Chapter Five

MISS MATFIELD WONDERS

MR. GOLSPIE took the typewritten sheets from Miss
Matfield and then spread them out on her table. "AH
six letters alike, eh? That's the style, Miss Matfield.
Hello, is this exactly what I said?"

"As a matter of fact, it isn't." And Miss Matfield
raised her eyes and gave him a steady level glance.

"As a matter of fact, it isn't, eh? Then what is it, as a
matter of fact? Just a little improvement, eh?"

Miss Matfield coloured slightly. "Well, if you want
to know, Mr. Golspie, all I've done is to change was
into were twice, simply for the sake of making it more
grammatical. That's all"

"Half a minute, half a minute," Mr. Golspie boomed
at her. "Not more grammatical. Just grammatical.
You made it grammatical when before it wasn't gram-
matical. Either it's grammatical or it isn't, d'you see?
And now I'm being more grammatical, eh?" He
guffawed, suddenly, dreadfully.

"I don't pretend to be particularly marvellous about
grammar," she replied, trying to be severe, "but I do
happen to know when to use was and when to use were.
It's one of the few things they taught me. And so I
thought you wouldn't object if I changed them."

"Much obliged." He regarded her amiably. "By

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