CATHERINE.
What does this mean? (Sergius releases Louka.)
PETKOFF.
Well, my dear, it appears that Sergius is going to marry Louka instead of Raina. (She is about to break out indignantly at him: he stops her by exclaiming testily.) Don’t blame me: I’ve nothing to do with it. (He retreats to the stove.)
CATHERINE.
Marry Louka! Sergius: you are bound by your word to us!
SERGIUS.
(folding his arms). Nothing binds me.
BLUNTSCHLI.
(much pleased by this piece of common sense). Saranoff: your hand. My congratulations. These heroics of yours have their practical side after all. (To Louka.) Gracious young lady: the best wishes of a good Republican! (He kisses her hand, to Raina’s great disgust.)
CATHERINE.
(threateningly). Louka: you have been telling stories.
LOUKA.
I have done Raina no harm.
CATHERINE.
(haughtily). Raina! (Raina is equally indignant at the liberty.)
LOUKA.
I have a right to call her Raina: she calls me Louka. I told Major Saranoff she would never marry him if the Swiss gentleman came back.
BLUNTSCHLI.
(surprised). Hallo!