I? I call him—
[She begins bravely, but at a keen glance from him stops abruptly, blushing.]
VASILI
Bravo! I call him an egoist because he is so content to be what he is he will not pretend to be something else! I respect your country in him, my dear young lady; and he cares nothing whether I am a king or a commoner. Everywhere the people bow and salaam half on their knees to me; but he—
ETHEL
No, I can't quite imagine him doing that.
[Enter PIKE from the grove, followed by IVANOFF.]
VASILI
[to PIKE]
I have come to bid you goodbye, my friend. Life is a service of farewells, they say; but if you ever come to St. Petersburg when I am there you will be made welcome. Your ambassador will tell you where to find me.[pg 161]