Note 52 — PUNCTUATION

How much depends upon punctuation is well illustrated in a story told, I believe, by the late G. A. Sala, once a writer in the Daily Telegraph, about R. B. Sheridan, dramatist and M.P. In the House of Commons, Sheridan one day gave an opponent the lie direct. Called upon to apologize, the offender responded thus: ‘Mr. Speaker I said the honourable Member was a liar it is true and I am sorry for it.’ Naturally the person concerned was not satisfied; and said so. ‘Sir,’ continued Mr. Sheridan, ‘the honourable Member can interpret the terms of my statement according to his ability, and he can put punctuation marks where it pleases him.’—H. H.