_Orl._ Of course not. But you must come with me. [_Mutterings from the men_] I hear you, friends. If any of you want to come along just make it known. Our prisons are well stuffed, but we can manage to pack away all present. _Adr._ [_After a second of silence_] The child is innocent. _Orl._ O, you want to go, do you? But you happen to be the one we don't want--yet. Anybody else? _Vera._ [_Sobbing_] I did not touch it. _Orl._ You may tell that to Petrizoff. He is always kind to beauty. _Vera._ [_In terror_] Am I going to him? _Orl._ He will not be far away, I imagine. _Adr._ You can not take this child. The paper was not stolen. _Orl._ You saw it drop from her scarf. _Adr._ Where you put it. _Orl._ [_In a rage_] Your mouth will soon be shut! If I could have had my way this morning your hide wouldn't hold shucks to-night! [_Noise of a carriage at door. Sophie enters in ball dress. She draws back in astonishment at sight of Orloff_] _Soph._ [_Faintly_] You here? _Orl._ And you? _Soph._ [_Composed_] May I speak to you, Count Orloff? _Orl._ At your service, your highness. [_They draw aside, left, front. The peasants talk in low tones. Guards stand by Vera_] _Soph._ Of course I know why you are here, but I had to simulate surprise. _Orl._ You were very successful. _Soph._ Since the exposure of this morning the people are ready to suspect me, and I must retain their confidence or my usefulness is at an end. _Orl._ Quite. _Soph._ They heard to-day of the girl's danger, and were planning her escape, so I, not knowing whether you would arrive in time, stopped--to---- _Orl._ Yes? _Soph._ Quiet their fears and assure them of her safety. Are there any prisoners besides the girl? _Orl._ No, but I would give something to take this insolent Shepherd. I've only a few hours to wait though. _Soph._ A few hours? _Orl._ Yes--ah, you _don't_ know everything then! _Soph._ Dear man, I know everything but one,--that is, how much _you_ know. If you will go to the ball in my carriage we may find out how far we can trust each other. _Orl._ Angel! _Soph._ Don't! The people--you must pretend to oppose me. They think I am interceding for the girl. _Orl._ [_As if suddenly recalling something_] Why did you save the boy this morning? _Soph._ I will explain that too--in the carriage. We must go now. I first, so they will not know we leave together. _Orl._ [_Crestfallen_] I promised Petrizoff not to leave the girl till I had her safe in prison. There have been so many escapes---- _Soph._ [_With a glance at Vera_] She _is_ pretty. Good-evening then. _Orl._ Wait--I will go with you! _Soph._ [_Melting_] Will you? Then you sha'n't. You shall take no risks for me. _Orl._ Risk! I would risk anything. Ah, you can't deprive me now. _Soph._ Can you trust the guards? _Orl._ I _will_ trust them!