CLAIRE. What on earth do you mean?
EDSTASTON. Well, the long and short of it is--don't think me a
coxcomb, Claire: it is too serious to mince matters--I have seen
the Empress; and--
CLAIRE. Well, you wanted to see her.
EDSTASTON. Yes; but the Empress has seen me.
CLAIRE. She has fallen in love with you!
EDSTASTON. How did you know?
CLAIRE. Dearest: as if anyone could help it.
EDSTASTON. Oh, don't make me feel like a fool. But, though it
does sound conceited to say it, I flatter myself I'm better
looking than Patiomkin and the other hogs she is accustomed to.
Anyhow, I daren't risk staying.
CLAIRE. What a nuisance! Mamma will be furious at having to pack,
and at missing the Court ball this evening.
EDSTASTON. I can't help that. We haven't a moment to lose.
CLAIRE. May I tell her she will be knouted if we stay?
EDSTASTON. Do, dearest.
He kisses her and lets her go, expecting her to run into the
house.
CLAIRE [pausing thoughtfully]. Is she--is she good-looking when
you see her close?
EDSTASTON. Not a patch on you, dearest.
CLAIRE [jealous]. Then you did see her close?
EDSTASTON. Fairly close.
CLAIRE. Indeed! How close? No: that's silly of me: I will tell
mamma.
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