And, consequently, I always aim to let my better half know beforehand,
so that she may prepare certain dishes that she delights to set before
company, but which are strangers to our ordinary everyday bill of fare.
Even the best of intentions are liable to go astray.
And on this occasion I certainly overstepped the mark.
So I have taken a vow to abstain from slang hereafter.
This is what happened:
[Illustration]
I left two gentlemen in the parlor, and wended my way to the realm
where our meals are usually prepared.
My wife met me in the dining-room, and her face told me she was not
happy.
"Surely you haven't brought any one home with you?" she said.
"Why, yes, my dear. You remember, of course, I told you this morning I
would."
"Of course, not. You told me you'd bring home a couple of lobsters for
dinner."
"Well, that's them in the parlor."
I finally compromised matters by taking a party of four to a
neighboring restaurant, and that lobster episode cost me just ten
dollars.