Page:Firecrackers a realistic novel.pdf/174

 What is it? Florizel inquired eagerly.

What's what?

What you're drinking.

Scotch, of course, Lalla replied.

Why, Lalla, can't you tell brandy when you drink it?

Brandy! Nonsense, Jack! You're so squiffy you'd call absinthe brandy.

Give her a taste of the other stuff.

Scotch, Lalla announced, even more firmly than before.

Madame Madrilena was occupied. I think they're both cognac, was her new decision.

Campaspe smiled. Whatever they are, she repeated, they're both the same.

The second carafe contains the cognac, Mr. Pollanger persisted, almost as if some one had hurt him.

Who is that man? Lalla demanded of George in a whisper.

The first is cognac. I, ought to be able to know cognac, Jack cried. Napoleonic cognac, at that.

Don't be an ass, Jack. They're both Scotch.

I think they're both fine champagne, Madame Madrilena insisted.

I've an idea, Campaspe suggested. Let Jack select them blindfold.

Splendid!

Great!

Just the thing!

Jack, bursting with pride over his capacity for