Vera. Let me see your face!
Dmitri. You will see nothing but suffering in it. They have tortured me.
Vera (tears the cloak from his face). Oh, God! Dmitri! my brother!
Dmitri. Hush! Vera; be calm. You must not let my father know; it would kill him. I thought I could free Russia. I heard men talk of Liberty one night in a café. I had never heard the word before. It seemed to be a new god they spoke of. I joined them. It was there all the money went. Five months ago they seized us. They found me printing the paper. I am going to the mines for life. I could not write. I thought it would be better to let you think I was dead; for they are bringing me to a living tomb.
Vera (looking round). You must escape, Dmitri. I will take your place.
Dmitri. Impossible! You can only revenge us.
Vera. I shall revenge you.
Dmitri. Listen! there is a house in Moscow—
Sergeant. Prisoners, attention!—the Colonel is coming—young woman, your time is up.
(Enter Colonel, Aide-de-Camp and Peter.)