In the wall adjoining that pierced by the
arch is a door. The only piece of furniture is a very handsome
chair on the arch side. In the ballroom they are dancing a
polonaise to the music of a brass band.
Naryshkin enters through the door, followed by the soldiers
carrying Edstaston, still trussed to the pole. Exhausted and
dogged, he makes no sound.
NARYSHKIN. Halt. Get that pole clear of the prisoner. [They dump
Edstaston on the floor and detach the pole. Naryshkin stoops over
him and addresses him insultingly. Well! are you ready to be
tortured? This is the Empress's private torture chamber. Can I do
anything to make you quite comfortable? You have only to mention
it.
EDSTASTON. Have you any back teeth?
NARYSHKIN [surprised]. Why?
EDSTASTON. His Majesty King George the Third will send for six of
them when the news of this reaches London; so look out, damn your
eyes!
NARYSHKIN [frightened]. Oh, I assure you I am only obeying my
orders. Personally I abhor torture, and would save you if I
could. But the Empress is proud; and what woman would forgive the
slight you put upon her?
EDSTASTON. As I said before: Damn your eyes!
NARYSHKIN [almost in tears]. Well, it isn't my fault.
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