“Darling, don’t be so snooty.”
“But isn’t there a law that permits one to kill people who call you ‘Mother’?”
“Darling, the Duke calls you that!”
“I know. He does. That’s what I hate about him! Sweet, do you think fresh air is worth the penalty of being called ‘Mother’? The next time this animal stops, he’ll call you ‘Father’!”
“Only once, my dear!”
VIII
Elmer considered, “Well, I’ve given those poor old birds some cheerfulness to go on with. By golly, there’s nothing more important than to give people some happiness and faith to cheer them along life’s dark pathway.”
He was passing the veranda café. At a pale green table was a man who sat next to Elmer in the dining salon. With him were three men unknown, and each had a whisky-and-soda in front of him.
“Well, I see you’re keeping your strength up!” Elmer said forgivingly.
“Sure, you betcha,” said his friend of the salon. “Don’t you wanta sit down and have a jolt with us?”