_A man-servant lights the chandelier; two maid-servants bring in flower-pots, lamps, and candles, which are placed on tables and brackets along the wall._ RUMMEL, _wearing a dress-coat, white gloves, and a white necktie, stands in the room giving directions._ RUMMEL. [_To the servant._] Only every second candle, Jacob. The place mustn’t look too brilliant; it’s supposed to be a surprise, you know. And all these flowers——? Oh, yes, let them stand; it will look as if they were always there—— CONSUL BERNICK _comes out of his room._ BERNICK. [_At the door._] What is the meaning of all this? RUMMEL. Tut, tut, are you there? [_To the servants._] Yes, you can go now. [_The servants go out by the second door on the left._ BERNICK. [_Coming into the room._] Why, Rummel, what is the meaning of all this? RUMMEL. It means that the proudest moment of your life has arrived. The whole town is coming in procession to do homage to its leading citizen. BERNICK. What do you mean? RUMMEL. With banners and music, sir! We should have had torches too; but it was thought dangerous in this stormy weather. However, there’s to be an illumination; and that will have an excellent effect in the newspapers. BERNICK. Listen, Rummel—I will have nothing to do with all this. RUMMEL. Oh, it’s too late now; they’ll be here in half an hour. BERNICK. Why did you not tell me of this before? RUMMEL. Just because I was afraid you would make objections. But I arranged it all with your wife; she allowed me to put things in order a little, and she is going to look to the refreshments herself. BERNICK. [_Listening._] What’s that? Are they coming already? I thought I heard singing. RUMMEL. [_At the garden-door._] Singing? Oh, it’s only the Americans. They are hauling the _Indian Girl_ out to the buoy. BERNICK. Hauling her out! Yes——! I really cannot this evening, Rummel; I am not well. RUMMEL.