What the Dickens?

Wealthier readers of this blog might be interested in this news item on the BBC website.

Of course, buying the desk won’t make you a better writer, but it will mean you’re never short of something to talk about in restaurants.

‘Guys, did I tell you, I bought Charles Dickens’ old desk?’

‘Yes, you did.’

‘Really? Ah…well…are you sure?’

‘Yes. Last week.’

‘Oh…um…did I tell you it’s haunted?’

‘Haunted?’

‘Yes, by the man himself. I walked into my study late last night, looking for a…a stapler, and saw his shade, sat there at the desk—’

‘His what?’

‘His shade. It’s a poetic word for ghost.’

‘Ah, okay.’

‘Yes, I saw his shade, sat there at the desk…and…’

‘And…?’

‘…and…and…he smiled at me.’

‘Really?’

‘Yes.’

‘Oh. We have to be, to be going now.’

‘Really?’

‘Yes.’

‘Did I tell you, the proceeds went to charity?’

‘Yes, you did. Goodbye.’

‘…goodbye.’

On second thoughts, perhaps it’s better to buy the desk, but keep its secret to yourself.

(Thanks to Eloise for alerting me to the auction.)