THE SERGEANT. Receive her in the name of the holy Nicholas.
VARINKA. She begs you for a thousand dear little kisses all over
her body.
CLAIRE [vehemently]. I do not. [Patiomkin throws her into
Edstaston's arms.] Oh! [The pair, awkward and shamefaced, recoil
from one another, and remain utterly inexpressive.]
CATHERINE [pushing Edstaston towards Claire]. There is no help
for it, Captain. This is Russia, not England.
EDSTASTON [plucking up some geniality, and kissing Claire
ceremoniously on the brow]. I have no objection.
VARINKA [disgusted]. Only one kiss! and on the forehead! Fish.
See how I kiss, though it is only my horribly ugly old uncle [she
throws her arms round Patiomkin's neck and covers his face with
kisses].
THE SERGEANT [moved to tears]. Sainted Nicholas: bless your
lambs!
CATHERINE. Do you wonder now that I love Russia as I love no
other place on earth?
NARYSHKIN [appearing at the door]. Majesty: the model for the new
museum has arrived.
CATHERINE [rising eagerly and making for the curtains]. Let us
go. I can think of nothing but my museum. [In the archway she
stops and turns to Edstaston, who has hurried to lift the curtain
for her.] Captain, I wish you every happiness that your little
angel can bring you.
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