Punch or the London Charivari, Vol.107, September 1, 1894

CONTRIBUTIONS THANKFULLY RECEIVED.
Lardy-Dardy Swell (who is uncertain as to the age of Ingénue he is addressing). You're going to give a Ball. Will you permit me to send you a Bouquet? And is there anything else you would like?
Ingénue. O, thanks! The Bouquet would be delightful ! and —( hesitating, then after some consideration )— I'm sure Mamma would like the Ices and Sponge Cakes!
ANOTHER DOLLY DIALOGUE.
( By St. Anthony Hope Carter. )
The redeeming feature of the morning batch of letters was a short note from Lady Mickleham. Her ladyship (and Archie) had come back to town, and the note was to say that I might call, in fact that I was to call, that afternoon. It so happened that I had two engagements, which seemed to make that impossible, but I spent a shilling in telegrams, and at 4.30 (the hour Dolly had named) was duly ringing at the Mickleham town mansion.
I'm delighted you were able to come, was Dolly's greeting.
I wasn't able, I said; but I've no doubt that what I said in the two telegrams which brought me here will be put down to your account.
No one expects truth in a telegram. The Post-Office people themselves wouldn't like it.
Dolly was certainly looking at her very best. Her dimples (everybody has heard of Dolly's Dimples—or is it Dolly Dimple; but after all it doesn't matter) were as delightful as ever. I was just hesitating as to my next move in the Dialogue, which I badly wanted, for I had promised my editor one by the middle of next week. The choice lay between the dimples and a remark that life was, after all, only one prolonged telegram. Just at that moment I noticed for the first time that we were not alone.
Now that was distinctly exasperating, and an unwarrantable breach of an implied contract.
Two's company, I said, in a tone of voice that was meant to indicate something of what I felt.