Me. The Prime Minister’s Private Secretary is engaged. I can put you through to the Whips’ Office.
A V. (angrily). I don’t want the Whips’ Office. I want——
Me. One moment, please.
[A good many moments pass.]
A V. (menacing). Hullo! Hullo! Hullo!
Me (sweetly, as if conferring some priceless boon). Put three pennies in the slot and turn the handle, please.
A V. (spluttering). Look here, put me through to the supervisor at once.
Me (very far off). Supervisor speaking.
A V. (with suppressed passion, yet pompous withal). Look here—I’m a Member of Parliament. I’ve been——
Me (gently). Do not shout into the receiver, please.