Как вести беседу по телефону
Шрифт:
2. Your wife and you go to the theatre for the Saturday night performance. Your neighbour kindly offers to be baby-sitting while you are at the theatre. In a telephone conversation thank her, tell her a few words about your son and give her some necessary advice.
V
TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS FROM FICTION
Half an hour later, when Richardson had read the file again, this time more thoroughly, he picked up one of the two telephones on his desk. It was a direct outgoing line and he dialled the Government exchange, then asked for the Department of Immigration. After another operator and two secretaries, he reached the minister.
Mr Warrender (the Minister): What can I do for you?
Mr Richardson: I’d like to see you, Mr Minister.
Mr Warrender: I’m free for an hour now, if you want to come round.
Mr Richardson: I’d rather not do that if you don’t mind. What I want to talk about is rather personal. Actually, I wondered if I could come to your house tonight. Say eight o’clock.
Mr Warrender: We can be plenty private in my Office.
Mr Richardson: I’d still prefer to come to your house.
Mr Warrender: Can’t say I like all the mysteries. What’s it all about?
Mr Richardson: As I said, it’s rather personal. I think you’ll agree tonight that we shouldn’t discuss it on the phone.
Mr Warrender: Look here, if it’s about that son-of-a-bitch stowaway [137] …
Mr Richardson: It isn’t about that.
Mr Warrender: Very well, then. If you must, come to my house. I’ll expect you at eight o’clock.
137
stowaway
Denton: Jordache? [138] That you?
Rudolph [139] : Yes. Who’s this?
Denton: Denton, Professor Denton.
Rudolph: Oh, how are you, sir?
Denton: I hate to bother you. But can I see you sometime today?
Rudolph: Of course. I’m in the store all day.
138
Jordache Джордак
139
Rudolph Рудольф
Denton: I’d prefer it if we could meet somewhere besides the store. Are you free for lunch?
Rudolph: I just take forty-five minutes…
Denton: That’s all right. We’ll make it someplace near you. How about Ripley’s? That’s just around the corner from you, isn’t it?
Rudolph: Yes. Is twelve-fifteen all right?
Denton: I’ll be there, Jordache. Thank you, thank you. It’s most kind of you. Until twelve-fifteen, then. I can’t tell you how I appreciate…
(He seemed to hang up in the middle of his last sentence.)
The telephone went in the hall. “I expect that’s Sarah [140] now,” my mother said; and my father said: “If it’s anyone for me, say I’m out and ‘ll call them back in fifteen minutes.” “Deborah [141] ,” said the voice of my elder sister, when I lifted the receiver, “whatever time d’you get back these days?”
140
Sarah Capa
141
Deborah
Deborah: Thursday is sometimes a bit hectic. Why?
Sarah: I’m giving a party tomorrow to celebrate — just a couple of dozen people — eight o’clock. Any hopes?
Deborah: Well… thanks. Did Erica suggest me?
Sarah: Of course not, you ape. D’you think I take notice of her suggestions anyhow?
Deborah: What is it, a dance?
Sarah: In a three-roomed flat? But of course. With the band of the Grenadier Guards.
Deborah: Seriously. Shall I know anybody?
Sarah: Well, there’s me and Arabella. Fruits of the same womb. You’ll recognise me by the red rose. Well?
Deborah: Thanks. Thank you, darling. I’d adore to come. What sort of clothes?
Sarah: Moderately smart. I’m sick of these sordid affairs where everyone comes looking as if they’ve washed up with the local sewage.
Deborah: Lovely. What time did you say?
Sarah: Eight or thereabouts. Don’t eat because we’ll eat.
Leigh [142] : Look, are you free this coming Saturday? I’m a member of the Seven Arts Club and we have a film show every Sunday evening. It’d be interesting this week -
Deborah: Sorry. I’m already booked up.
142
Leigh Ли (мужское имя)