Monday, March 24, 2025

The prudent course

     "Her ladyship would like a word with you, Mr. Galahad."

    "Then what a pity," said Gally, "that she isn't going to get it."

    "Sir?"

    "You hunted high and low, you turned stones and explored avenues, but you couldn't find me. You think I must have gone to Market Blandings to buy tobacco. That is your story, Beach, and be careful to tell it without any of the hesitations and stammerings which are so apt to arouse suspicion in the auditor. Above all, remember not to stand on one leg. What you will be aiming at in her ladyship is that willing suspension of disbelief dramatic critics are always talking about. Tell your tale so that it can be swallowed. In this way much unpleasantness will be avoided," said Gally.

    He was an intrepid man and was not afraid of his sister Constance. He merely thought it wise not to confer with her until the hot blood had had time to cool. He had pursued the same policy in the past with Honest Jerry Judson and Tim Simms the Safe Man.

(from A Pelican At Blandings, by Sir Pelham Wodehouse)

No comments: