'You appear to have a very keen sense of humour,' said Frederick weightily. 'It amuses you to be shut up in cupboards. It amuses you to hear me say....'
'Well, it's nice to be able to get some amusement out of life, isn't it? Do you want to know why she shut me up in here?'
'I haven't the slightest curiosity. Why?'
'I forgot where I was and lighted a cigarette. Oh, my goodness!'
'Now what?'
'I thought I heard a mouse. Do you think there are mice in this cupboard?'
'Certainly,' said Frederick. 'Dozens of them.'
He would have gone on to specify the kind of mice—large, fat, slithery, active mice: but at this juncture something hard and sharp took him agonizingly on the ankle.
'Ouch!' cried Frederick.
'Oh, I'm sorry. Was that you?'