"How
many gallons is that?" Well, let me calculate roughly--taking
the population of London at four millions, and the average daily
consumption for each individual at--no, I can't work it out with
sufficient accuracy while I am dancing; suppose we sit down, and I'll
do it for you on my shirt-cuff--oh, very well; then I'll work it out
when I get home, and send you the result to-morrow, if you will allow
me.
_Mr. Culdersack_ (_who has provided himself beforehand with a set of
topics for conversation--to his partner, as they halt for a moment_).
Er--(_consults some hieroglyphics on his cuff stealthily_)--have you
read STANLEY'S book yet?
_Miss Tabula Raiser_. No, I haven't. Is it interesting?
_Mr. Culdersack_. I can't say. I've not seen it myself. Shall
we--er--?
[They take another turn.
_Mr. C._ I suppose you have--er--been to the (_hesitates between
the Academy and the Military Exhibition--decides on latter topic as
fresher_) Military Exhibition?
_Miss T.R._ No--not yet. What do you think of it?
_Mr. C._ Oh--_I_ haven't been either. Er--do you care to--?
[They take another turn.
_Mr. C._ (_after third halt_). Er--do you take any interest in
politics?
_Miss T.R._ Not a bit.
_Mr. C._ (_much relieved_). No more do I. (_Considers that he has
satisfied all mental requirements_). Er--let me take you down-stairs
for an ice.
[They go.
_Mrs. Grappleton_ (_re-entering with_ Mr. BOLDOVER, _after a
discussion that has outlasted two ices and a plate of strawberries_).
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