now,” my mother said; and my father said: “If it’s anyone for me, say I’m out and ‘ll call them back in fifteen minutes.” “Deborah
[141],” said the voice of my elder sister, when I lifted the receiver, “whatever time d’you get back these days?”
Deborah: Thursday is sometimes a bit hectic. Why?
Sarah: I’m giving a party tomorrow to celebrate — just a couple of dozen people — eight o’clock. Any hopes?
Deborah: Well… thanks. Did Erica suggest me?
Sarah: Of course not, you ape. D’you think I take notice of her suggestions anyhow?
Deborah: What is it, a dance?
Sarah: In a three-roomed flat? But of course. With the band of the Grenadier Guards.
Deborah: Seriously. Shall I know anybody?
Sarah: Well, there’s me and Arabella. Fruits of the same womb. You’ll recognise me by the red rose. Well?
Deborah: Thanks. Thank you, darling. I’d adore to come. What sort of clothes?
Sarah: Moderately smart. I’m sick of these sordid affairs where everyone comes looking as if they’ve washed up with the local sewage.
Deborah: Lovely. What time did you say?
Sarah: Eight or thereabouts. Don’t eat because we’ll eat.
4. Declining an Invitation to a Film Show
(to be taken with “Invitations”)
Leigh[142]: Look, are you free this coming Saturday? I’m a member of the Seven Arts Club and we have a film show every Sunday evening. It’d be interesting this week -
Deborah: Sorry. I’m already booked up.
Leigh: Oh. Pity.
Deborah: Yes. Thanks all the same.
Leigh: That’s, a pity because it’s a Picasso film — it’s an old one, made ten years or more ago, but I’ve never seen it. People who’ve seen it rave about it,
Deborah: Oh… Yes, I have heard of it.
Leigh: We wouldn’t need to get there till nine. What hopes?
Deborah: No hopes… Sorry again. I must ring off now, as I left a kettle on.
Leigh: О. K… Deborah?
Deborah: Yes?
Leigh: When is your next free Sunday?
Deborah: Well… I’m not absolutely sure. Perhaps next month.
Leigh: As long as that? Anyway, I’ll ring again.
Deborah: Yes, all right. Goodbye.
Leigh: Bye.
5. The New House Rule
(to be taken with “Reservations”)
Willie: Yes?
Jack: (from the reception desk): Captain Abbot?
Willie: Yes.
Jack: We believe there is a young lady in your room.
Willie: I believe there is. What of it?
Jack: You have a single room for the occupancy of one individual.
Willie: All right. Give me a double room. What’s the number?
Jack: I’m sorry, every room is occupied. We’re booked until November
Willie: Let’s you and I pretend this is a double room, Jack. Put it on my bill.
