The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1901-11-13
WOULD TELL OF A DINNER.
But the Bore Was Discounted and
Put on the Trnin.

Ilt girl was pretty enough to attract
attention as she entered the elevated
train, and of her escorts the one whose
name was soon disclosed TO be Jack look
ed very important. His accent was slight
ly affected. The other escort was ncu
trail looking chap with no accent His
name proved TO be Tom.
As soon rs the trio were seated Jack in
n loud voice took mp story with which
he had evidently bees boring his compan.
ions before they entered the car. 1t was
n recital in great detail of his experiences
at a recent dinner He described the
courses. told what the guests said, which
was uninteresting and even retailed his
own feelings. The girl and Tom looked
as if they were heartily tired of it. Jack
gave them no opportunity to interrupt.
"Then." he continued, when the coffee
was brought in ! asked the waiter to put
three Jumps of sugar in mine, and he
seemed surprised because, you know,
most people take only one lump of sugar,
but have always taken three in mine
ever since | was old enough TO order, and
that was the way my father did, and
what he did was good enough for me,
and then the gentleman who sat opposite
me and whose name | did not catch, as
most Of them were French, lifted his
glass and, bowling to me, said, a votre
sante,' and r.
"What did he sayf" interrupted the
girl
'IIe said, a votre sante,' and T.
"Do you mean to say that a gentleman
said that TO your said the girl, and one
Of the passengers thought he saw her
give Tom a little kick.
'Why-er-that Is, Of course he was q
gentleman" said Jack.
"Do you know what it meantP asked
the girl.
'Why-er-that is, not exactly, Of
course. but in a general way it is a com
plimentary toast"
do you know its true meaning" said
Tom, coming TO the girls aid, "when the
man lifts his glass and says it to your
The chap called Jack was now badly
fustered, and he admitted that he did
not know exactly what the Frenchman
intended to say TO him.
'And you sat there, Jack" said the
bhi talhfnAigs anu l'iulllltu NndA iNl4NN
TO say that to you without resenting itf'
'Resent it. Why. didn't know that
the fellow was insulting me. How did |
know thatT'
But he said "A votre sante' to you.
Tom, would you let anybody say such a
thing as that to your
''Not il | were as big as be was" said
Tom promptly.
BY this time most Of the passengers
within carshot were enjoying the sport.
When they wanted 10 laugh, they held up
their newspapers. The girls face gave
no indication Of the fun that she was
having except when she turned around
TO Tom and allowed one eyelid 10 drop
slowly until the lashes rested ON her
check It was a deliberate wink, and
Tom responded in kind The other chap
seemed 10 feel that he had made a mis-
take in some way, but be didn't know
just how. Moreover. be- knew that enough
Of the conversation had been overheard
by the other passengers TO make him ap-
pear ridiculous in their eyes.
81 don't just see yet where the insult
in saying "A votre sante' comes in," he
said.
You explain TO him, Tom" said the
girl
Il have not the heart to tell you.
Jack said Tom. Really, | haven't,
old man. but if you ever see that French
man again just punch his face and see
SShai he does"