“No matter, Bob. Hot water!”
“Here, sir.”
“Then have at me, Robert—proceed!”
“Im-mediate, sir!”
And Sir John’s toilet commenced forthwith; during which nice business they conversed as follows:
Sir John: Any news, Bob?
Robert: Nothing to mention, sir ... though I did ’appen to hear that five soldiers and two o’ the coastguard are reported wounded, sir.
Sir John: Nothing serious, I hope?
Robert: We hope not, sir.