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. [For his ear alone.] I could have brought you more; but you did not think so. Farewell.
EDSTASTON [kissing her hand, which, instead of releasing, he holds caressingly and rather patronizingly in his own]. I feel your Majesty's kindness so much that I really cannot leave you without a word of plain wholesome English advice.
CATHERINE [snatching her hand away and bounding forward as if he had touched her with a spur]. Advice!!!
PATIOMKIN. Madman: take care!
NARYSHKIN. Advise the Empress!!
THE SERGEANT. Sainted Nicholas!