Korobkin (reads): “The head of the philanthropic institutions resembles a pig that wears a cap”....
Art. Fil. (to the audience): Not witty at all! A pig that wears a cap! Have you ever seen a pig wearing a cap?
Korobkin (continues reading): “The inspector of the schools smells of onions all through!”
The Inspector (to the audience): Upon my honour, I never touch onions.
The Judge (apart): Thank God, there is nothing about me.
Korobkin (reading): “The judge”....
The Judge: There!... (aloud): Well, gentlemen, I think the letter is much too long, and quite uninteresting—why the deuce should we go on reading that nonsense?
Insp. of Schools: No! no!
Postm.: No!—go on!
Art. Fil.: No, it must be read.