Chapter 7

P.-M.-Gen. in the G.P.O. Deputation of contrite Employés listening to the eloquent speech of their Official Chief._

_P.M.G._ (_in effect_). I am delighted that you are such good fellows. Your conduct in owning that you were wrong in refusing to work after regular official hours, almost effaces a painful page in the history of St. Martin's-le-Grand. Let it be clearly understood that extra work is _not_ compulsory, _but_, if _not_ undertaken, may lead (as in the present instance) to immediate suspension, if not dismissal. Surely no one can object to that? (_Contrite Officials express mournful approval._) And now good-bye, and A Happy New Year. As for the future--hope, my good friends, hope!

[_Exeunt the contrite Employés, leaving the Officials of a Higher Grade agitating the nerves controlling their eyelids spasmodically._