It cost me a couple of thousand and odd pounds, and, by the way, I wrote out a cheque for your bill this morning.

I don't like balls, but they're useful to me, and my little wife likes 'em, and so we give 'em.

Now, I've nothing to say against the hotel management as regards that ball: it was very decently done, very decently, but what I want to know is this--Why did you have a private detective among my guests ?' 'A private detective ?' exclaimed Racksole, somewhat surprised at this charge.
'Yes,' Mr Sampson Levi said firmly, fanning himself in his chair, and gazing at Theodore Racksole with the direct earnest expression of a man having a grievance.

'Yes; a private detective.

It's a small matter, I know, and I dare say you think you've got a right, as proprietor of the show, to do what you like in that line; but I've just called to tell you that I object.