]
VASILI. Bravo! I call him an egoist because he is so content to be what
he is he will not pretend to be something else! I respect your country
in him, my dear young lady; and he cares nothing whether I am a king or
a commoner. Everywhere the people bow and salaam half on their knees to
me; but _he_--
ETHEL. No, I can't quite imagine _him_ doing that.
[Enter PIKE from the grove, followed by IVANOFF.]
VASILI [to PIKE]. I have come to bid you goodbye, my friend. Life is a
service of farewells, they say; but if you ever come to St. Petersburg
when I am there you will be made welcome. Your ambassador will tell you
where to find me.
PIKE. I know I'd be welcome; and if you ever get out as far as Indiana,
don't miss Kokomo--the depot hackman will tell you where to find me, and
the boys will help me show you a good time. You'd like it, Doc--
[He stops, horrified at his slip of the tongue.]
VASILI. I _know_ that.
PIKE. I don't know how to call you by name, but I reckon you'll
understand I do think an awful lot of you.
VASILI [as they shake hands]. My friend, I have confided to you that you
are a great man. But a great man is sure to be set upon a pedestal by
some pretty lady. [ETHEL turns away.] It is a great responsibility to
occupy a pedestal. On that account I depart in some anxiety for you.
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