_The counter is decked-out as a sideboard, and at equal distances from each other there are four round tables laid for a supper-party of twenty-six persons. There are eight chairs at one table and six at each of the others, the chairs being of the sort usually supplied by ball-caterers._ _The saloon and the landing without are brilliantly lighted, the corridor less brightly._ [_LUIGI and four waiters-- one of whom has a curly head and a fair beard ending in two flamboyant points-- are putting the finishing touches to the laying of the tables, while MORRIS COOLING, a person of imposing presence displaying a vast expanse of shirt-front, is engaged in placing upon each of the serviettes a card bearing the name of a guest._ COOLING. [_Referring to a plan of the tables which he has in his hand._] Miss Connify-- Miss Connify-- Miss Connify-- where's Miss Connify? Ah, here you are, my dear-- [_moving to MISS CONNIFY'S chair and putting a card upon her serviette_] next to old Arthur. [_The four waiters, obeying a direction in dumb-show from LUIGI, go out at the door on the left._ LUIGI. [_A little, dark, active man-- viewing the tables with satisfaction._] Tables look nice, Mr. Cooling? COOLING. [_Absorbed._] Not bad-- not bad-- not bad. [_LUIGI follows the waiters._] Miss Kato? [_Moving to another table and laying a card upon a serviette._] Gabrielle. [_ROPER bustles in through the double-door, in high feather._ ROPER. Hul-lo! [_Cutting a caper._] Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and how are you to-morrow! COOLING. [_Deep in his plan of the tables._] Hullo, Lal! ROPER. [_Surveying the tables._] Splendid! [_Going from one table to another._] Seating 'em, hey? COOLING. Mr. Palk-- Mr. Palk-- Mr. Palk? [_Placing another card._] Albert. ROPER. Which d'ye make your principal table? COOLING. There it is; you're at it. ROPER. Ah, yes. [_Examining the cards._] "Miss Lily Parradell--"! [_His jaw falling._] Why, you've gone and put the Baron on her right! COOLING. [_Unconsciously._] Well, what's the objection? ROPER. Where's Farncombe? Where's Lord Farncombe? COOLING. On the other side, with Dolly Stidulph and Enid. ROPER. Rats! COOLING. What do you mean by Rats? [_Advancing to the principal table-- nettled._] Look heah, Lal----! ROPER. My dear fellow, Miss Parradell is the heroine o' the party; the seat next to her is the seat of honour. COOLING. That's why I've put the Baron there. With things as they are between England and Germany---- ROPER. If Germany doesn't like it, she must lump it. Lord Farncombe's the eldest son of an Earl; you can't get over that. COOLING. [_Picking up FARNCOMBE'S card._] Oh, have it your own way. ROPER. [_Picking up VON RETTENMAYER'S card._] Besides, the Baron's sweet on Enid just now; I'm sure he'd prefer-- [_They exchange the cards and rearrange them._] thanks, ol' man. Sorry I was shirty. COOLING.