SERGIUS.
Thank you, none for me. (He gets away from the table with a certain distaste for Petkoff’s enjoyment of it, and posts himself with conscious grace against the rail of the steps leading to the house.)
CATHERINE.
You look superb—splendid. The campaign has improved you. Everybody here is mad about you. We were all wild with enthusiasm about that magnificent cavalry charge.
SERGIUS.
(with grave irony). Madam: it was the cradle and the grave of my military reputation.
CATHERINE.
How so?
SERGIUS.
I won the battle the wrong way when our worthy Russian generals were losing it the right way. That upset their plans, and wounded their self-esteem. Two of their colonels got their regiments driven back on the correct principles of scientific warfare. Two major-generals got killed strictly according to military etiquette. Those two colonels are now major-generals; and I am still a simple major.
CATHERINE.
You shall not remain so, Sergius. The women are on your side; and they will see that justice is done you.
SERGIUS.
It is too late. I have only waited for the peace to send in my resignation.
PETKOFF.
(dropping his cup in his amazement). Your resignation!
CATHERINE.
Oh, you must withdraw it!
SERGIUS.
(with resolute, measured emphasis, folding his arms). I never withdraw!