Random reminder

Press, 4 August 1977, Page 24

Random reminder

DOWN THE DRAIN

Life is full of little disappointments. One can sympathise with the situation of a Fendalton widower, a man of mature years, by his own admission, but one of much personal charm. It is his habit to have a cup of tea in bed each morning, and he was so engaged one day when he was disturbed by the ringing of the front-door bell. The pushing of the button was accompanied by some of the cheerful sort of “Yoo-who” sounds often used by people greeting familiar friends, and the gentleman, under the impression he had a

relative calling, issued a loud command to enter. He then put a dressing gown round his shoulders and went into the hall to welcome his visitor. But it was not one, but two, and they were certainly not relatives. They were very attractive young women. “We’ve come to give Mrs X a bath,” one said cheerfully. “We are from Home Aid.” After a period of deliberation, the brevity of which did the man much credit, he said there was no Mrs X there. “But this is No. 15D . . . Street,” said one of the girls. “No, this is 15D . . . Lane,” he replied. They

looked disappointed, so he added, with more haste than thought, that he supposed it would hardly be proper to ask for their assistance with his bath.

The speed of their withdrawal was dramatic, but it was matched by the alacrity with which they got through the gears of their elderly vehicle. So back he went to his bed and his tea. Both were cold.

His Golden Labrador was there waiting for him. Dogs do know', they are swift to react to moods. One look at the master, and this one put his head on the carpet and howled softly.