In the first place, despite the parlous state of my internal economy* the world is (surprisingly) not utterly cold, barren and friendless.**   While I was clearing off the kitchen table *** I re-unearthed the latest catalogue from the company that had sold me the infamous Melting Vacuum Cleaner.  In large brazen print the catalogue declares, Our phone lines are open 24 hours every day!  So I rang them up at 3 o'clock on a Sunday afternoon, and said, I bought a vacuum cleaner from you...