"No doubt; but I ordered pickled salmon!"
"I beg your pardon, sir, did you, sir?" (with a slight appearance of confusion.)
"Did I! Yes, to be sure I did. Do you mean to say you do not recollect it?"
"I may have forgotten it, sir; I suppose I have forgotten it, sir."
"Well, it does not matter much; I can make a supper of this. But don't forget to let me have some pickled salmon to-morrow evening."
"Certainly not, sir," was the waiter's answer; and so the matter ended for that night.
On the following evening, Grimaldi invited the manager, at the close of the performances, to go home and sup with him, which he willingly did. As on the preceding evening, the meal was prepared and awaiting their arrival. Down they sat, and upon the removal of the cover, a rump-steak presented itself. A good deal surprised, he said to the waiter,
"What's this! have you forgotten the pickled salmon again?"
"Why, really, sir, dear me!" hesitated the man, "I believe I have I really fancied you said you would have beef to-night, sir. To-morrow night, sir, I'll take care that you have some."
"Now, mind that you do remember it, for to-morrow is the last day I shall be here, and I have a particular wish to taste some before I leave the town."