In boarding house of Mrs. O’Brien there is one young lady which all other eaters at the table-board call “Grandma” because of her immense age. All young gentlemen there talk humoristical anecdote, smile, eat candy with young ladies of more recent birth. While youthly ladies are doing this Miss Grandma set lonesome by lamplight reading Mrs. Humply Ward book.
I have often noticed these when seated in kitchen studying American grammar. “Why should not Young Lady be object of pious regard because of great age?” I frequently enquire for answer.
One evening I put on frockaway coat and make call to Miss Grandma.
“Hon. young lady,” I refer, “yes, ma’am, excuse me, sir! Would you tell one questioning to Japanese Boy?”
“Surely, Mister Togo,” she response. “Whatever is?”
“Oftenly” I relate, “I am attractive to your honourable notice setting lonesome under lamplight. May I call sometime for lonesome company?”
“You are kind gentleman, Mister Togo,” she beseech. “Yes, you can come often for lonesome call.”
“Thank you, sir,” I say, “you are regardless. I come so often kitchen duties prevent it.”
She give me smiling expression peculiar to American lady of any oldness.
“Tell me this answer,” she inquisitive softly. “What qualities in myself make you such admiration?”