The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-10-16
Man in Hospital DislikeS
Word Because He Is So
Hungry for Solid Food.
ASKS HIS VISITORS
TO BRING IN BEANS
Declares He Is So Famished for
Something Good That He Could
Eat Anything But Eggs.

The man has been very III with ty-
phoid fever, and so I was somewhat
surprised recently when received a
note written by his trained nurse say
ing that he was convaIescing and would
be pleased to see me at the hospital
Much complimented, I fortified NY
self with a large bunch Of chrysanthe-
NUNS. and at the first available oppor-
tunity went 10 call When 7 saw the
man I was shocked beyond measure
My usually debonair friend wore an IN
kempt beard and some white toga sort Of
thing. And he Was pitifully weak. and
bis eyes were very bright.
He gave but scant attention to my
Horal gift, but handed It to the nurse to
put into water with the most desultory
expression Of gratitude.
AS soon as she had left the room he
turned TO me with the greatest eager
hess.
Did you bring anything to eat?" he
asked.
"Eat?' I repeated stupidity.
Yes. for me to eat he returned.
Why, no, I did not know 1 would be
permitted to-
That's just II, you wouldn't But I
thought you would understand and
sneak something in he replied YEARLY,
and closed his eyes.
Wanted Baked Beans.
What would you like to eat?'' 7
asked.
Baked beans" said the man, arous-
Ing 10 some sort OF animation. oh
yes, and cUcumbers with vinegar Did
you ever eat cucumbers served with
dressing made with sour cream? Well.
III tell you what. they're great. Long.
long ago, when I was man and not
q worm I used to go out at night and
eat clam cocktails and cucumbers and
things like that with taste TO 'em. You.
are quite sure you haven anything
about you a fellow could eat?''
quite sure ! returned, sadly. Il am
- sorry. II you are hungry, why don't
sou ask for something
You don't understand" he returned,
Rnd just then the door opened and the
Nurse came in. bearing a tray containing
q glass OF mixture which looked like
the white Of egg and crushed ice.
Take II away the man commanded
savagely-
IT'S time. and you must drink it, re-
piled the nurse, sweetiy.
Called for Food.
If you'd give me real food I'd take
It quick enough he grUmbled. If you
were Ill and I had the care OF you I
wouldn't be so brutaIly cruel as to
starve you to death. Bring me Just a
little piece OF beefsteak next time. won't
you? I'll never tell, and you can cover
q up so no one will see IL. Did you ever
taste beefsteak and oniOns2' he asked.
turning 20 me. Say, talk about your
food for the gods, there never has been
any ambrosia like beefsteak and onions.
two days before came to this Internal
place. Excuse the Internal but that
is what II is. You can't make me be-
lieve that It cures a man TO be starved
You are Just delaying my recovery by
these beastly little dishes"
Eat" commanded the nurse, and the
man sat UP in bed, fixed his gloomy and
hollow eyes on the opposite wall, and
Then he lay down in bed. drew up the
PoveTlet, and declared his unalterable
intention TO die at once
Don't be such a cow I began, but
he hushed me with an imperative hand.
Don't mention that word here" he
commanded.
Word "Cow" Barred.
What wcrd2' I asked. amazed.
Cow" replied the man when an
completely recovered shall make It my
life work to nd this beautiful earth of
all the cows and all the hens which now
S1ishgure it. Not even a pullet shall re-
main TO tell the tale.
Come again some time he said.
I suppose that means I must go
now said I. arising
Come again some time and bring
something to eat with you. I would DO
be much for you. Anything that Is solid
will do, so It isn't made Of milk Or
Eggs.'
Certainly" / returned soothingly. |
q shall do what I can for YOU" and /
then 7 went away, but as the door
closed 7 thought I heard him murmur
Something about cor sweet potatoes"
LEONORE CALVERT.