But where have you been, Alice? You’re over an hour late.
A:
Yes, but I couldn’t help it. I was late getting off work for a start, and then I missed the bus. The bus I did catch got caught in a traffic jam. It was one thing after another.
B:
But why were you getting off work so late? The office closes at six, doesn’t it?
A:
Yes, but there’s a rush on at the moment, and my boss asked me to do some urgent letters.
B:
But didn’t you tell him you had an appointment?
A:
Well, no. I thought I’d finish in about five minutes and I didn’t want to be difficult about just a few minutes. If it hadn’t been for missing the bus and the traffic, I wouldn’t have been so late. I’m sorry.