"Your interpretation of Schubert's C Minor was lovely," he says, referring to Molly's performance two weeks ago at the Schubertiade. Each year, the students and faculty of Old Ivy pay tribute to Schubert on his birthday, January 31.
"Thank you," says Molly.
"And I like the vagina pictures." Natasha's latest work, a tryptique devoted to you-know-what currently occupies an entire wall in the East Gallery.
"Thank you." Molly bites into a piece of scrapple.
After breakfast, Roderick attends a meeting of the Vienna Ball Orchestra Committee. Mr. Wienerwald presides. On the agenda: this year's program.
"Okay," harumphs Mr. Wienerwald, "let's review the rules. Sheldon, will you do the honors?"
Sheldon Wang, the concertmaster, rises and faces the group. "The first rule of the Vienna Ball Orchestra is you don't talk about Vienna Ball Orchestra."
The group titters slightly.
"The second rule of Vienna Ball Orchestra is YOU DON"T TALK ABOUT VIENNA BALL ORCHESTRA.
"Rule number three: An der schönen blauen Donau cannot be played in consecutive years."
Mr. Wienerwald interjects: "We played it last year, so that's out."
"Rule number four: Geschichten aus dem Wienerwald must be played...
"Rule number five: ...preferably, with a zither."
An uproar ensues. Geschichten aus dem Wienerwald includes an important part for the zither. Last year, and for the previous three, Sophie von Drittemann, zitherist extraordinaire, did the honors. But she graduated with honors last May and returned to Vienna. At present, Old Ivy is sans zitherists.
"Well, that's a fine kettle of fish!" exclaims Aretha Wang, a violinist only remotely related to Sheldon.
"I won't perform without a zitherist," proclaims Betsy Fife, one of the flautists.
"Okay, okay," shouts Mr. Wienerwald, raising his hand for silence. "I'll get a ringer from Lake City." Zitherists, it seems, are in short supply in Washington County, but when you really need one the Lake City Zither Society can usually put you in touch with one of their members. They don't come cheap, though.
Sheldon concludes the rules. "Rule number six: the Radetzky March may not be played under any circumstances."
Meanwhile, Mr. Smith is in Lake City for business overnight and has time on his hands. He visits the famous Boodle House for a tour.
In 1905, Lake City was mired in progressivism. While fashionable architects sought to tear down historical buildings and replace them with the most modern style, architect Albert T. Skwayer just wanted to build nice homes for his rich clients.Heh! Thinks Mr. Smith. Roderick would like this.
