"And you want an expert opinion?"
"Not at all. I know a turkey when I see one all right. I want your society. We'll dine somewhere and do a music-hall and come back by the last train."
"But I never heard such nonsense," I objected. "Trotting all round London to buy a turkey! It's ridiculous."
"Naturally," said Pitman calmly, "or my wife wouldn't have suggested it."
"I will think it over," I said.
Pitman took out his watch. "I shall call for you at three-thirty. That will give you six hours to get ready."
"I dislike being hurried," I said irritably.
"We shall dine at the Piccadilly," he went on, "and I shall pay for dinner."
"That settles it. If you had said so sooner we should have been saved all this superfluous conversation."
Pitman got up slowly and walked towards the door.