstairs. And then you
see an English captain merely because he has given a rouble to
that common soldier.
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