First Voice. Have you finished?

Imp. Sub. No, no—we are still speaking. I want to know if you have sent that case of champagne to BUMBLETON?

Second Voice. What? I can't hear you.

Imp. Sub. (speaking very slowly, as if dictating to imperfectly educated infants). Have—you—sent—that—case—of—cham—pagne—to BUM—BLE—TON?

Second Voice (puzzled). Sent a case of champagne?

First Voice (interposing.) Have you finished?

Imp. Sub. No, we are still speaking. Yes—have you sent a case of champagne to BUMBLETON?

Second Voice. Sent a case of champagne to BUMBLETON? No; why should we?

Imp. Sub. Because you promised TICKLEBY you would.

Second Voice (evidently perplexed). Promised TICKLEBY?