The Com. But surely, Doctor, the officers you have mentioned know something of their drill?
Med. Off. If that is the difficulty, let us make ourselves equally proficient. The more we are in touch with the so-called combatant officers the better.
The Com. Well, certainly, if you are good drills (and have some knowledge of the internal economy of a regiment, and the rudiments of military law) I cannot see why you should not enjoy the rank to which you aspire. I wish you every success in your application. After all, you are masters of the situation. If your superior officers are unreasonable—physic them!
[The Witness after returning thanks, then withdrew.
MR. PUNCH'S DICTIONARY OF PHRASES.
AT A COUNTRY HOUSE.
"So glad you have a fine day for your garden-party. Was quite anxious about the weather;" i.e., "Hoped sincerely it would rain hard—hate garden-parties—can't think why I'm here."
"How good of you to undertake such a long drive!" i.e., "hoped it would choke her off."
"So sweet of you to have brought your dear children;" i.e., "Greedy little pigs!—gobble up everything before the real guests arrive."