PETKOFF.
Why not shout for him?
CATHERINE.
Civilized people never shout for their servants. I’ve learnt that while you were away.
PETKOFF.
Well, I’ll tell you something I’ve learnt, too. Civilized people don’t hang out their washing to dry where visitors can see it; so you’d better have all that (indicating the clothes on the bushes) put somewhere else.
CATHERINE.
Oh, that’s absurd, Paul: I don’t believe really refined people notice such things.
(Someone is heard knocking at the stable gates.)
PETKOFF.
There’s Sergius. (Shouting.) Hollo, Nicola!
CATHERINE.
Oh, don’t shout, Paul: it really isn’t nice.
PETKOFF.
Bosh! (He shouts louder than before.) Nicola!
NICOLA.
(appearing at the house door). Yes, sir.
PETKOFF.
If that is Major Saranoff, bring him round this way. (He pronounces the name with the stress on the second syllable—Sarah-noff.)