“Hello Stan, sit down,” she said quietly. Then she continued smiling into Oglethorpe’s face. “Isnt that wonderful Jojo?”
“Ellie this is Mr. Herf,” said Stan gruffly.
“Oh I’m so glad to meet you. I used to hear about you up at Mrs. Sunderland’s.”
They were silent. Oglethorpe was tapping on the table with his spoon. “Why heow deo you deo Mr. Herf,” he said with sudden unction. “Dont you remember how we met?”
“By the way how’s everything up there Jojo?”
“Just topping thanks. Cassahndrah’s beau has left her and there’s been the most appalling scandal about that Costello creature. It seems that she came home foxed the other night, to the ears my deah, and tried to take the taxi driver into her room with her, and the poor boy protesting all the time that all he wanted was his fare.... It was appalling.”
Stan got stiffly to his feet and walked out.
The three of them sat without speaking. Jimmy tried to keep from fidgeting in his chair. He was about to get up when something velvetsoft in her eyes stopped him.
“Has Ruth got a job yet, Mr. Herf?” she asked.
“No she hasnt.”