When hollow hearts shall wear a mask,’
“Here, Hans, old boy, I’ll take another glass of Chablis—
“‘’Twill break your own to see,
In such a moment I but a—a—a—sk
That you’ll remember me.’”
Here a tremendous chorus, led by Mr. Ahlberg, broke in, accompanied with much pounding on the table, and a rhythmic jingling of glasses:
“Then you’ll remember me, boys,
Then you’ll remember me.”
Mr. Cole, very much annoyed and preposterously dignified, began to protest.
“Gentlemen—er—beloved brethren, I mean gentlemen, this song is a sentimental one—a sentimental song, d’ye hear—and does not admit of a convivial chorus. Now, I’ll give you the last verse over.”