After this they were all so hot that they played “Postman’s Knock” for coolness. Jimmy Prynne went out first. He rapped sharply on the closed door and Miss Lavinia opened it just a small crack and peered out into the passage where Jimmy stood. Then followed the old-time dialogue, dear to so many generations of children.
“Who’s there?” said Miss Lavinia. Memories laid away in lavender these many years were awakened by the foolish old game.
“Postman,” replied a gruff, stern voice.
The children sitting in a row, waiting—waiting, laughed their appreciation of Jimmy’s dramatic power.
Then the dialogue continued. “What with?”
“A letter.”
“How many stamps?” The air was tense.
“Fifteen stamps.”
Then the most important question of all. “Who for?”