2/31 It was arranged like a printed catechism, with questions and answers, and was delivered with an extraordinary rapidity of utterance. Before taking off his hat, I shall take off my own. I shall say, 'The Marquis de Saint Eustache, I believe.' He will say, 'The celebrated Mr.Syme, I presume.' He will say in the most exquisite French, 'How are you ?' I shall reply in the most exquisite Cockney, 'Oh, just the Syme--'" "Oh, shut it," said the man in spectacles. "Pull yourself together, and chuck away that bit of paper. What are you really going to do ?" "But it was a lovely catechism," said Syme pathetically. |