She got up.
"Well, what is it now?"
"Can you change me a penny, please?" said Simon.
"Mrs. Jones!" called the girl.
A stout lady manageress in black appeared.
"I don't know what this gentleman means."
The manageress raised her eyebrows at the jester.
"I asked the young lady for change of a penny. Can you let me have two halfpence for a penny, please?"
The manageress opened the till and gave the change. The gay one departed, chuckling. He had had the best of the girl, silly creature, that could not take a joke in good part—but he had enjoyed himself.
Moving in the line of least resistance towards the phantom of pleasure, he made for the hotel entrance and the sunlight showing through the door, bought a cigar at the kiosk outside, and then bundled into a taxi.