Gender Readings. Top Ten. Ренц Т.Г - 78 стр.

      “I have always liked,” he said, “to read and hear about the ways
of wealthy and fashionable folks. I suppose I am a bit of a snob. But I like
to have my information accurate. Now, I had formed the opinion that
champagne is cooled in the bottle and not by placing ice in the glass.”
      The girl gave a musical laugh of real amusement.
      “You should know,” she explained, in a patient tone, “that we
of the non-useful class depend for our amusement upon change. Just
now it is the fashion to put ice in champagne. The idea was originated
by a visiting Prince of Tartary while dining at the Waldorf. It will soon
give way to some other new idea. Just as at a dinner party this week on
Madison Avenue a green glove was laid by the plate of each guest to be
put on and used while eating olives.”
      “I see,” admitted the young man, humbly. “These special amuse-
ments of the inner circle do not become known to the common
public.”
      “Sometimes,” continued the girl, acknowledging his confession
of error by a slight bow, “I have thought that if I ever should love a
man it would be one of lowly station. One who is a worker and not a
drone. But, doubtless, the demands of caste and wealth will bå stron-
ger than my wishes. What is it that makes me tell you these things,
Mr Packenstarker?”
      “Parkenstacker,” breathed the young man. “Indeed, you cannot
know how much I appreciate your confidences.”
      The girl regarded him with the calm, impersonal look that befit-
ted the difference in their stations.
      “What is your line of business, Mr Parkenstacker?” she asked.
      “A very humble one. But I hope to rise in the world. Were you
really in earnest when you said that you could love a man of lowly
position?”
      “Indeed I was. But I said ‘might’. There is a Grand Duke and a
Marquis pursuing me. Yes, no position could be too humble were the
man what I would wish him to be.”
      “I work,” declared Mr Parkenstacker, “in a restaurant.”
      The girl shrank slightly.
      “Not as a waiter?” she said, almost pleading. “Labour is noble,
but, — personal service, you know — valets and — ”
      “I am not a waiter. I am cashier in” — on the street they faced
beyond the opposite side of the park was the brilliant electric sign
“RESTAURANT” — “I am cashier in that restaurant you see there.”

                                  – 78 –