The general [rising impressively] Be good enough to give me that ring, Mr Hotchkiss.

Hotchkiss.  With pleasure. [He hands it to him].

The general.  I shall have the great pleasure, Mr Alderman, in waiting on the Mayoress with the Bishop’s orders; and I shall be proud to return with municipal honors. [He stalks out gallantly, Collins rising for a moment to bow to him with marked dignity].

Reginald.  Boxer is rather a fine old josser in his way.

Hotchkiss.  His uniform gives him an unfair advantage.  He will take all the attention off the Beadle.

Collins.  I think it would be as well, my lord, to go on with the contract while we’re waiting.  The truth is, we shall none of us have much of a look-in when Mrs George comes; so we had better finish the writing part of the business before she arrives.

Hotchkiss.  I think I have the preliminaries down all right. [Reading] ’Memorandum of Agreement made this day of blank blank between blank blank of blank blank in the County of blank, Esquire, hereinafter called the Gentleman, of the one part, and blank blank of blank in the County of blank, hereinafter called the Lady, of the other part, whereby it is declared and agreed as follows.’

Leo [rising] You might remember your manners, Sinjon.  The lady comes first. [She goes behind him and stoops to look at the draft over his shoulder].

Hotchkiss.  To be sure.  I beg your pardon. [He alters the draft].

Leo.  And you have got only one lady and one gentleman.  There ought to be two gentlemen.

Collins.  Oh, thats a mere matter of form, maam.  Any number of ladies or gentlemen can be put in.

Leo.  Not any number of ladies.  Only one lady.  Besides, that creature wasnt a lady.

Reginald.  You shut your head, Leo.  This is a general sort of contract for everybody:  it’s not your tract.

Leo.  Then what use is it to me?

Hotchkiss.  You will get some hints from it for your own contract.

Edith.  I hope there will be no hinting.  Let us have the plain straightforward truth and nothing but the truth.

Collins.  Yes, yes, miss:  it will be all right.  Theres nothing underhand, I assure you.  It’s a model agreement, as it were.

Edith [unconvinced] I hope so.

Hotchkiss.  What is the first clause in an agreement, usually?  You know, Mr Alderman.

Collins [at a loss] Well, Sir, the Town Clerk always sees to that.  Ive got out of the habit of thinking for myself in these little matters.  Perhaps his lordship knows.

The bishop.  I’m sorry to say I dont.  Soames will know.  Alice, where is Soames?

Hotchkiss.  He’s in there [pointing to the study].