postage-stamps, please.

_First Emp._ (_leisurely_). What do you want?

_First Mem. of the Pub._ (_angrily_). Three penny postage-stamps, and
look sharp about it!

_First Emp._ (_giving stamp_). Threepence.

_First Mem. of the Pub._ (_furious_). A threepenny stamp! I want three
penny stamps. Three stamps costing a penny each. See?

_First Emp._ (_with calm unconcern_). Then why didn't you say so
before? (_Supplies stamps and turns to Friend._) Then MARIA of course
wanted to go to Birchington.

_Second Emp._ Why Birchington? Why did she want to go to Birchington?

_First Emp._ Well--_he_ of course was at Herne Bay.

_Second Emp._ Ah, now I begin to understand her artfulness.

_First Emp._ Ah, there you are right, my dear! She _was_ artful!

[_Enter Second Member of the Public, covered up in cloaks and
only showing the tip of his nose._

_Second Mem. of the Pub._ (_in a feeble voice_). Can you tell me,
please, when the Mail starts for India?