Everybody is working for Robert; everybody is working at top speed for him, and everybody is loudly soliciting his attention.
“Oh, do give over wriggling, master Robert!” (The boot-fastener.)
“‘Simon de Montford, Hubert de Burgh, and Peter de Roche.’ Well, say it then, you dreadful little idiot!” (The history crammer.)
“Oh, master Robert, do please keep up!” (The collar fastener.)
“Keep down, will you!” (The neck washer.)
“Four sixes are twenty-four and six you carried thirty!” (The arithmetician.)
“Robert, you must turn your foot further round!” (The stocking-darner.)
“‘The Barons were now incensed. The Barons were now incensed. The Barons were now incensed.’ Say it, you ghastly little stupid!”
“Do they make you do these by fractions or by decimals?... Well, what do you know, then?”
Entrancing spectacle!