"Indeed, sir."

 

"I'll get to the point, Stevens. I happen to be the young man's godfather.

 

Accordingly, Sir David has requested that I convey to young Reginald the facts

of life."

 

"Indeed, sir."

 

"Sir David himself finds the task rather daunting and suspects he will not

accomplish it before Reginald's wedding day."

 

"Indeed, sir."

 

"The point is, Stevens, I'm terribly busy. Sir David should know that, but he's

asked me none the less." His lordship paused and went on studying his page.

 

"Do I understand, sir," I said, "that you wish me to convey the information to

the young gentleman?"

 

"If you don't mind, Stevens. Be an awful lot off my mind. Sir David continues to

ask me every couple of hours if I've done it yet."

 

"I see, sir. It must be most trying under the present pressures."