THE OFFICER. I just wanted to ask if Miss Victoria has gone yet.
THE LAWYER. No, she has not; you can be sure of it—Why are you poking at my chest over there?
THE OFFICER. I thought the door of it looked exactly——
THE LAWYER. Not at all! Not at all!
All the church bells begin to ring.
THE OFFICER. Is there going to be a funeral?
THE LAWYER. No, it is graduation day—a number of degrees will be conferred, and I am going to be made a Doctor of Laws. Perhaps you would also like to be graduated and receive a laurel wreath?
THE OFFICER. Yes, why not. That would be a diversion, at least.
THE LAWYER. Perhaps then we may begin upon this solemn function at once—But you had better go home and change your clothes.
[THE OFFICER goes out.
The stage is darkened and the following changes are made. The railing stays, but it encloses now the chancel of a church. The billboard displays hymn numbers. The linden hat tree becomes a candelabrum. The Lawyer's desk is turned into the desk of the presiding functionary, and the door with the clover leaf leads to the vestry.
The chorus of Master Singers become heralds with staffs, and the Ballet Girls carry laurel wreaths. The rest of the people act as spectators.
The background is raised, and the new one thus discovered represents a large church organ, with the keyboards below and the organist's mirror above.
Music is heard. At the sides stand figures symbolising the four academic faculties: Philosophy, Theology, Medicine, and Jurisprudence.
At first the stage is empty for a few moments.
HERALDS enter from the right.
BALLET GIRLS follow with laurel wreaths carried high before them.
THREE GRADUATES appear one after another from the left, receive their wreaths from the BALLET GIRLS, and go out to the right.
THE LAWYER steps forward to get his wreath.
The BALLET GIRLS turn away from him and refuse to place the wreath on his head. Then they withdraw from the stage.
THE LAWYER, shocked, leans against a column. All the others withdraw gradually until only THE LAWYER remains on the stage.