Yesterday, I was to
be his father. To-day, as soon as he knew you were coming, sir, he
tried to put it up on me that you were his father, his long lost father-
--not seen you for eighteen years, he said.
CRAMPTON (startled). Eighteen years!
WAITER. Yes, sir. (With gentle archness.) But I was up to his
tricks, sir. I saw the idea coming into his head as he stood there,
thinking what new joke he'd have with me. Yes, sir: that's the sort he
is: very pleasant, ve--ry off hand and affable indeed, sir. (Again
changing his tempo to say to Valentine, who is putting his stick down
against the corner of the garden seat) If you'll allow me, sir?
(Taking Valentine's stick.) Thank you, sir. (Valentine strolls up to
the luncheon table and looks at the menu. The waiter turns to Crampton
and resumes his lay.) Even the solicitor took up the joke, although he
was in a manner of speaking in my confidence about the young gentleman,
sir. Yes, sir, I assure you, sir. You would never imagine what
respectable professional gentlemen from London will do on an outing,
when the sea air takes them, sir.
CRAMPTON. Oh, there's a solicitor with them, is there?
WAITER. The family solicitor, sir---yes, sir. Name of McComas, sir.
(He goes towards hotel entrance with coat and stick, happily unconscious
of the bomblike effect the name has produced on Crampton.
Pages:
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75