[Vera rises, curtsies, and couples spring up, forming a dance, Orloff and Vera leading]
Orl. [At close of the dance] Thank you, Bright-eyes. I shall find no fairer partner at the ball, whither I must be going. And here, young man. I will leave you your song. It may be your only copy. [Brings out several papers from his pocket and looks them over] Here is the song, but ... [Assumes sudden sternness] A serious matter. I have lost an important paper since I came into this room. [Looks searchingly at their faces] An important paper on official business. [All are silent, betraying no emotion. He turns his gaze to Vera, who is sitting by her grandfather] Ah, my little lady, perhaps your fingers were busy in the dance. Come forward, please.
[Vera steps out, bewildered]
Vera. I did not touch it.
Orl. Of course not. Now will you shake your scarf, please? Yes, I will do it for you. [Shakes her scarf and a paper drops to the floor. Orloff picks it up] Ah, found! Good, but rather a sad affair for you, little one. Even fingers so dainty as yours must not meddle with the Czar's papers.
Vera. I did not touch them!
Orl. Of course not. But you must come with me. [Mutterings from the men] I hear you, friends. If any of you want to come along just make it known. Our prisons are well stuffed, but we can manage to pack away all present.
Adr. [After a second of silence] The child is innocent.
Orl. O, you want to go, do you? But you happen to be the one we don't want—yet. Anybody else?
Vera. [Sobbing] I did not touch it.