The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1919-01-03


trio sign, "Maxim's s.
The six letters in the name OF this
famous Paris cafe flashed out and
blazed into light one at time.
AS they drew near Helen was sur
prised to find the building itself was
rather small and unpretentious. but
the waiting cabs, the lights and the
lettering crowd gave the place an air
of festivity
There, you've always wanted to
see a real bar--there's your chance"
commented Warren, as they entered
and were confronted by large, UNI
screened bar which ran half way
across the room.
Helen gazed with astonished inter-
est at the shining bottles, glasses and
all the paraphernalia Of bar, which
until now she had only glimpsed be-
hind swinging doors.
But even more astonishing than the
unscreened bar were the three young
women perched on high stools before
it. They were all in decollete gowns,
with their French heeled slippers
hooked over the rounds of the high
stools. Several men in evening dress
laughted and chatted with them, and
the white-coated attendants were
busy pouring out drinks.
ssteNow, II you want 10 SIT up TO a OAR
here's the chance of your life," grim
ned Warren.
But Helen was too absorbed in
studying the place and the women to
make an indignant retort. A jacket
ed boy, with an opera cloak over his
arm and three silk hats carried aloft
On as many canes. came by now for
Warren's stick and hat, which he
hoisted up with the others.
Guess that's the liveliest room
back there and Warren led the way
through to the main room beyond.
Although it was only half past
eleven, which Warren said was '.early
for Maxim's.' the place was well
filled
The arrangement of the tables was
curious. for they were placed along
the walls. and the people sat behind
them on leather-covered benches. In
this way the guests sat side by side,
and everyone faced the center of the
room which was cleared for dancing.
A large orchestra, in bright red uni
forms, clashed a lively air.
Next to Helen was girl In a flimsy
yellow gown, with a black aigrette in
her hair. AS she learned toward the
man beside her, Helen could see only
her bare powdered shoulders.
Lets get rid Of this fellow first
frowned Warren as waiter lowered
in front of them, land then size up the
place. No prices here either" glanc-
ing at the menu Well, let's see.'
musingly. Welsh rarebit, Maxinette
Guess that'I about do for us. What
do you want to drink, claret-lemo-
made %
Only Champagne.
Sorry. SIR" suavely interrupted the
waiter in perfect English, for all the
walters at Maxim's speak several Ian
guages. but we serve only champagne
in this room. Other drinks you can
get out in 'front.'
so that's your hold-up. is it2 All
right. we're here and Wen have to
stand it," taking UP the wine card
We could have seen just as much
! in the front room" protested Helen.
Its a shame to pay for champagne
when neither of US like it,
We'll. you're the one who was keen
on coming to Maxim's. We're here
now, and if there's anything to see,
which / doubt. we're going to see it.
Well not sit out in any front room
to save a few dollars
AT every place was a silver cham
payne holder with its napkin ed
bottle. Very few were having any
| thing to eat. but ali were slipping the
wine and smoking cigarettes. AS yet
no one was dancing and the polished
floor space was deserted except for
the hurrying walters.
We'll, / cal lthis pretty SLOW" said
Warren. as he reached for a match
safe. Told Won Maxim's would be
pretty tame. They've made their
name for wickedness-now they're
| living on that reputation
but. dear, you said there would be
| a lot of American sight -seers-I don't
see any Americans at ALL
You don't? How about that couple