human
I think, said Jill,
gpt
It was deep, said Berry,
human
Whatever, said Daphne,
gpt
Sorry, said Berry.
human
Let me put it another way. Some genii, masquerading as officials, have got a move on. Snuffing the air of 'Reconstruction,' they have realized with a shock that the numbers of the houses in this street have not been changed for over half a century. Thirstily they have determined to repair the omission. We've always been '38.' In a few days, with apologies to Wordsworth, we shall be '7.' A solemn thought.
gpt
But can we do nothing?
human
Certainly. In that case somebody else will obliterate the existing number, and I shall be summoned to appear before a Justice of the Peace.
gpt
It's outrageous, said Daphne.
human
It'll cause endless confusion, and think of all our notepaper and cards. All the dies will have to be scrapped and new ones cut.
gpt
Go easy, said I.
human
After a decent interval they'll alter the name of the street. Many people feel that The Quadrant should be renamed 'The Salient,' and Piccadilly 'High Street.' I'm all for Progress.
gpt
Is this renumbering stunt a fact? said Jonah.
human
Or are you Just being funny?
gpt
It's a poisonous but copper-bottomed fact, said Berry.
human
This is the sort of thing we pay rates and taxes for. Give me Germany.
gpt
Can't we refuse?
human
I've rung up Merry and Merry, and they've looked up the law, and say there's no appeal. We are at the mercy of some official who came out top in algebra in '64 and has never recovered. Let us be thankful it wasn't geography. Otherwise we should be required to name this house 'Sea View' or 'Clovelly.' Permit me to remark that the port has now remained opposite you for exactly four minutes of time, for three of which my goblet has been empty.
gpt
I think it's cruel, said Jill, passing on the decanter.
human
I think----
gpt
Hush, said Berry.
human
That wonderful organ, my brain, is working. Rapidly he began to write upon the back of a _menu_.
gpt
We must inform the world through the medium of the Press. An attractive paragraph must appear in _The Times_. What could be more appropriate than an epitaph? Ply me with wine, child. The sage is in labour with a song. Jill filled his glass and he drank.
human
Another instant, and you shall hear the deathless words. I always felt I should be buried in the Abbey. Anybody give me a rhyme for 'bilge'? No, it doesn't matter. I have ingeniously circumvented the crisis.