_First Official_. I say, who is the Head of the Thingumyjig
Ministry--the one at the Hotel Giorgione?
_Second Official_. Haven't an idea. I thought it had been wound up.
_First Official_. Well, I'm not so sure of that. There was an
announcement about it in the papers, and then an official _démenti_, and
then the Minister resigned, and now I hear he has been reappointed.
_Second Official_. Then you evidently knew his name all along. Why on
earth did you ask me?
_First Official_. You see, it's like this. I had a bet on with a man at
the Club that out of ten Government officials not more than one would
know the Minister's name. You didn't, and you happen to be the ninth who
didn't, so I've won my bet. By the way, do you know what has become of
the _chef_ at the Giorgione?
_Second Official_. You mean old Savary, who was always gassing about his
descent from NAPOLEON'S General? I think he went back to Paris some time
ago.
_First Official_. Thanks; then I win my second bet--that out of ten
Government officials five would know _his_ name.
* * * * *