Half an hour later, when Richardson had read the file again, this time more thoroughly, he picked up one of the two telephones on his desk. It was a direct outgoing line and he dialled the Government exchange, then asked for the Department of Immigration. After another operator and two secretaries, he reached the minister.
Mr Warrender
(the Minister): What can I do for you?Mr Richardson:
I’d like to see you, Mr Minister.Mr Warrender:
I’m free for an hour now, if you want to come round.Mr Richardson:
I’d rather not do that if you don’t mind. What I want to talk about is rather personal. Actually, I wondered if I could come to your house tonight. Say eight o’clock.Mr Warrender:
We can be plenty private in my Office.Mr Richardson:
I’d still prefer to come to your house.Mr Warrender:
Can’t say I like all the mysteries. What’s it all about?Mr Richardson:
As I said, it’s rather personal. I think you’ll agree tonight that we shouldn’t discuss it on the phone.Mr Warrender:
Look here, if it’s about that son-of-a-bitch stowaway[137]…Mr Richardson:
It isn’t about that.Mr Warrender:
Very well, then. If you must, come to my house. I’ll expect you at eight o’clock.
2. Invitation to Lunch
(to be taken with “Invitations”)
Denton:
Jordache?[138] That you?Rudolph[139]
: Yes. Who’s this?Denton:
Denton, Professor Denton.Rudolph:
Oh, how are you, sir?Denton:
I hate to bother you. But can I see you sometime today?Rudolph:
Of course. I’m in the store all day.Denton:
I’d prefer it if we could meet somewhere besides the store. Are you free for lunch?Rudolph:
I just take forty-five minutes…Denton:
That’s all right. We’ll make it someplace near you. How about Ripley’s? That’s just around the corner from you, isn’t it?Rudolph:
Yes. Is twelve-fifteen all right?Denton:
I’ll be there, Jordache. Thank you, thank you. It’s most kind of you. Until twelve-fifteen, then. I can’t tell you how I appreciate…(He seemed to hang up in the middle of his last sentence.)
3. Invitation to a Party
(to be taken with “Invitations”)
The telephone went in the hall. “I expect that’s Sarah[140]
now,” my mother said; and my father said: “If it’s anyone for me, say I’m out and ‘ll call them back in fifteen minutes.” “Deborah[141],” said the voice of my elder sister, when I lifted the receiver, “whatever time d’you get back these days?”Deborah:
Thursday is sometimes a bit hectic. Why?Sarah:
I’m giving a party tomorrow to celebrate — just a couple of dozen people — eight o’clock. Any hopes?Deborah:
Well… thanks. Did Erica suggest me?Sarah:
Of course not, you ape. D’you think I take notice of her suggestions anyhow?Deborah:
What is it, a dance?Sarah:
In a three-roomed flat? But of course. With the band of the Grenadier Guards.Deborah:
Seriously. Shall I know anybody?Sarah:
Well, there’s me and Arabella. Fruits of the same womb. You’ll recognise me by the red rose. Well?Deborah:
Thanks. Thank you, darling. I’d adore to come. What sort of clothes?Sarah:
Moderately smart. I’m sick of these sordid affairs where everyone comes looking as if they’ve washed up with the local sewage.Deborah:
Lovely. What time did you say?Sarah:
Eight or thereabouts. Don’t eat because we’ll eat.
4. Declining an Invitation to a Film Show
(to be taken with “Invitations”)
Leigh[142]
: Look, are you free this coming Saturday? I’m a member of the Seven Arts Club and we have a film show every Sunday evening. It’d be interesting this week -Deborah:
Sorry. I’m already booked up.Leigh:
Oh. Pity.Deborah:
Yes. Thanks all the same.Leigh:
That’s, a pity because it’s a Picasso film — it’s an old one, made ten years or more ago, but I’ve never seen it. People who’ve seen it rave about it,Deborah:
Oh… Yes, I have heard of it.Leigh:
We wouldn’t need to get there till nine. What hopes?Deborah:
No hopes… Sorry again. I must ring off now, as I left a kettle on.Leigh:
О. K… Deborah?Deborah:
Yes?Leigh:
When is your next free Sunday?Deborah:
Well… I’m not absolutely sure. Perhaps next month.Leigh:
As long as that? Anyway, I’ll ring again.Deborah:
Yes, all right. Goodbye.Leigh:
Bye.
5. The New House Rule
(to be taken with “Reservations”)
Willie:
Yes?Jack:
(from the reception desk): Captain Abbot?Willie:
Yes.Jack:
We believe there is a young lady in your room.Willie:
I believe there is. What of it?Jack:
You have a single room for the occupancy of one individual.Willie:
All right. Give me a double room. What’s the number?Jack:
I’m sorry, every room is occupied. We’re booked until November