Soph. [Composed] May I speak to you, Count Orloff?
Orl. At your service, your highness.
[They draw aside, left, front. The peasants talk in low tones. Guards stand by Vera]
Soph. Of course I know why you are here, but I had to simulate surprise.
Orl. You were very successful.
Soph. Since the exposure of this morning the people are ready to suspect me, and I must retain their confidence or my usefulness is at an end.
Orl. Quite.
Soph. They heard to-day of the girl's danger, and were planning her escape, so I, not knowing whether you would arrive in time, stopped—to——
Orl. Yes?