Melissa. Oh!
Countess. Come in, both of you.
Bailiff. What, even here! Miserable birds, how dare you!
[Gander and Drake hiss and squawk.
Countess. You forget yourself, Bailiff. This is not your house. I beg that you will apologise at once for your rudeness to us all. Down on your knees at once and pray for forgiveness.
Bailiff. I am willing to apologise to you, madam, but not to the Gander, and I will not go on my knees, even to your ladyship.
Countess. Do you hear that, Gander? There stands an old man——
Bailiff. Old man, madam?
Countess. Yes, old, compared to the Gander—who will not say his prayers. Take him by the left leg and throw him downstairs.
[Fight. The Bailiff hits the Gander and Drake with his stick. They flap and peck. Melissa opens the door of the secret staircase. The Bailiff falls with his legs through the doorway. They drag him out and a great noise of tumbling is heard. Then they come in again.