EDSTASTON. I know nothing about her Majesty's eminence in policy or philosophy: I don't pretend to understand such things. I speak as a practical man. And I never knew that foreigners had any policy: I always thought that policy was Mr. Pitt's business. CATHERINE [lifting her eyebrows]. So? VARINKA. What else did you presume to admire her Majesty for, pray? EDSTASTON [addled]. Well, I--I--I--that is, I--[He stammers himself dumb.] CATHERINE [after a pitiless silence]. We are waiting for your answer. EDSTASTON. But I never said I admired your Majesty. The lady has twisted my words. VARINKA. You don't admire her, then? EDSTASTON. Well, I--naturally--of course, I can't deny that the uniform was very becoming--perhaps a little unfeminine--still--Dead silence. Catherine and the Court watch him stonily. He is wretchedly embarrassed. CATHERINE [with cold majesty]. Well, sir: is that all you have to say? EDSTASTON. Surely there is no harm in noticing that er--that er--[He stops again.] CATHERINE. Noticing that er--? [He gazes at her, speechless, like a fascinated rabbit. She repeats fiercely.] That er--? EDSTASTON [startled into speech]. Well, that your Majesty was--was--[soothingly] Well, let me put it this way: that it was rather natural for a man to admire your Majesty without being a philosopher. CATHERINE [suddenly smiling and extending her hand to him to be kissed]. Courtier! EDSTASTON [kissing it]. Not at all. Your Majesty is very good. I have been very awkward; but I did not intend it. I am rather stupid, I am afraid. CATHERINE. Stupid! By no means. Courage, Captain: we are pleased. [He falls on his knee. She takes his cheeks in her hands: turns up his face: and adds] We are greatly pleased. [She slaps his cheek coquettishly: he bows almost to his knee.] The petit lever is over. [She turns to go into the cabinet, and stumbles against the supine Patiomkin.] Ach! [Edstaston springs to her assistance, seizing Patiomkin's heels and shifting him out of the Empress's path.] We thank you, Captain. He bows gallantly and is rewarded by a very gracious smile. Then Catherine goes into her cabinet, followed by the princess Dashkoff, who turns at the door to make a deep courtsey to Edstaston. VARINKA. Happy Little Father! Remember: I did this for you. [She runs out after the Empress.] Edstaston, somewhat dazed, crosses the room to the courtiers, and is received with marked deference, each courtier making him a profound bow or curtsey before withdrawing through the central doors. He returns each obeisance with a nervous jerk, and turns away from it, only to find another courtier bowing at the other side. The process finally reduced him to distraction, as he bumps into one in the act of bowing to another and then has to bow his apologies. But at last they are all gone except Naryshkin. EDSTASTON. Ouf! PATIOMKIN [jumping up vigorously]. You have done it, darling. Superbly! Beautifully!