  I dine. Thou joinest me. He tries to whip us up for a division. We smoke our cigars. Ye drink your port. They are defeated in the lobby. Imperfect TenseI was dining. Thou wast holding a reception. He was attending it. We were feeling puzzled. Ye were reading the Globe and Pall Mall. They were not knowing what to make of it. Future TenseI shall dine. Thou wilt join my party. He will squirm. We shall promote the unity of the party. Ye will applaud. They will call a meeting at the "Reform." Perfect TenseI have dined. Thou hast made ambiguous remarks. He has explained them away. We have tried to make it all sweet again. Ye have split a soda. They have split the party. Subjunctive PresentI may dine. Thou mayest object. He may want to state his views. We may insist on our dinners. Ye may agree with them. They may disagree with you. Subjunctive ImperfectI might dine. Thou mightest emerge from Berkeley Square. He might resign. We might lead. Ye might follow. They might not. ImperativeDine thou! Let him speak out! Let us know who is our leader! Read ye the Times and Globe! Let them settle the question for us! InfinitivePresent: To split. Past: To have been a party. leaf symbol After-Dinner Consideration.—"Hippopotamuses" is a better test-word of fitness for joining the ladies than "British Constitution." AN ABSENT FRIEND DISCUSSING AN ABSENT FRIEND"Yes, Robinson's a clever feller, and he's a modest feller, and he's a honest feller; but, betwixt you and I and the post, Mr. Jones," said Brown, confidentially, picking his wisdom tooth with his little finger nail, "Robinson ain't got neither the looks, nor yet the language, nor yet the manners of a gentleman!" "Right you are, sir!" said Jones, shovelling the melted remains of his ice pudding into his mouth with a steel knife (which he afterwards wiped on the tablecloth). "You've 'it 'im orf to a T!" First Convivial First Convivial. "'Sh two o'clock! Wha'll er misshus shay?" Second Convivial. "Thash allri'! Shay you bin wi' me—(hic)!" IN CONFIDENCE "IN CONFIDENCE"Dining-room, Apelles Club Diner. "Thomson, do the members ask for this wine?" Head Waiter (sotto voce). "Not twice, sir!" |
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