Thief of Time - Punctual

'Morning, sir!' said a cheery voice. Another cart had pulled up. This one was painted a gleaming, hygienic white and was full of milk churns, and had 'Ronald Soak, Dairyman' painted on the side. Distracted, Jeremy looked up at the beaming face of Mr Soak, who was holding a bottle of milk in each hand. 'One pint, squire, as per usual. And perhaps another one if you've got company?'

'Er, er, er ... yes, thank you.'

'And the yoghurt is particularly fine this week, squire,' said Mr Soak encouragingly. 'Er, er, I think not, Mr Soak.'

'Need any eggs, cream, butter, buttermilk or cheese?'

'Not as such, Mr Soak.'

'Right you are, then,' said Mr Soak, unabashed. 'See you tomorrow, then.’

'Er, yes,' said Jeremy, as the cart moved on.

Mr Soak was a friend, which in Jeremy's limited social vocabulary meant 'someone I speak to once or twice a week'. He approved of the milkman, because he was regular and punctual and had the bottles at the doorstep every morning on the stroke of 7a.m.

***

The Thief of Time - p41-42