A V. Hullo! I’m a——
Me. Do not say “Hullo!”
A V. (maddened). What’s that? Hullo! Look here—I’m a Member of Parliament, and I’ve been trying for half an hour to get through to the Prime Minister’s——
Me. I am sorry you have been trrrr-roubled. You are thrrrrough now.
A V. Hullo! Is that the Prime Minister’s Private Secretary?
Me (quiet, weary and competent). Which one do you want?
A V. Hullo! Sir Thingummy Jig speaking. I want to speak to the Prime Minister’s——
Me. Yes, I heard that. But do you want the Principal Private Secretary, or the Assistant Principal Private Secretary, or one of the Personal Private Secretaries? I mean there are forty-seven of us altogether and it makes a lot of difference——
A V. (weakening). I can’t quite hear. Perhaps you can help me. It’s about——
Me. One moment, please. Here is the Prime Minister himself. Would you mind speaking to him? I’m rather busy.