Page:Manhattan Transfer (John Dos Passos, 1925).djvu/94

82 "And when we used to go cruising on the Mary Stuart."

"Oh tell me about that muddy."

There was a knock. "Come." The spikyhaired waiter put his head in the door.

"Can I clear mum?"

"Yes and bring me some fruit salad and see that the fruit is fresh cut Things are wretched this evening."

Puffing, the waiter was piling dishes on the tray. "I'm sorry mum," he puffed.

"All right, I know it's not your fault waiter What'll you have Jimmy?"

"May I have a meringue glacé muddy?"

"All right if you'll be very good."

"Yea," Jimmy let out a yell.

"Darling you mustn't shout like that at table."

"But we dont mind when there are just the two of us Hooray meringue glacé."

"James a gentleman always behaves the same way whether he's in his own home or in the wilds of Africa."

"Gee I wish we were in the wilds of Africa."

"I'd be terrified, dear."

'I'd shout like that and scare away all the lions and tigers Yes I would."

The waiter came back with two plates on the tray. "I'm sorry mum but meringue glacé's all out I brought the young gentleman chocolate icecream instead."

"Oh mother."

"Never mind dear It would have been too rich anyway You eat that and I'll let you run out after dinner and buy some candy."

"Oh goody."

"But dont eat the icecream too fast or you'll have colly-wobbles."

"I'm all through."

"You bolted it you little wretch Put on your rubbers honey."

"But it's not raining at all."

"Do as mother wants you dear And please dont