BARON We wished to give you a pleasant surprise. VERA It is certainly a surprise. BARON [_Chilled_] You are not very ... daughterly. VERA Do you remember when you last saw me? You did not claim me as a daughter then. BARON [_Covers his eyes with his hand_] Do not recall it; it hurts too much. VERA I was in the dock. BARON It was horrible. I hated you for the devil of rebellion that had entered into your soul. But I thanked God when you escaped. VERA [_Softened_] I think I was more sorry for you than for myself. I hope, at least, no suspicion fell on you. BARONESS [_Eagerly_] But it did--an avalanche of suspicion. He is still buried under it. Vy else did they make Skovaloff Ambassador instead of him? Even now he risks everyting to see you again. Ah, _mon enfant_, you owe your fazer a grand reparation! VERA What reparation can I possibly make? BARON [_Passionately_] You can love me again, Vera. BARONESS [_Stamping foot_] Alexis, you are interrupting---- VERA I fear, father, we have grown too estranged--our ideas are so opposite---- BARON But not now, Vera, surely not now? You are no longer [_He lowers his voice and looks around_] a Revolutionist? VERA Not with bombs, perhaps. I thank Heaven I was caught before I had done any _practical_ work. But if you think I accept the order of things, you are mistaken. In Russia I fought against the autocracy---- BARON Hush! Hush! [_He looks round nervously._] VERA Here I fight against the poverty. No, father, a woman who has once heard the call will always be a wild creature. BARON But [_Lowering his voice_] those revolutionary Russian clubs here--you are not a member? VERA I do not believe in Revolutions carried on at a safe distance. I have found my life-work in America. BARON I am enchanted, Vera, enchanted. BARONESS [_Gushingly_] Permit me to kiss you, _belle enfant_. VERA I do not know you enough yet; I will kiss my father. BARON [_With a great cry of joy_] Vera! [_He embraces her passionately._] At last! At last! I have found my little Vera again! VERA No, father, _your_ Vera belongs to Russia with her mother and the happy days of childhood. But for their sakes---- [_She breaks down in emotion._] BARON Ah, your poor mother! BARONESS [_Tartly_] Alexis, I perceive I am too many! [_She begins to go toward the door._] BARON No, no, Katusha. Vera will learn to love you, too. VERA [_To BARONESS_] What does my loving you matter? I can never return to Russia. BARONESS [_Pausing_] But ve can come here--often--ven you are married. VERA [_Surprised_] When I am married? [_Softly, blushing_] You know? BARONESS [_Smiling_] Ve know zat charming young man adores ze floor your foot treads on! VERA [_Blushing_] You have seen David? BARON [_Hoarsely_] David! [_He clenches his fist._] BARONESS [_Half aside, as much gestured as spoken_] Sh! Leave it to me. [_Sweetly._] Oh, no, ve have not seen David.