Whenever a suit in equity is matured at rules as to all of the defendants, it shall be the ex officio duty of the clerk, as soon as the same is matured, to set the case for hearing as to them. If the suit be matured as to only a part of the defendants, the plaintiff may appear at rules and have it set for hearing as to such part. If one month elapse after the answer of a defendant is filed, without the case being so set and without a demurrer being filed to his answer, such defendant may appear at rules and have the case set for hearing as to himself