_Off._ (_with indescribable emotion_). Oh, my country! Oh, my Savings
Bank Depositors! Oh, my dignity of the Civil Service!

[_Faints in the arms of faithful Employés, whilst the other
Clerks defiantly depart. Tableau._

ACT II.--"PRESENT."--_Magnificent apartments of the
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._

ACT III.--"FUTURE."--_Same Scene as Act I. Venerable Employés
discovered, after twenty years' further service._

_First Venerable Employé_. Remember the words spoken a score of
winters ago--Hope, brother, hope!