Inquirer. What Ministers has he dismissed?
First W. I. M. Why, British Ministers,—at least (reading on) I mean Egyptian Ministers; that's to say, chaps whom we appointed.
Second W. I. M. Come, come, we couldn't appoint Egyptian Ministers, could we?
First W. I. M. Oh, it comes to exactly the same thing; they're appointed subject to our proviso (consulting paper), yes, subject to our veto, and then this little whipper-snapper goes and gives them the chuck. He'll jolly soon have to climb down off that.
Average Man. Gently! The young chap's King, after all, isn't he? I thought Kings might appoint or dismiss Ministers as they liked.
First W. I. M. Oh, rot! The Queen can't appoint her own Ministers. We all know that. They're appointed by the Prime Minister. Any fool knows that.
Inquirer. But who appoints the Prime Minister?
First W. I. M. He appoints himself, and tells the Queen he's done it. They all go and kiss hands and get their seals, or something of that sort.
Inquirer. Of course, of course. I forgot that. But how about these Egyptian beggars?
First W. I. M. The Khedive's had the cheek to dismiss the Ministry, and shove another lot in. I see Lord Cromer has been to the Palace to protest.