CHAPTER IX 

MERVO CHANGES ITS CONSTITUTION 

Humor, if one looks into it, is principally a matter of retrospect. In after years John was wont to look back with amusement on the revolution which ejected him from the throne of his ancestors. But at the time its mirthfulness did not appeal to him. He was in a frenzy of restlessness. He wanted Betty. He wanted to see her and explain. Explanations could not restore him to the place he had held in her mind, but at least they would show her that he was not the thing he had appeared. 

Mervo had become a prison. He ached for America. But, before he could go, this matter of the Casino must be settled. It was obvious that it could only be settled in one way. He did not credit his subjects with the high-mindedness that puts ideals first and money after. That military and civilians alike would rally to a man round Mr. Scobell and the Casino he was well aware. But this did not affect his determination to remain till the last. If he went now, he would be like a boy who makes a runaway ring at the doorbell. Until he should receive formal notice of dismissal, he must stay, although every day had forty-eight hours and every hour twice its complement of weary minutes. 

So he waited, chafing, while Mervo examined the situation, turned it over in its mind, discussed it, slept upon it, discussed it again, and displayed generally that ponderous leisureliness which is the Mervian's birthright.  QUESTIONS:

Q1:
1. Who did John desire?
2. Who was coveted by John?
3. 
Q2:
1. Why did John want Betty?
2. What was John's reason for coveting Betty?
3. 
Q3:
1. Where was John?
2. What was John's location?
3. 
Q4:
1. What did John compare Mervo to?
2. What did John say that Mervo was like?
3. 
Q5:
1. Did John abandon his position?
2. Did John prematurely leave his post?
3. 
Q6:
1. What was John's reason for staying where he was?
2. Why didn't John abandon his post?
3. 
Q7:
1. What did John need to resolve?
2. What did John need to find a solution for?
3. 
Q8:
1. Where did John want to be?
2. What country did John wish to travel to?
3. 
Q9:
1. Who else was involved alongside John?
2. Who appears in the passage besides John and Betty?
3. 
Q10:
1. Who rallied around Mr. Scobell?
2. Whose support did Mr. Scobell have?
3. 
