[PIKE looks up slowly, and, as slowly, stops "Sweet Genevieve," his voice [pg 085] fading away on a half syllable as he encounters IVANOFF'S gaze. They stare at each other, LADY CREECH observing unseen.]

[IVANOFF is a thin, very fragile-looking man of thirty-eight. His disordered hair is prematurely gray, his beard is a grizzled four days' stubble. He is exceedingly haggard and worn, but has the face and look of a man of refinement and cultivation. He has lost his hat; his shoes and trousers are splashed with dried mud, and brambles cling to him here and there. He wears a soiled white shirt and collar, and a torn black tie, black waistcoat and trousers. He is covered with dust from head to foot; one sleeve of his shirt has been torn off at the elbow. He wears no coat.]

IVANOFF

[in a voice tremulous with tragic appeal]

Et ce que vous êtes un homme de bon coeur? Je ne suis pas coupable—

PIKE

[very gravely]

There ain't any use in the world your talkin' to me like that![pg 086]

IVANOFF

[panting]