Bill looked
about him apprehensively. Was Cayley under the table, for
example? After last night one never knew.
"Is er--" He raised his eyebrows.
"No. But one doesn't want to shout. One should modulate the
voice, my dear William, while breathing gently from the hips.
Thus one avoids those chest-notes which have betrayed many a
secret. In other words, pass the toast."
"You seem bright this morning."
"I am. Very bright. Cayley noticed it. Cayley said, 'Were it
not that I have other business, I would come gathering nuts and
may with thee. Fain would I gyrate round the mulberry-bush and
hop upon the little hills. But the waters of Jordan encompass me
and Inspector Birch tarries outside with his shrimping-net. My
friend William Beverley will attend thee anon. Farewell, a long
farewell to all--thy grape-nuts.' He then left up-centre. Enter
W. Beverley, R."
"Are you often like this at breakfast?"
"Almost invariably. Said he with his mouth full. 'Exit W.
Beverley, L."
"It's a touch of the sun, I suppose," said Bill, shaking his head
sadly.
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