Lesson 23

Text of conversation

Nora: We haven’t bought the new furniture for Robert’s room yet.

Harry: No. If he is going to use it as a study as well as a bedroom, he must have a few extra things.

Nora: I’ve been keeping my eyes open, and I’ve seen some quite nice things. This afternoon I went to Pinfolds’ they had a lovely second-hand writing-desk. I’ve never seen anything more reasonable.

Harry: Yes, we should want them painted, shouldn’t we, Nora. Perhaps a rather lighter colour.

Nora: I’m glad there are plenty of cupboards, I need a lot of cupboards.

Harry: I didn’t notice a cupboard on the landing.

Nora: Oh, that needn’t worry us. I don’t need a cupboard on the landing when there’s such a nice one in the bathroom.

Harry: You must have somewhere to put the linen.

Nora: Yes, but it needn’t be on the landing – the one in bathroom will do perfectly.

Harry: It’s a pity there’s no garage.

Mrs. Brewer: Do you need a garage immediately? – You could easily build one in the garden.

Nora: Yes, Harry, need we worry about a garage now? After all, we haven’t car yet.

Harry: No, you’re quite right, Nora. Now, is there anything else we need discuss with Mrs. Brewer?

Nora: We must think it all over when we get home, Mrs. Brewer.

Mrs. Brewer: Oh, yes, Mr. Parker; you needn’t make your minds up at once. Matters like this need thinking over carefully.

Harry: And now we must be going.

Mrs. Brewer: Oh, need you hurry away? You mustn’t go without having a cup of tea. I’ve got all ready here.

Harry: How about his bed? That’s the main thing, after all.

Nora: I saw some diven beds yesterday. They looked very comfortable. I went in and asked the price; they were sixteen pounds complete.

Harry: That seems a lot of money. I suppose he couldn’t keep the bed he’s using at present?

Nora: Oh, no! That’s had a broken spring for years.

Harry: But I thought you had it mended last year?

Nora: Well, yes, I’ve had it mended several times, but it’s always broken again in a week or two. Poor Robert! It’s awfully bad luck never to have had a really comfortable bed.

Harry: Well, he’s never complained, has he?

Nora: No, he’s always been quite cheerful about it. Why, here is Robert.

Harry: We were just talking about you, my boy.

Robert: Yes, I heard you. You haven’t bought me a new bed, have you?

Nora: No, but we were just talking about it.

Robert: Well, don’t, for goodness’ sake: I couldn’t sleep on a new one! I know the spring of mine is broken, but you know, somehow, I’ve grown used to that old bed. I don’t want a new one.

Harry: Thank you, Robert.

Robert: Why?

Harry: Well, you’ve just saved me sixteen pounds!

Lesson 24

Text of conversation

Harry: How do you like being in the new house, Robert?

Robert: Very much, thanks, Dad.

Harry: So do I. But I’ll tell you one thing – there’s going to be an awful lot work to do to get it into shape. For example, the whole back garden needs digging; so does the front; and neither your mother nor I will have time.

Robert: That’s all right, Dad. Either Peter or I will see to that.

Harry: I’ve never seen a garden in such ah untidy state.

Robert: No, nor have I.

Harry: All the woodwork inside the house will want painting.

Robert: So will the woodwork outside; but I don’t know much about that sort of thing.

Harry: No, nor do I; but we can soon find out.

Robert: That garden fence really wants painting too.

Harry: So you see, your mother and I shall have to be pretty busy with all these things, and so must you boys.

Robert: Well, I don’t mind, and I don’t suppose Peter does either.

Harry: As a matter of fact, I rather like the idea of having a lot of jobs to do during the next month or so.

Robert: Yes, so do I.

Harry: Er – what shall we begin on?

Robert: This being Saturday afternoon, do you know what I thought of doing first, Dad?

Harry: No, what?

Robert: I am going to watch the local football team play – and Peter is going with me.

Harry: Er – where did you say you were going?

Robert: To the football match.

Harry: H’m Good idea! So will I. And we’ll start on the house tomorrow.