"Not really?" I said, and clicked my tongue reproachfully.
"Yes, he says it's so involved and rambling."
"Ah, well," I said, "one must persevere. Books mustn't be too easy. For my part——Yes, champagne, please."
"I'll get it, anyway," she said. "I feel sure your judgment is sound."
Looking in at the club later I found D. playing snooker. After missing an easy shot he turned the talk to Dash.
"Tip-top, isn't it?" he said.
"Which is your favourite chapter?" I asked.
His face told me I had him.
"Oh, well, that's difficult to say," he replied.
"Surely you think that one about the stevedore's spaniel, towards the end, is terrific?" I said.