"what a forgetful old"--something--"you are!" I can't make out
the word.

AUGUSTUS [greatly interested]. Is it blighter? That is a favorite
expression of hers.

THE LADY. I think so. At all events it begins with a B.
[Reading.] "What a forgetful old"--[she is interrupted by a knock
at the door.]

AUGUSTUS [impatiently]. Come in. [The clerk enters, clean shaven
and in khaki, with an official paper and an envelope in his
hand.] What is this ridiculous mummery sir?

THE CLERK [coming to the table and exhibiting his uniform to
both]. They've passed me. The recruiting officer come for me.
I've had my two and seven.

AUGUSTUS [rising wrathfully]. I shall not permit it. What do they
mean by taking my office staff? Good God! they will be taking our
hunt servants next. [Confronting the clerk.] What did the man
mean? What did he say?

THE CLERK. He said that now you was on the job we'd want another
million men, and he was going to take the old-age pensioners or
anyone he could get.

AUGUSTUS. And did you dare to knock at my door and interrupt my
business with this lady to repeat this man's ineptitudes?