you suppose I'm blind?

THE CLERK. You don't seem to follow me, somehow. There's a female
downstairs: what you might call a lady. She wants to know can you
see her if I let her up.

AUGUSTUS. Oh, you mean am I disengaged. Tell the lady I have just
received news of the greatest importance which will occupy my
entire attention for the rest of the day, and that she must write
for an appointment.

THE CLERK. I'll ask her to explain her business to me. I ain't
above talking to a handsome young female when I get the chance
[going].

AUGUSTUS. Stop. Does she seem to be a person of consequence?

THE CLERK. A regular marchioness, if you ask me.

AUGUSTUS. Hm! Beautiful, did you say?

THE CLERK. A human chrysanthemum, sir, believe me.

AUGUSTUS. It will be extremely inconvenient for me to see her;
but the country is in danger; and we must not consider our own
comfort. Think how our gallant fellows are suffering in the
trenches! Show her up. [The clerk makes for the door, whistling
the latest popular ballad]. Stop whistling instantly, sir. This
is not a casino.