CONSTANTINE. Then you have a definite reason for seeing this man?
CONSTANTINE. But, in that case, might I point out to your excellency--Surely it would be safer--
ALEXIS. Don’t speak to me as if you were speaking to a child. I know what you think: “Alexis Alexandrovitch is not what he was. Things are slipping past him, he needs watching.” Well, the time is up. You have your orders.
CONSTANTINE. Shall I take away the chessmen?
ALEXIS. No, leave them as they are. We’ll finish the game when I ring for you. [_CONSTANTINE rises and hesitates._] Well, well, well! You’re going to say something. You think the game won’t be finished. We’ll see. We’ll see about that!
[_FOOTMAN enters, followed by SHAMRAYEFF._]
[_SHAMRAYEFF wears the clothes of a respectable artisan. He is, apparently, somewhat younger than ALEXIS, strongly built and has a rather fine but stolid face. He stands with his cap in his hand._]
ALEXIS. So, so! You are Boris Ivanovitch Shamrayeff, are you? Well, well!
BORIS. Yes, I am Boris Ivanovitch Shamrayeff!
ALEXIS. You found it hard to get at me, did you? Hard to get an interview with Alexis Alexandrovitch?
BORIS. Not so hard as I had expected, your excellency.
ALEXIS. [_To CONSTANTINE and FOOTMAN._] Well, what are you waiting for? This man has something important to say to me. He’s bashful. He can’t speak out before so many people.
CONSTANTINE. Your excellency, I will wait in the passage.
ALEXIS. Nonsense, nonsense! Go into the garden and think about your game of chess! Go! [_CONSTANTINE and FOOTMAN go out._]
ALEXIS. [_To BORIS._] Sit down in that chair. I want to look at you. [_BORIS looks around uneasily._] Ah! There is no one watching us. This room is in a corner of the house--nothing but windows behind you, no balcony, no hangings. Open the door you came in by--there is no one in the passage. Turn the key, if you like.
[_BORIS steps quickly to the main doors, throws them open, looks into the passage, shuts them again, turns the key in the lock and slips it into his pocket._]
You see we won’t be disturbed. Now, sit down and tell me what you want. [_BORIS sits down but says nothing._] Tongue-tied, eh? You don’t know how to begin? Embarrassed, eh?
BORIS. I was wondering why your excellency chose to give me this opportunity?