2. I Was Looking Forward to Meeting You.

Mr.Grant: Good morning. Mr. Volkov. So sorry to have kept you waiting. I was on the phone.

Volkov: Good morning, Mr. Grant. That's all right, you needn’t worry; I'm glad you've found time to receive me today, on my second day in London. You must be very busy as director of such a high company.

Mr. Grant: To tell the truth, I was looking forward to meeting you, Mr. Volkov. Mr. Russel has told me so much about you. You met him in Kyiv last year, didn't you?

Volkov: Yes. Does he work with your company now?

Mr. Grant: Yes, he does. At what hotel did you put up?

Volkov: I've put up at the Milford House. It's not a very large hotel but it's rather comfortable and the serviceis good.

Mr. Grant: Very well. Now let's get down to business.

3. A Good Basis for Discussion

Volkov: Mr Grant, have you received the proposals (suggestions) which we sent with our letter of the 10th of September?

M r Grant: Yes, we have. Except for some details which (I hope) we'll discuss your proposals seem to be a good basis for discussion.

Vollwv: I'm glad you like them.

Mr Grant: Well; I didn't say that. Just they aren't bad for a start.

Volkov: I see. Unfortunately, I haven't got the powers either to discuss the general principles of the contract or to sign it. My mission is far more modest. That is I am to take a close look at the equipment and machines you sell and to see how they work in the shops.

4. I'll Put You in Touch with Mr Russel

Mr Grant: Very well, Mr Volkov. I'll do my best to help you fulfil your mission. How long are you going to stay in tthis country?

Volkov: Well, it depends. In any case not more than three weeks.

Mr Grant: Would your chief extend your stay here if we sent a telegram and asked him to?

Volkov: I really don't know. Why do you ask?

Mr Grant: The matter is that Mr Alan Russel who is in charge of the commercial department and whom you know very well is away in Paris just now.

Volkov: When is he going to be back?

Mr Grant: We expect him the day after tomorrow. I'll put you in touch with him as soon as he arrives. We'll get you on the phone or leave a message for you at the hotel. Well, it's been nice meeting you, Mr Volkov.

Volkov: I won't take up anymore of your time. See you soon; Mr Grant. Good-bye.

5. In fact That Isn’t So Difficult to Arrange

Alan Russel: Oh, Anatoly! That you?

Volkov:Me and no other! How are you getting on, Alan?

Alan: Everything is all right. How are you? How's your wife?

Volkov: Thank you. Well, more or less. My wife sends you her love.

Alan: Thanks a lot. I hear from my boss you've come specially to take a close look at our equipment and everything.

Volkov: In a way yes. I 'm especially interested in some supplementary machines which control the functioning of the assembly line. I want to see how they work in the shops.

Alan: I see. In fact that isn't difficult to arrange. What do you say to coming on Monday?

Volkov: On Monday? Can't we meet earlier?

Alan: Look here. Today is Friday. We don't work Saturdays and Sundays. And we need some time to get ready for your inspection. You know what I mean.

Volkov: Hmm. In other words, you're giving me to understand that some of the machines aren't in working condition yet, aren't you?

Alan: You are a very capable engineer, Anatoly. I've always said that.

Volkov: Thanks. There's nothing else for it. I'll have time to see London better.