"I'm not an invalid, Knowlton," I protested, as he tried to make a slice
of toast over a gas jet. "I don't know what you conceive the functions
of a best man to be, but I did not ask for cooking to be included in the
specifications. In fact, I'm not certain that even Shaefer's wouldn't
manage breakfast better."
"Go to hell, Ted. I learned to cook before you were born," was his
rejoinder.
"That puts me under no obligation to eat it," I retorted, "especially as
I wasn't present."
"Shave and shut up," he replied, unmoved. Another slice of bread was
suspended over the gas jet. I made my toilet leisurely and, at the end,
ate a slice of his asphyxiated toast. The coffee was excellent, thanks
to the ingeniousness of the machine that made it. So was the
cantaloupe--but Knowlton had not made that, either.
"Knowlton," I said, with breakfast over, "when you make toast for me,
you try my friendship far."
"You're an ungrateful hound. I've got your railroad tickets to New York.
Transportation for two." He emphasized the latter statement. "By No.
46--the 5.02 P. M., Eastern standard time." Deep Harbor used both
Eastern and Western time.
"Keep the tickets until I want them. One thing more. Do you expect me to
sit here until two o'clock talking to you?"
Knowlton's ancient grin crinkled his eyes. "A little jumpy, aren't we?
Well, I don't blame you. Listen to today's _Eagle_--it will soothe you.
'A marriage is to be solemnized this afternoon, at two o'clock at St.
Asaph's Episcopal Church, Myrtle Boulevard, between Helen, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Claybourne of Myrtle Boulevard, and Edward Jevons, of
London, England. The social prominence of the young people--Mr.
Claybourne is one of the most prominent business men of our lake city,
the president of the Claybourne Manufacturing Company, of Twelfth
Street, and Mr. Jevons, the prospective groom, is favourably known for
his connection with the Deep Harbor Manufacturing Company, lately
acquired by a New York corporation--lends unusual interest to this
affair. The Rev. Mr. Osborough will officiate. Decorations by Deering. A
reception to a few intimate friends will follow at the Claybourne
residence. Catering by Podalsky and Rodenheim.'"