Page:In defense of Harriet Shelley, and other essays.djvu/366

 MARK TWAIN

&quot;That is right. I was sure you would not go; it would take the food from my family s mouths.

&quot;Would they mind that? Do they eat these fiendish things?&quot;

They ? My family ? His eyes were full of gentle wonder. &quot;Of course not.&quot;

&quot;Oh, they don t! Do you?&quot;

&quot;Certainly not.&quot;

&quot;I see. It s another case of a physician who doesn t take his own medicine.&quot;

I don t need it. It is six hours since you lunched. Will you have supper now or later?&quot;

&quot;I am not hungry, but now is as good a time as any, and I would like to be done with it and have it off my mind. It is about my usual time, and regu larity is commanded by all the authorities. Yes, I will try to nibble a little now I wish a light horse whipping would answer instead.&quot;

The professor handed me that odious menu.

&quot;Choose or will you have it later?&quot;

&quot;Oh, dear me, show me to my room; I forgot your hard rule.&quot;

&quot;Wait just a moment before you finally decide There is another rule. If you choose now, the order will be filled at once; but if you wait, you will have to await my pleasure. You cannot get a dish from that entire bill until I consent.&quot;

&quot;All right. Show me to my room, and send the cook to bed; there is not going to be any hurry.&quot;

The professor took me up one flight of stairs and showed me into a most inviting and comfortable

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