“No need to be,” said Oswald. “You haven’t been speaking to me.”
“Who am I speaking to? I want Mr. Sydenham. Sycamore speaking.”
“I’m Mr. Sydenham. Who are you? No need to be sick of your speaking so far as I’m concerned. I’ve only just been called to the telephone——”
“Your solicitor, Sycamore. S.Y.C.A.M.O.R.E.”
“Oh! Right O. How are you, Mr. Sycamore? I’m Sydenham. How are those children?”
“Hope you’re well, Mr. Sydenham?”
“Gaudy—in a way. How are you?”
“I’ve been with Lady Charlotte today. I don’t know if you’ve heard anything of——”
Whop! Whop. Bunnik. Silence.
After a little difficulty communication with Mr. Sycamore was partially restored. I say partially because his voice had now become very small and remote indeed. “I was saying, I don’t know if you understand anything of the present state of affairs.”