_Vet._ 'Tis luck you have found him at home, for these bitter days keep him at work. Shall I tell him your name, lady? _Soph._ Sophie Remon. [_Exit Vetrova_] _Soph._ His home! What a place! But I could kneel here. [_Rises and walks nervously, but becomes suddenly composed at sound of a step. Enter Adrian, right. He stands reservedly at some distance from her_] _Adr._ May I help _you_ this time? But I hope it is not trouble of your own that brings you. _Soph._ No. _Adr._ Then I am glad to see you again. We had so little time this morning, and my surprise was so great when I recognized you---- _Soph._ You knew me? _Adr._ I should know you anywhere. _Soph._ But you will keep my secret? It is important. No one must suspect that I am Sophie Travinski. _Adr._ [_Starts_] Ah!... I did not know---- _Soph._ You said you recognized me! _Adr._ As Sophie Remon. We had not met for some time. _Soph._ O---- _Adr._ But have no fear, your highness---- _Soph._ [_Approaching and offering her hand_] Not to you. To you I am still the same. _Adr._ [_Not seeing her hand_] Let me thank you again for being my kind divinity this morning. _Soph._ I did nothing. _Adr._ Everything. The people are crazed out of their dulness. They fear new, unknown horrors. I did not know what might happen; but the assurance of Prince Travinski will renew their endurance. That was what I needed--his word. _Soph._ [_Uneasily_] You can not need it. You who have such power over the people. 'Tis not because Travinski said it but because you repeat it that they believe. You are a great man, Adrian Lavrov. _Adr._ [_Smiling_] Not great enough to be flattered as great. _Soph._ O, I have seen--[_checks herself, changing her words_] men with men, and I know a king from a subject. _Adr._ Then you are wiser than I. But what is your wish, your highness? You say you have not come for yourself. _Soph._ No. For Vera Vetrova. She is in danger. _Adr._ Vera? How can such a child be in danger? _Soph._ You ask that in Russia? _Adr._ She lives at home--she goes nowhere. _Soph._ Where was she yesterday? _Adr._ I was away all day. _Soph._ And Vera was in Yaltowa, at the bazaar to raise funds for the wounded. _Adr._ I remember now. Madam Korego asked permission to take her. _Soph._ She is not a wise woman. _Adr._ What has happened? _Soph._ Petrizoff saw her. You know the man he is. _Adr._ Yes--O---- _Soph._ She escaped him, but madam was pleased to give all information. _Adr._ What can I do? Where will she be safe? _Soph._ Not in the Czar's dominions. Petrizoff---- _Adr._ I know! Something must be done at once. I must think! _Soph._ I have already thought. Will you trust me? _Adr._ [_Gazing at her_] Absolutely. _Soph._ O, thank you! _Adr._ You have a plan?