“He looked at me in surprise, and then answered, 'Idiot!'
“I remained firm, however, and refused to let him pass.
“'It's a bit awkward,' he retorted. 'Don't you think you could make an exception in favour of the sub-editor on press night?'
“I replied that such would be contrary to my instructions.
“'Oh, all right,' he answered. 'I'd like to know who's going to the Royalty to-night, that's all. It's seven o'clock already.'
“An idea occurred to me. If the sub-editor of a paper doesn't know whom to send to a theatre, it must mean that the post of dramatic critic on that paper is for some reason or another vacant.
“'Oh, that's all right,' I told him. 'I shall be in time enough.'
“He appeared neither pleased nor displeased. 'Have you arranged with the Guv'nor?' he asked me.
“'I'm just waiting to see him again for a few minutes,' I returned. 'It'll be all right. Have you got the ticket?'
“'Haven't seen it,' he replied.