[To the
soldiers, insolently.] You know your orders? You remember what
you have to do when the Empress gives you the word? [The soldiers
salute in assent.]
Naryshkin passes through the curtains, admitting a blare of music
and a strip of the brilliant white candlelight from the
chandeliers in the ballroom as he does so. The white light
vanishes and the music is muffled as the curtains fall together
behind him. Presently the band stops abruptly: and Naryshkin
comes back through the curtains. He makes a warning gesture to
the soldiers, who stand at attention. Then he moves the curtain
to allow Catherine to enter. She is in full Imperial regalia, and
stops sternly just where she has entered. The soldiers fall on
their knees.
CATHERINE. Obey your orders.
The soldiers seize Edstaston, and throw him roughly at the feet
of the Empress.
CATHERINE [looking down coldly on him]. Also [the German word],
you have put me to the trouble of sending for you twice. You had
better have come the first time.
EDSTASTON [exsufflicate, and pettishly angry]. I haven't come
either time. I've been carried. I call it infernal impudence.
CATHERINE. Take care what you say.
EDSTASTON. No use. I daresay you look very majestic and very
handsome; but I can't see you; and I am not intimidated.
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