Page 117 - Real English 2024 Book 8

THE PIPE-LIGHTER

BOY: Do you mean I can keep this?

UNCLE: Of course; it’s clearly yours.
BOY [Pocketing report]: Thank you, sir. [Pauses awkwardly ] I’m sorry if
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Ryland-Smith’s going to be disappointed, but you don’t know my
father.
UNCLE: No, but I know Ernest’s. However, I believe the boy suspects
something already, and you can leave his father to me.

BOY [relieved]: Thank you, sir. Good night, sir.

UNCLE: Good night, my boy. Your pocket money ought to be
safe now.
BOY: I hope so, sir.

[He goes out. Uncle takes up remaining report and examines it
again. Then shaking his head, he folds it carefully into a pipe-
lighter, which he lays on the table. His cigarette now smoked
through, he throws it on the fire, and fills a pipe. He has just

finished, and puts the pipe in his mouth when Ernest enters with a
pile of envelopes in his hand.]
ERNEST: Anything for the post, Uncle?

UNCLE: No, thanks, my boy. I rarely write letters.

[He takes the report, pushes it in the fire, and starts lighting his
pipe.]
ERNEST [suddenly noticing what his uncle is doing]: Here, whatever are
you doing?

UNCLE [pretending surprise]: Only saving matches. What’s the matter?

ERNEST: But that’s my report.
I’m always getting
UNCLE [looking down at burning paper in his hand]: Heavens, so it is – or
was. I must be getting absent-minded in my old age. Well, it’s no into hot water. After
good now, I’m afraid. [Throws it on the fire.] all, accidents will
happen.
ERNEST: You won’t half get into trouble when Dad comes.

UNCLE: Never mind. I’m always getting into hot water. After all,
accidents will happen. [Looking at the clock at the mantelpiece ]
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I say, isn’t it nearly post-time?
ERNEST: Help, I’d forgotten all about the post. I must rush. [He hurries

to the door.] 10. not smoothly or gracefully
UNCLE: By the way. 11. a shelf above a fireplace

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