A WOMAN'S VOICE. Hallo!
BURGE-LUBIN [formally] The President respectfully solicits the privilege of an interview with the Chief Secretary, and holds himself entirely at his honor's august disposal.
A CHINESE VOICE. He is coming.
BURGE-LUBIN. Oh! That you, Confucius? So good of you. Come along [he releases the button].
A man in a yellow gown, presenting the general appearance of a Chinese sage, enters.
BURGE-LUBIN [jocularly] Well, illustrious Sage-&-Onions, how are your poor sore feet?
CONFUCIUS [gravely] I thank you for your kind inquiries. I am well.
BURGE-LUBIN. Thats right. Sit down and make yourself comfortable. Any business for me today?
CONFUCIUS [sitting down on the first chair round the corner of the table to the President's right] None.
BURGE-LUBIN. Have you heard the result of the bye-election?