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Here's an example from A. A. Milne, so nearer the date of <i>Jacob's
Room</i>. What is frustrating about this is that it might be
mocking the maid for believing that grilled bone is grilling what's
left of the joint when there's no meat left, or it might really be
this. I suspect the former.<br>
<br>
Jeremy<br>
<br>
<br>
Nancy: (Without looking up.) Yes, Mary? <br>
Mary: It's about the dinner, ma'am.<br>
Nancy: (With a sigh.) Yes, I was afraid it was.<br>
It isn't a very nice subject to talk about, is it, Mary?<br>
Mary: Well, ma'am, it has its awkwardness like.<br>
Nancy: (After a pause, but not very hopefully.)<br>
How is the joint looking?<br>
Mary: Well, it's past looking like anything very much.<br>
Nancy: Well, there's the bone. Mary: Yes, there's the bone.<br>
Nancy: (Gaily.) Well, there we are, Mary. Soup. <br>
Mary: If you remember, maam, we had soup yesterday.<br>
Nancy: (Wistfully.) Couldn't you " couldn't you squeeze it again,
Mary ?<br>
Mary: It's past squeezing, ma'am " in this world <br>
Nancy: I was reading in a book the other day about two people who
went out to dinner one night " they always dine late in books, Mary
" and ordered a grilled bone. It seemed such a funny thing to have,
when they had everything else to choose from. I suppose our ...<br>
Mary: Grilling wouldn't do it no good, ma'am. <br>
Nancy: (Trying to be fair.) Well, I suppose we mustn't blame it. It
has been a good joint to us.<br>
Mary: A good stayer, as you might say.<br>
Nancy: Yes. Well, I suppose we shall have to get another.<br>
Mary: Yes, ma'am.<br>
<br>
(Milne, A. A. Three Plays: The Dover Road, the Truth About Blayds,
the Great Broxopp. 1922. Reprint. London: Forgotten Books, 2013.
194-5. Print.)<br>
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