“Look here, young Apple-pip, or whatever your name is, what you’ve got to understand is that....”
Appleby again interrupted Lonsdale.
“Can we make up a bridge four? Or are you chaps not keen on cards?”
“What you require, young Appleby,” began Lonsdale.
“You’ve got it right this time,” said Appleby encouragingly.
“What you require is to have your room bally well turned upside down.”
“Oh, really?” said Appleby, with a suave assumption of interest.
“Yes,” answered Lonsdale gloomily, and somehow the little affirmative that was meant to convey so much of fearful intent was so palpably unimpressive that Lonsdale turned to his companions and appealed for their more eloquent support.
“Tell him he mustn’t come into Venner’s and put on all that side. It’s not done. He’s a fresher,” gasped Lonsdale, obviously helpless in that absorbing chair.
“All right,” agreed Appleby cheerfully. “I’ll send the order up to you next time.”