Pres. What have you to gain, then, by a revolution?
Prince Paul. Mon ami, I have nothing left to lose. That scatter-brained boy, this new Czar, has banished me.
Vera. To Siberia?
Prince Paul. No, to Paris. He has confiscated my estates, robbed me of my office and my cook. I have nothing left but my decorations. I am here for revenge.[5]
Pres. Then you have a right to be one of us. [5]We also meet daily for revenge.[5]
Prince Paul. You want money, of course. No one ever joins a conspiracy who has any. Here. (Throws money on table.) You have so many spies that I should think you want information. Well, you will find me the best informed man in Russia on the abuses of our Government. I made them nearly all myself.
Vera. President, I don't trust this man. He has done us too much harm in Russia to let him go in safety.
Prince Paul. Believe me, Mademoiselle, you are wrong; I will be a most valuable addition to your circle; as for you, gentlemen, if I had not thought that you would be useful to me I shouldn't have risked my neck among you, or dined an hour earlier than usual so as to be in time.
Pres. Ay, if he had wanted to spy on us, Vera, he wouldn't have come himself.
Prince Paul (aside). No; I should have sent my best friend.