"Mutual consent," says Sir Humphrey, and pivots toward Reginald with the bearing of a man who has arrived at a tremendous insight. "Option B. I seek your consent." Reginald's expression passes through several stages. "My consent," he says. "You are a herald of standing. The statute requires mutual consent witnessed by a herald of standing. I consent. You consent. Witnessed by—" "I am the witness." Reginald holds up a document with the air of a man presenting evidence at his own trial. "I am not the party. The parties are yourself and—" he pauses in the way a man pauses before saying something he sincerely hoped would never exit his mouth aloud "—the goat." The goat has not moved. It is possible it is still chewing from earlier. "The goat," says Sir Humphrey, "must consent." "The goat," says Reginald, with the resignation of a man composing his own epitaph, "must consent." Goodwife Thripp completes a row. "Took three men to get that hat on it," she volunteers, without looking up. "Two of 'em are in Grimsby now. The third won't discuss it." The goat takes another step forward.