Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 152, February 14, 1917 by Various
page 14 of 54 (25%)
page 14 of 54 (25%)
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I knew you would.
Now we'll begin. _To Messrs. Morrow & Hope. Dear Sirs,--I hate_--no, that's a little too strong, perhaps--_I much dislike_--that's better--_I much dislike to bother you at a time when I know you must be overworked in every direction_--you see the idea, don't you? What we've got to do is to get on their soft side. It's no use bullyragging them; understanding their difficulties is much better. You see that, don't you? Of course; I knew you would. Now then. Where was I? Oh yes--_overworked in every direction; but if, as you promised yesterday, but unfortunately were unable_--I think that's good, don't you? Much better than saying that they had broken their promise--_to manage, you could spare a man to attend to our pipes without further delay_--I think you might underline _without further delay_. Would that be safe, I wonder? Yes, I think so--_I should be more than grateful._ And now there's a problem. What I have been pondering is if it would be wise to offer to pay an increased charge. I'd do anything to get the pipes mended, but, on the other hand, it's not a sound precedent. A state of society in which everyone bid against everyone else for the first services of the plumber would be unbearable. Only the rich would ever be plumbed, and very soon the plumbers would be the millionaires. Perhaps we had better let the letter go as it is? You think so and I think so. Very well then, just _Believe me, yours faithfully_, and I'll sign it." And now the Indignant and Confidential. Mr. Horace Bristowe is dictative: "Ah, here you are, Miss Tappit. Now I've got trouble with the plumbers, and I want to give the blighters--well, I can't say it to you, but you know what I mean. There's my house dripping at every pore, or rather pouring at every drip--I say, that's rather good; I |
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