then took place. To get nearer the window he pressed heavily on my
shoulder.

"William, you forget yourself!" I said, meaning--as I see now--that he
had forgotten me.

I heard him gulp, but not to my reprimand. He was scanning the street.
His hands chattered on my shoulder, and, pushing him from me, I saw that
his mouth was agape.

"What are you looking for?" I asked.

He stared at me, and then, like one who had at last heard the echo of my
question, seemed to be brought back to the club. He turned his face from
me for an instant, and answered shakily:

"I beg your pardon, sir! I--I shouldn't have done it. Are the bananas
too ripe, sir?"

He recommended the nuts, and awaited my verdict so anxiously while I ate
one that I was about to speak graciously, when I again saw his eyes drag
him to the window.

"William," I said, my patience giving way at last, "I dislike being
waited on by a melancholy waiter."

"Yes, sir," he replied, trying to smile, and then broke out
passionately, "For God's sake, sir, tell me, have you seen a little girl
looking in at the club windows?"