A lady from South America possessed of a decidedly quick temper came to New York with a very incomplete knowledge of the English language. At her hotel she rang for the chambermaid. But a waiter came instead. Having ascertained that the name of the chambermaid was Susan, the lady marshaled her meager knowledge of English in a desperate effort to make the waiter understand that he should call the chambermaid. What she said to him, however, was:
“Call me Susan!”
The waiter leaned against the wall much alarmed.
“Call me Susan!” shouted the South American.
The waiter became appalled.
“Call me Susan!” roared the lady, her eyes flashing furiously.
“Susan, then—if you will have it!” exclaimed the poor waiter. Then he fled precipitately.
“Please, mum,” began the aged hero in appealing tones, as he stood at the kitchen-door on washday, “I’ve lost my leg—”
“Well, I ain’t got it,” snapped the woman, slamming the door.