One of them would no doubt have said more, but at that moment a matchbox hit Emily on the back of her Napoleonic hat.
“Oh, hang it all,” said Emily, putting down her fork and spoon. “Don’t let’s disappoint anyone. Let’s save the Barbary Coast’s reputation.”
She picked up the matchbox. It was from a hotel and bore the legend—A Room and a Bath for a Dollar and a Half. “Did you see who threw it?” she asked.
“The little cad with horn glasses who hasn’t shaved.”
“Shall I show you what one does next?”
Edward grunted. Emily turned and smiled intensely at the thrower of the matchbox. Edward could not see the smile, but he noticed idly how prettily her hair gathered itself together for the knot, just above the nape of her neck. The thrower of the matchbox, who had been sitting with two women and three bottles, rose and came over to the table of Emily and Edward. He brought one of the bottles, but neither of the women. He said to Edward, “Say, mister, may I have the pleasure of speaking to your lady friend?”
Edward grunted.
“My name is Charlie,” said the visitor, sitting down and hospitably filling first Emily’s glass and then Edward’s from his bottle. “Are you located in San Fran? My home-city’s Seattle.”
“Mine is London (Eng.),” replied Emily briskly. “I’m doing a stunt. Round the World on a Motor Scooter.”
“Gee....” exclaimed Charlie. “An auto-scooter! Mine’s a bum job—selling Bindloss’s Suspenders. An auto-scooter round the world.... Holy Gee! And where does your husband climb on?”