wholegrain  +  532568 Wed, 25 Jun 08 09:50 PM "To come to particulars, my dear sir, I met you, now some six years back, at Brade Brothers & Co's office, I think. I was traveling for a Philadelphia house. The senior Brade introduced us, you remember; some business-chat followed, then you forced me home with you to a family tea, and a family time we had. Have you forgotten about the urn, and what I said about Werter's Charlotte, and the bread and butter, and that capital story you told of the large loaf. A hundred times since, I have laughed over it. At least you must recall my name--Ringman, John Ringman." "Large loaf? Invited you to tea? Ringman? Ringman? Ring? Ring?" Is he making fun of him or not? wholegrain Joined on Thu, Jun 19 2008 Regular Member 534

	Avangi  +  532571 Wed, 25 Jun 08 10:05 PM The second speaker doesn't seem to remember the first speaker, or the occasion of their previous meeting.  The second speaker seems impaired in some way   -   or he may be putting on an act to make fun of him, as you suggest.  There's not enough context for me to tell which.   - A. Avangi Joined on Mon, Nov 19 2007 Veteran Member 7,923 ". . . le plaisir delicieux et toujours nouveau d'une occupation inutile." - Henri de Regnier

	Clive  +  532573 Wed, 25 Jun 08 10:10 PM Hi guys, I don't see any sign of 'making fun' here. It just seems like the author is writing rather stilted and old-fashioned dialogue. What are you reading? When was it written? Are you hoping to improve your English by reading this? Best wishes, Clive Clive Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004 Canada Veteran Member 29,298 El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo

	Clive  +  533015 Thu, 26 Jun 08 06:09 PM Hi, So you're reading and asking about English written (by a great author, of course) in the 19th. century and in a 19th. century style. You just need to bear that in mind.  Best wishes, Clive Clive

	Avangi  +  534807 Mon, 30 Jun 08 07:42 PM Why not? Edit.  Sorry, I get it now.  You mean you don't think one person is making fun of the other.   I agree. Avangi