Consps. A spy! A spy! Unmask! Unmask! A spy!
Pres. [2]Let the doors be shut. There are others but Nihilists present.[2]
Consps. Unmask! Unmask! [3]Kill him! kill him![3] (Masked Conspirator unmasks.) Prince Paul!
Vera. Devil! Who lured you into the lion's den?
Consps. Kill him! kill him![4]
Prince Paul. En vérité, Messieurs, you are not over-hospitable in your welcome.
Vera. Welcome! What welcome should we give you but the dagger or the noose?
Prince Paul. I had no idea, really, that the Nihilists were so exclusive. Let me assure you that if I had not always had an entree to the very best society, and the very worst conspiracies, I could never have been Prime Minister in Russia.
Vera. The tiger cannot change its nature, nor the snake lose its venom; but are you turned a lover of the people?
Prince Paul. Mon Dieu, non, Mademoiselle! I would much sooner talk scandal in a drawing-room than treason in a cellar. Besides, I hate the common mob, who smell of garlic, smoke bad tobacco, get up early, and dine off one dish.