BLUNTSCHLI.
I can’t help it. When you get into that noble attitude and speak in that thrilling voice, I admire you; but I find it impossible to believe a single word you say.
RAINA.
(superbly). Captain Bluntschli!
BLUNTSCHLI.
(unmoved). Yes?
RAINA.
(coming a little towards him, as if she could not believe her senses). Do you mean what you said just now? Do you know what you said just now?
BLUNTSCHLI.
I do.
RAINA.
(gasping). I! I!!! (She points to herself incredulously, meaning “I, Raina Petkoff, tell lies!” He meets her gaze unflinchingly. She suddenly sits down beside him, and adds, with a complete change of manner from the heroic to the familiar) How did you find me out?
BLUNTSCHLI.
(promptly). Instinct, dear young lady. Instinct, and experience of the world.
RAINA.
(wonderingly). Do you know, you are the first man I ever met who did not take me seriously?
BLUNTSCHLI.
You mean, don’t you, that I am the first man that has ever taken you quite seriously?
RAINA.
Yes, I suppose I do mean that. (Cosily, quite at her ease with him.) How strange it is to be talked to in such a way! You know, I’ve always gone on like that—I mean the noble attitude and the thrilling voice. I did it when I was a tiny child to my nurse. She believed in it. I do it before my parents. They believe in it. I do it before Sergius. He believes in it.