It is scandalous.
PATIOMKIN. Darling beloved, I am drunk; but I know what I am
doing. I wish to stand well with the English.
VARINKA. And you think you will impress an Englishman by
receiving him as you are now, half drunk?
PATIOMKIN [gravely]. It is true: the English despise men who
cannot drink. I must make myself wholly drunk [he takes a huge
draught of brandy.]
VARINKA. Sot!
The Sergeant returns ushering a handsome strongly built young
English officer in the uniform of a Light Dragoon. He is
evidently on fairly good terms with himself, and very sure of his
social position. He crosses the room to the end of the table
opposite Patiomkin's, and awaits the civilities of that statesman
with confidence. The Sergeant remains prudently at the door.
THE SERGEANT [paternally]. Little Father, this is the English
captain, so well recommended to her sacred Majesty the Empress.
God knows, he needs your countenance and protec-- [he vanishes
precipitately, seeing that Patiomkin is about to throw a bottle
at him. The Captain contemplates these preliminaries with
astonishment, and with some displeasure, which is not allayed
when, Patiomkin, hardly condescending to look at his visitor, of
whom he nevertheless takes stock with the corner of his one eye,
says gruffly].
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