Prince Paul. I? As I cannot be Prime Minister, I must be a Nihilist. There is no alternative.
Vera. O God, will he never come? The hand is on the stroke of the hour. Will he never come?
Mich. (aside). President, you know what we have to do? 'Tis but a sorry hunter who leaves the wolf cub alive to avenge his father. How are we to get at this boy? It must be to-night. To-morrow he will be throwing some sop of reform to the people, and it will be too late for a Republic.
Prince Paul. You are quite right. Good kings are the enemies of Democracy, and when he has begun by banishing me you may be sure he intends to be a patriot.
Mich. I am sick of patriot kings; [12]what Russia needs is a Republic.[12]
Prince Paul. Messieurs, I have brought you two documents which I think will interest you—the proclamation this young Czar intends publishing to-morrow, and a plan of the Winter Palace, where he sleeps to-night. (Hands paper.)
Vera. [13]I dare not ask them what they are plotting about.[13] Oh, why is Alexis not here?
Pres. Prince, this is most valuable information. Michael, you were right. If it is not to-night it will be too late. Read that.
Mich. Ah! A loaf of bread flung to a starving nation. [14]A lie to cheat the people.[14] (Tears it up.) It must be to-night. I do not believe in him. Would he have kept his crown had he loved the people? But how are we to get at him?
Prince Paul. The key of the private door in the street. (Hands key.)