]
PEHR. Mr. Lawyer and Mr. Constable, can't the law protect an
unfortunate rich man so that he may have peace in his home, or is
the law only for the poor?
LAWYER. Your Grace can no longer be regarded as an individual; for
when one through riches has risen to the community's heights, one
belongs to the whole.
PEHR. And so one is placed outside the law.
LAWYER. [Smiles; glances about.] Above the law, Your Grace!
PEHR. Ha--! What does this last friend want! Are there any presents
in those baskets?
PETITIONER. Your Honorable Grace is appointed Church Warden--
PEHR. [Interrupts.] Called--
PETITIONER. Called to vote day after to-morrow.
PEHR. Eleven o'clock--
PETITIONER. Eleven o'clock-to be present at the election of the new
Rector. But before that, Your Grace must take part in the
preliminaries which are here inclosed, and which are for the
purpose of showing the incompetence of the opposing candidate for
the office.
PEHR. Must I read through two baskets full of papers between now
and day after to-morrow? No, no!
PETITIONER. Perhaps Your Grace would like to give your vote to our
candidate--
PEHR. Without having to read--is that permissible? Thank you, my
good friend! Pen and ink!
PETITIONER. [Hands Pehr pen, ink and paper for signature.]
Admirable! I thank Your Grace.
PEHR. [Embracing him.] Ah, it is I that must thank you!
BUTLER. [Raps on table three times with staff; servants enter with
dishes.] Dinner is served. [All go except Pehr and butler.
Pages:
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35