, 'we have already displaced about
sixty dollars' worth of space in this dyspepsia emporium, and we
must, therefore, behave like gentlemen and order something, no
matter what the cost. What are the savings of a life-time compared
with our honor!'
"The waiter bowed so low that his shoulder blades cracked like a
whip.
"'Bring us,' I said, 'a plain omelet and one dish of prunes.'
[Illustration: "Bring us a plain omelet and one dish of prunes."]
"I waited till Peter Girofla translated this into French and then I
added, 'And on the side, please, two glasses of water and three
toothpicks. Have the prunes fricasseed, wash the water on both
corners, and bring the toothpicks rare.'
"The waiter rushed away and all around us we could hear money
talking to itself.
"Fair women sat at the tables picking dishes out of the bill of
fare which brought the blush of sorrow to the faces of their
escorts. It was a wonderful sight, especially for those who have a
nervous chill every time the gas bill comes in.
"When we ate our modest little dinner the waiter presented a check
which called for three dollars and thirty-three cents.
"'The thirty-three cents is for what you ordered,' Alexander J.
Dumas explained, 'and the three dollars is for the French hangings
in the parlor.
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