Read the text and answer the questions.

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.

1. Who did John want?
2. Why?
3. Where was he?
4. What did he compare it to?
5. Did he abandon his position?
6. Why not?
7. What did he need to resolve?
8. Where did he want to be?
9. Who else was involved?
10. Who rallied around him?
1. Betty.
2. He wanted to see her and explain
3. Mervo
4. A prison
5. No
6. If he went now, he would be like a boy who makes a runaway ring at the doorbell
7. The matter of the Casino
8. America
9. Mr. Scobell
10. Both the military and civilians