PEHR. Eleven o'clock—
PETITIONER. Eleven o'clock-to be present at the election of the new Rector. But before that, Your Grace must take part in the preliminaries which are here inclosed, and which are for the purpose of showing the incompetence of the opposing candidate for the office.
PEHR. Must I read through two baskets full of papers between now and day after to-morrow? No, no!
PETITIONER. Perhaps Your Grace would like to give your vote to our candidate—
PEHR. Without having to read—is that permissible? Thank you, my good friend! Pen and ink!
PETITIONER. [Hands Pehr pen, ink and paper for signature.] Admirable! I thank Your Grace.
PEHR. [Embracing him.] Ah, it is I that must thank you!
BUTLER. [Raps on table three times with staff; servants enter with dishes.] Dinner is served. [All go except Pehr and butler.]
PEHR. [Sits down at table.] At last! [Soft music.] See, now they go when he commands; but when I beg, it's useless!
BUTLER. It is not my command they obey, Your Grace, but the rules of etiquette.