Me (more in sorrow than in anger). You require the Goods and Transit Department. I will put you through.

A V. Oh, thank you!

Me (after planting a few more of those confounded cuttings—very suddenly). The 4.45 to Bunby Major is suspended, Sir.

A V. (apologetic). I want to speak about some eggs——

Me (horrified). Some legs!

A V. (patient). No, some eggs:—E—double G—S, eggs. An egg-box was despatched from Hitchin by a friend of mine on the 21st——

Me (sharply). What name, Madam?

A V. Major Bludyer. It was despatched on——

Me. Is he one of the Buckinghamshire Bludyers?

A V. What? Hullo!... Hullo! It was despatched on——