"Sir David wishes you to know, sir, that ladies and gentlemen differ in several

key respects."

 

I must have paused a little to form my next phrase, for Mr Cardinal gave a sigh

and said:

 

"I'm only too aware of that, Stevens. Would you mind coming to the point?"

 

"You are aware, sir?"

 

"Father is perpetually underestimating me. I've done extensive reading and

background work on this whole area."

 

"Is that so, sir?"

 

"I've thought about virtually nothing else for the past month."

 

"Really, sir. In that case, perhaps my message is rather redundant."

 

"You can assure Father I'm very well briefed indeed. This attaché case" - he

nudged it with his foot - "is chock-full of notes on every possible angle one

can imagine."

 

"Is that so, sir?"