Part 23 (1/2)

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 G.o.d 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 Amba.s.sador 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 [_Pa.s.sionately_]

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 Hus.h.!.+ Hus.h.!.+

[_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 [_Gus.h.i.+ngly_]

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 pa.s.sionately._]

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!