(The CHILDREN come screaming in, ALEXEI holding on to the coat)

THE GIRLS

(To ALEXEI)

The muffler, you dropped the muffler. Get it.

(ALEXEI dashes back off to get it)

NICHOLAS

(Enveloped by Children)

All right! All right! The last one to reach the kitchen garden will be attacked by the Tsar’s own squadron — and at this rate, it will probably be me —

(ALEXEI runs on with a long scarf, trips on it and falls into the back of the sofa)

ALIX

Alexei!

TATIANA

Oh no!

(NICHOLAS and ALIX immediately run to the boy)

ALEXEI

I’m all right, Mama. — I just hurt my leg —

NICHOLAS

Benckendorff! Olga — take the girls outside.

ALIX

My darling, my darling.

(The GIRLS go off quickly. BENCKENDORFF enters)

NICHOLAS

Get Dr. Feodoroff, quickly.

(BENCKENDORFF goes off)

Are you all right Alexei?

ALEXEI

I think so, Papa. It doesn’t really hurt. Can’t I go outside?

(Tries to get up)

ALIX

No, don’t move! — My darling, let the doctor see you first.

ALEXEI

But I’m fine, Mama —

(DR. FEODOROFF comes in, carrying his surgical bag)

RASPUTIN

I, by the power that is given me, forgive thee and loosen thee from all thy sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

 

(Lights black out. There is an immediate clap of thunder, and the sound of a storm)