The pursuers in the street batter at the house door, shouting Open the door! Open the door! Wake up, will you! A man servant’s voice calls to them angrily from within This is Major Petkoff’s house: you cant come in here; but a renewal of the clamor, and a torrent of blows on the door, end with his letting a chain down with a clank, followed by arush of heavy footsteps and a din of triumphant yells, dominated at last by the voice of Catherine, indignantly addressing an officer with What does this mean, sir ? Do you know where you are ? The noise subsides suddenly.

LOUKA [outside, knocking at the bedroom door] My lady! My lady! get up quick and open the door. If you dont they will break it down.

The fugitive throws up his head with the gesture of a man who sees that it is all over with him, and drops the manner he has beenassuming to intimidate Raina.

THE MAN [sincerely and kindly] No use, dear: I’m done for. [Flinging the cloak to her] Quick! wrap yourself up: theyre coming.

RAINA. Oh, thank you. [She wraps herself up with intense relief].

THE MAN [between his teeth] Dont mention it.

RAINA [anxiously] What will you do ?

THE MAN [grimly] The first man in will find out. Keep out of the way; and dont look. It wont last long; but it will not be nice. [He draws his sabre and faces the door, waiting.]

RAINA [impulsively] I’ll help you. I’ll save you.

THE MAN. You cant.

RAINA. I can. I’ll hide you. [She drags him towards the window]. Here! behind the curtains.

THE MAN [yielding to her] Theres just half a chance, if you keep your head.

RAINA [drawing the curtain before him] S-sh! [She makes for the ottoman].

THE MAN [putting out his head] Remember –

RAINA [running back to him] Yes ?

THE MAN. – nine soldiers out of ten are born fools.

RAINA. Oh! [She draws the curtain angrily before him].

THE MAN [looking out at the other side] If they find me, I promise you a fight: a devil of a fight.

She stamps at him. He disappears hastily. She takes off her cloak, and throws it across the foot of the bed. Then, with a sleepy, disturbed air, she opens the door. Louka enters excitedly.

LOUKA. One of those beasts of Serbs has been seen climbing up the waterpipe to your balcony. Our men want to search for him; and they are so wild and drunk and furious. [She makes for the other side of the room to get as far from the door as possible]. My lady says you are to dress at once, and to – [She sees the revolver lying on the ottoman, and stops, petrified].

RAINA [as if annoyed at being disturbed] They shall not search here. Why have they been let in ?

CATHERINE [coming in hastily] Raina, darling, are you safe ? Have you seen anyone or heard anything ?

RAINA. I heard the shooting. Surely the soldiers will not dare come in here ?

CATHERINE. I have found a Russian officer, thank Heaven: he knows Sergius. [Speaking through the door to someone outside] Sir: will you come in now. My daughter will receive you.

A young Russian officer, in Bulgarian uniform, enters, sword in hand.

OFFICER [with soft feline politeness and stiff military carriage] Good evening, gracious lady.