'That makes it all the more interesting,' remarked Theodore
Racksole.



'What a long time you have been, Father,' said Nella, when he
returned to table No. 17 in the salle manger.

'Only twenty minutes, my dove.'

'But you said two seconds. There is a difference.'

'Well, you see, I had to wait for the steak to cook.'

'Did you have much trouble in getting my birthday treat?'

'No trouble. But it didn't come quite as cheap as you said.'

'What do you mean, Father?'

'Only that I've bought the entire hotel. But don't split.'

'Father, you always were a delicious parent. Shall you give me the
hotel for a birthday present?'

'No. I shall run it - as an amusement. By the way, who is that chair
for?'

He noticed that a third cover had been laid at the table.