On the Train

1. A: Pardon me. May I let down the window? В: Certair^/. Just please yourself. A: Won'^e too cool for you? ,,_,„ _; B: Oh no. You see, I've got my fur coat on. A: Well, then, just for a few minutes. B: For just as long as you please. A: It's only on account of the smoke.

B: Has my smoking been disturbing you?

A: Only quite a little. I've got a bit of a cough.

B: I'm so sorry. Shall I put my pipe out now?

A: No. With the window open I really don't mind it at all.

B: So much the better. I simply can't travel without smoking.

A: Many people tell me that.

B: For one thing, it's a way of passing the time.

A: To my thinking, the time is never too long on a journey.

B: What? Are you so fond of travelling as all that?

A: Yes. Aren't you?

В: I pass the time way too often.

A: Oh, that's another matter. Then the landscape has no charm for you.

B: Do you think this landscape particularly charming?

A: To one who travels little, any change is pleasant.

B: Well, as a matter of fact, I have come this way twice before.

A: Oh, weli, then you know it...

2. - Well, Miss, we've got a long journey together. Suppose we exchange names. Mine's Richard, and this is my wife Helen.

• Mine's Jane Loweil.

• I always think that as long as one can get a sleeper, it is so unnecessary to travel first class. These second-class carriages are remarkably comfortable.

• Yes, that's so, yes. Is there any paper you want?

• No, nothing, thank you. I've a book.

3. The Commuter

Jane How are.things, Ron?.

Ron Not bad, Jane. I'm involved in too mane problems and it's a long work­ing day, but I'm used to .that, so it doesn't bother me too much,. .,

Jane How do you like commuting to London every day? Don't you find it a strain?;-: уH_V- _y

Ron It was'gnastly at first - especially getting up before dawn to catch that ¹ .6.30 train. But it's bearable now that I'm used to it.

Jane Don't you think it's an awful waste of time? I couldn't bear to spend three hours sitting in a train every day.

Ron I used to feel the same as.you, but now! quite enjoy it.

Jane Howdoyou pass the time?

Ron In the morning I just sit in comfort and read the papers to catch up with the news; on the way home at night I relax with a good book, or have a nap, or chat with friends or even have a game of bridge.

Jane ! suppose you know iots of people on the train now.

Ron Yes, I bump into someone I know on the platform every day. Last week

I came across a couple of old school friends and we spent the entire

journey in the bar. Jane It sounds like a good club. You never know, I may join it!

4. Dorothy: Did the Benedicts get their train ail right? Patrick: Yes, I saw them at the station. They sent their best wishes to both of you.

Dorothy: Have we their address in Scotland? Or did we forget to ask them?

Patrick: No, they gave it to me before they left. I wrote it somewhere in

my diary. Oh, yes, here it is. Dorothy: Thank you, Patrick. So all went well? Patrick: H'm. Elsa was very late, for the train. Dorothy: Was she? Why was that?

Patrick: I took her to the station in a taxi - it cost six shillings. Then I held her suitcase, and she went and boughTsome fruit. She wanted a paper, too. I think she spent all her money, because she took a very long time. The train was due to leave at ten. At five to ten she still wasn't back. I was worried.

Dorothy: I'm sure you were!

Patrick: But then she ran up to me and took the suitcase. «Соте on, run», she said. I put her into the train at exactly ten o'clock. The porter shut the doors. And then after all that, the train started late, and I stood for ten minutes on the platform!