I expected artichokes. They are to be found and
bought as well as cauliflowers. You know, my dear Mary, there is no dish
I care for so much as artichokes."
Suddenly Pussy called out,--
"That is it! that is it! That is exactly what he called to me twice.
And he raised his stick in the air, and did so,"--and Pussy raised her
arm in the air in great excitement. But suddenly she was quiet, and put
her arm under the table, and turned crimson; and Otto, who sat on the
other side of the table, looked at her with flashing eyes and very
angry looks.
"What is this?" asked the colonel. "A strange way to celebrate my
birthday. My daughter cries out, on one side, as if some one were going
to kill her; and, on the other, my son is giving me such kicks on the
shin that I shall soon be covered with black-and-blue spots. I should
like to know where you learned this agreeable amusement, Otto?"
Now it was Otto's turn to become fiery red. His intention had been to
give Pussy certain decided warnings to keep quiet, but his boot had
encountered his father's leg instead, and not gently either. When he
discovered his mistake, he did not dare to raise his eyes.
"Now, Pussy," said the colonel, "tell me the end of your robber story.
You said the terrible man called out 'artichokes' to you, and raised his
stick in the air; and then"--
"Then--then," stammered Pussy, who perceived that she had betrayed every
thing, and would have to give the sugar cock back to Otto again.
Pages:
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240