Page:Tex; a chapter in the life of Alexander Teixeira de Mattos (IA texchapterinlife00mcke).pdf/53



The first five months of 1916 were a time of relatively good health for Teixeira; and our correspondence contains little more than an invitation, which he acknowledged in departmental language.

I wrote:

Tuesday, Jan. 4th, 1916. Though long I've wished to bid you come and dine,     Your way of life stood ever in the way; For you, I gather, go to bed at nine     And rise at five (or five-fifteen) next day.

''Yet Tuesday brings my chance. At half-past eight    I go to guard my king; but, ere I go, With meat and wine I purpose to inflate     My sagging stomach for an hour or so.''

''Then will you join me? Seven o'clock, I think: The Mausoleum Club is fairly near: Whate'er your heart desire of food and drink, And any kind of clothes you choose to wear.''

S. McK.