Ob. Vis. Certainly; and that is why I thought I would just bring a half-finished article and show you what I had dome, and complete it if you thought it would do. You can put it in whenever you like; so it would not hurt for standing over.
Ed. (with inspiration). What is it called?
Ob. Vis. "Russian Wheat and Chinese Tea or Free Trade in Australia." The subject is quite novel, and ought to attract considerable attention.
Ed. Novel! Why, my dear fellow, I do believe I have an article somewhere in that heap upon the very subject.
[Pretends to search pile of MS.
Ob. Vis. (uneasily). Oh, never mind. I will read you what I have written, and—
Ed. (genially). Oh, no, I won't give you the trouble. I will read you what he has written, and then you can see.—Ah, here it is!
[Produces enormous pile of MS.
Ob. Vis. (hesitating). Well, perhaps, if you don't mind—
[Suddenly remembers an appointment and exit. Editor resumes hit work with an air of triumph. Curtain.