"I have come to tell you how glad I am that you are leaving us."
"A singular kind of farewell."
"But comprehensible! It is well for you that you are going; and well for us, too. The rôle you were playing is at an end, and I am glad of it!"
"So it seems."
"Araktseieff is returned, and his iron hand is wielded over our heads. You, fair Madonna, had exiled him with your refined arts. Now it has become evident that the refinement of intrigue does not pay in our atmosphere. The old tyrant is back, and the Czar more completely in his power than ever."
"I know it. I have had intimation that a farewell audience will only be accorded me in his presence."
"And you are going?"
"Decidedly. I must reconcile the Czar with Pushkin."
"Is that your only reason?"
"What else keeps me here?"