And if you will excuse me, I think perhaps you had
better fight it out with the landlady. I have paid a month's rent in
advance.'
"'A month's rent!' He advanced and shook hands with me warmly before I
knew what he was doing. 'A month in advance. It is an honor to touch
your hand. Alas, how many moons have waned since I came in personal
contact with one who could pay a month in advance.'
"'The landlady--'
"'Oh, I am going. No room is big enough for two. Lots of fellows room
together to save money, but it is too multum in too parvum; I think I
prefer to spend the money. I have never resorted to it, even in my
brokest days. I didn't leave my pipe here, did I?'
"'I haven't seen it,' I said very coldly.
"'Well, all right. Don't get cross about it. Out into the dark and
cold, out into the wintry night, without a cent to have and hold, but
landladies are always right.'
"He smiled appealingly but I frowned at him with my most ministerial
air.
"'I am a poet,' he said apologetically. 'I can't help going off like
that. It isn't a mental aberration. I do it for a living.'
"I had nothing to say.
"'My card.' He handed it to me with a flourish, a neatly engraved one,
with the word 'advertisement' in the corner.
Pages:
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117