THE CLOSING OF THE DOOR
From the remarks of his friends even as they thronged him, offering congratulations, Mr. Allen could easily gather that however impressive his speech had been, few of his audience had taken his warning seriously.
“You queered my speech, Larry,” he said, “but I forgive you.”
“Not at all, Sir,” replied Larry. “You certainly got me.”
“I fear,” replied Mr. Allen, “that I am 'the voice crying in the wilderness.'”
At the Allens' party Larry was overwhelmed with congratulations on his speech, the report of which had been carried before him by his friends.
“They tell me your speech was quite thrilling,” said Mrs. Allen as she greeted Larry.
“Your husband is responsible for everything,” replied Larry.
“No,” said Mr. Allen, “Miss Jane here is finally responsible. Hers were the big shells I fired.”
“Not mine,” replied Jane. “I got them from Mr. Romayne, your brother-in-law, Larry.”