Publisher's Synopsis
A bare chamber lighted by a penny dip which casts shadows. On a hard chair by a table sits an Emperor in thought. To him come his Chancellor and an Officer. Chancellor. Your Imperial Majesty-- Officer. Sire-- Emperor (the Emperor rises). Is that the paper? (Indicating a paper in the Chancellor's hand.) Chancellor (presenting it). It awaits only your Imperial Majesty's signature. Officer. When you have signed that paper, Sire, the Fatherland will be at war with France and Russia. Emperor. At last, this little paper--
