Разговорный английский

Войтенок Владимир Валерьевич

When outing, that is, on a picnic, the English load their luncheon baskets with all sorts of sandwiches made of thin slices of bread (as thin as a sheet) and butter with meat, ham, raw tomatoes or even cucumber in between. The latter are, of course, more refreshing than nourishing. There in the basket you would likely find, besides cakes and biscuits, some bottles of gingerbeer (wine is very dear in England as it is being imported from overseas).

Dinner, which is around 7 o’clock in the evening, begins with what might correspond to a Russian “zakuska,” followed by a clear soup, fish, roast chicken, potatoes and vegetables and dessert.

In simpler homes the schedule is somewhat different. In the morning they have breakfast, at midday-dinner, which is considered to be the chief meal, tea in the afternoon and supper in the evening. The supper might consist of an omelette or sausage, sometimes bacon and eggs or even a sandwich of bread and butter with cheese with a cup of coffee or cocoa.

VIII. Shopping

1. DEPARTMENT STORE

a) At the Hat Department

CUSTOMER. Have you a hat that will fit me, sir?

SALESMAN. Velour or felt, black or grey, sir?

C. A grey felt, if not too dear. What is the price of a good felt hat?

S. Here is one of superior quality for ... shillings.

C. Let me try it on. It is too small.

S. Let’s try another. This will do very well, I am sure.

С. I do not like the shape. Hats with so wide a brim are not to my taste; besides the crown is too high.

S. Excuse me, sir. Hats with narrow brims and low crowns are quite unfashionable now.

C. Well, then I must take it, but the band is too narrow; can’t you change it?

S. Yes, we can, but you will be charged one shilling extra for this kind of alteration, sir.

C. Never mind. How long do I have to wait?

S. Oh, it’ll be done in 10—15 minutes.

C. Very good. I’ll go over to the shoe department in the meantime. Which way am I to go?

S. It’s on the second floor to your right, sir.

{After some time the customer comes back.)

S. Here is your hat, sir. Would you like to see how it looks now?

C. Yes, please. Ah! That’s a great improvement. What is the price all in all?

S. ... shillings, sir.

b) Buying Gloves

SALESMAN. What can I do for you, young lady?

CUSTOMER. Will you, please, show me some gloves. I should like grey ones.

S. What kind of gloves would you like? Kid gloves or suede?

C. Kid gloves, please.

S. What size do you wear?

C. Really, I don’t know. I’d like to try them on.

S. Sorry, but it is not allowed to try gloves on. Permit me to take your measure, if you please.

C. With pleasure.

S. Your size is number 7. Here are gloves of that size. They are of the best quality.

C. They are nice, indeed. What’s the price?

S.... roubles.

C. That’s too dear. Have you no other, cheaper ones?

S. Oh, yes. Now do you like these?

C. They are not bad. How much are they?

S. ... roubles. We have still cheaper ones, but they are not so good.

C. I’ll take them. No, you need not wrap them up. I’ll put them on.

c) At the Textiles Counter

S. Are you being served, madam?

C. Not yet.

S. What can I do for you?

С. I should like some silk for a dress, please.

S. Natural silk? And what colour would you like?

C. Really I don’t know. May I ask you to help me make¹ my choice?

S. With the greatest pleasure. Now, would you like it with a pattern or plain?

C. Well, show me something with a pattern, if you please.

S. Here is some fine silk that I am sure you will like.

C. The pattern is too showy. Something quieter, please. Show me that roll on the third shelf, please, the light blue one.

S. This one?

C. No, the other next to it, please.

S. Here you are. You might look at this as well — this is of much better quality.

C. Oh, yes, it is indeed. How wide is it?

S. 48 inches, madam. It’s folded, you see.

C. Yes, I do. How much would I need for a dress?

S. Well, it depends upon the fashion you choose.

С. I don’t want anything stylish — a dress of severe lines is what I like.

¹ In colloquial speech (especially in American English) the verb to help often takes the infinitive without to.

S. I suppose six yards would do.

C. What’ll that come up to?

S. 3 pounds 6 shillings, madam. Shall I cut off the piece?

C. Do, please. Here you —.

S. No, you must pay to the cashier, please.

2. THE GROCERY SHOP

Going out to Shop

MARY. Isn’t it good that we have bought this refrigerator, mamma? Now we can buy in the things we need for the whole week.

MOTHER. Yes, it is very convenient indeed. Now, Mary dear, I’d like you to do some shopping as I am very busy now. I’ll send Tom along with you.

MARY. Yes, Mother dear. What must I buy?