I
_Me._ Hullo!
_A Voice._ Is that the Midland Railway?
_Me._ Yes, Madam. Which department do you require?
_A V._ It’s about some eggs. An egg-box was despatched from Hitchin----
_Me_ (_obsequious_). I will put you through to the Goods and Transit
Department, Madam.
_A V._ (_fervent_). Oh, _thank_ you!
_Me_ (_after a short stroll round the garden--in a gruff
railway-voice_). Hullo! Motor-vans and Haulage Department----
_A V._ Oh, it’s about some _eggs_. An egg-box----
_Me_ (_more in sorrow than in anger_). You require the Goods and
Transit Department. I will put you through.
_A V._ Oh, _thank_ you!
_Me_ (_after planting a few more of those confounded cuttings--very
suddenly_). The 4.45 to Bunby Major is suspended, Sir.
_A V._ (_apologetic_). I want to speak about some eggs----
_Me_ (_horrified_). Some _legs_!
_A V._ (_patient_). No, some _eggs_:--E--double G--S, eggs. An egg-box
was despatched from Hitchin by a friend of mine on the 21st----
_Me_ (_sharply_). What name, Madam?
_A V._ Major Bludyer. It was despatched on----
_Me._ Is he one of the Buckinghamshire Bludyers?
_A V._ What? Hullo!... Hullo! It was despatched on----
_Me._ I mean, is he _the_ Major Bludyer--that well-grown old boy? From
what I know of his eggs----
_A V._ (_growing fainter_). I can’t hear you very well. It’s about some
eggs----
_Me._ Well, I’m very glad to have had this little talk. Remember me to
old Bludyer. Good-bye.