_Orl._ I shall at least not lose sight of him until he is in prison. [_Sophie turns her back upon Orloff_] You must come with me or stay here under guard. I don't promise you as pleasant a journey as you gave me, for I shall not be at so much trouble to please. I shall not even ask you to let me repeat the little kiss---- _Soph._ Sir! _Orl._ On your hand, which you so kindly permitted. [_Sophie again attempts to pass him_] Will your highness take my arm to the carriage? We have only a short distance to drive before meeting Petrizoff. [_Looking at his watch_] He ought to be almost here. _Soph._ I will stay here. _Orl._ In shackles? _Soph._ [_Holding out her arms_] Yes. _Orl._ Stay then. But I will not bind you. _Soph._ No, I might not forgive you _that_ if it turns out that you have made a fool's mistake. _Orl._ There is no mistake, as you will learn after I have seen Petrizoff. [_To guards_] No conversation between prisoners. [_To Sophie_] Let me assure you that _these_ guards can be trusted. [_Exit_] [_Adrian sits in the large chair, a guard stationed on each side of him. Sophie sits on low stool before him, and lays her head upon his knees_] _A guard._ [_Anxiously_] It is not permitted to communicate---- _Soph._ Then don't, sir! [_Silence for a moment, then the noise of horses approaching_] _Soph._ Ah--Petrizoff! [_Vasil rises cautiously. The guards have their backs to him and the door. He stands on the bench, unlocks cabinet, takes out the bomb, puts it under his blouse, and goes softly out_] _Adr._ Sophie--Sophie--you do not regret---- _Soph._ No, no! Don't, Adrian! Forget all but love--love--love! This is the last--the last---- [_Sound of trampling without, shrieks and noises. They start and listen. Korelenko runs through the room from right and out at street door. Vera comes on after him. Adrian and Sophie rise and look questioningly at each_ _other. The guards lift their weapons. Adrian looks toward bench and sees that Vasil is gone_] _Adr._ Vasil! [_To Vera_] Is he in there? _Vera._ No, Adrian. _Adr._ He has gone out. He will be hurt. [_Looks suddenly at cabinet, which is open_] Who has been here? Gregorief? [_Stares at cabinet. Sophie's gaze follows his. He turns to her, speaking slowly_] There was a bomb in that cabinet. Could it be possible--that---- _Soph._ [_Gently_] I am afraid it is true. _Adr._ Never! Not him! _Soph._ Adrian! Beloved! _Adr._ [_Not heeding her_] Vasil! Vasil! [_Staggers to seat by table, front, left. Guards keep by him. Enter Korelenko followed by Gregorief and others_] _Vera._ [_Running to Korelenko_] Vasil--where is he? [_Korelenko is silent_] _Soph._ Is he hurt? _Kore._ The boy--or---- _Soph._ The boy. _Kore._ Not hurt, but taken. [_Adrian throws his fettered arms upon the table and lays his face upon them_] _Soph._ Is Petrizoff dead?