Scene: Saint James's Park, on the afternoon of the twenty-ninth of May. Edward Clay, with a twig of oak stuck in his hat is on the bank of the little lake, feeding the water-fowl. Percy Wetherell, a fellow-author, and Rhoda, his wife, who are crossing the bridge, perceive him.
MRS. WETHERELL
See! there's our dear Mr. Clay. What is he doing that for?
WETHERELL
The motive must be pure benevolence. Give me a little start, and I will run him down. [Followed by Rhoda, he goes down the steps, close to his friend's shoulder, observes the decoration, and utters in a sepulchral tone: "Long live Oliver!" Clay looks up, and smiles, still breaking his biscuit. Finally he speaks:]
CLAY
You have guessed it: I am keeping Restoration Day. It struck me as a pleasing rite to come up here and feast the descendants of King Charles the Second's water-fowl. I have to lecture on him to-night.
MRS. WETHERELL
King Charles the Second! Why, Mr. Clay, I thought he was the dreadfullest person!