MR. PUNCH'S DICTIONARY OF PHRASES.
Social.
"You are one of the few people with whom I can really enjoy a quiet talk, all to our two selves;" i.e., "I should be very sorry to introduce you to any of my set."
"What, YOU here?"; i.e., "Wonder how the deuce this confounded cad got an invitation."
"Ah, by the way, just let me introduce you to Farrodust. You two fellows ought to know each other;" i.e., "Call that killing two bores with one stone."
"Thanks for a most delightful evening. So sorry to have to run away;" i.e., "Bored to extinction, and fairly famished. Must run down to the Club for a snack and a smoke."
"I'll look at my list when I get home;" i.e., "You don't catch me."
"Drop in any day;" i.e., "When the chances are I shan't be in."
"No party;" i.e., "Must ask him, and do it as cheaply as possible."
"Come as you are;" i.e., "Be careful to wear evening dress."
"Don't trouble to answer;" i.e., "Think it very rude if you don't."
"What! going already!" i.e., "Thank goodness! Thought she'd never move."
"What a fine child!" i.e., "Don't know whether the brat is a boy or girl, but must say something."
(To be continued.)