Me (after a good deal of unavoidable delay). Hullo, George!
A V. Hullo, Mortimer! You have been a time! Look here—about this meeting: have you got your minutes ready yet?
Me. Not quite. Practically. I was just doing them——
A V. Oh! Well, it’s like this: I’ve had a talk with Sir Donald and he thinks you’d better leave out that scene about Atkins and the Debentures. He thinks we might have trouble with the Manchester lot if you read that out, but if you don’t say anything about it they’ll never know——
Me. You dirty dog!
A V. What’s that?
Me (innocent). I didn’t say anything. I think there’s someone on the line—(in a brand-new voice) Cuckoo!
A V. (indignant). I say, Sir, do you mind getting off the line? Hullo! Hullo!... He’s gone now. Well, don’t forget that. So long, old man. Sorry you couldn’t come round the other night; I wanted you to meet my fiancée—you haven’t, have you?
Me. Which one.
A V. (skittishly). You old ass—Miss Tickle, of course.