Algren at Sea Read Free Page A

voice down, darling,” I felt forced to reprove her; “there is no need of getting rowdy simply because I happen to know that, as Mr. Blueblade has published some of the most trustworthy volumes in circulation, hence his name of Trustworthy Roger is not unearned.”
    This speech, delivered with an aloof take-it-or-leave-it air, raised me in Rapietta’s eyes at the same moment that it reduced her to sitting down heavily. The judicial burden she was carrying on my account was almost too heavy for her childish shoulders, I perceived.
    â€œLet us look at it this way.” I took a kindlier tone. “People who really matter hardly ever enter a Chicago hallway. But there is no telling whom a first-class passenger may meet. I might even meet Abraham Ribicoff.”
    While Rapietta had her back turned to me, I signed the papers swiftly to make certain she would not change her mind. When she turned about and handed the papers to me to sign, I shook my head stubbornly.
    Rapietta paled.
    â€œWhat is the meaning of this?” she asked sternly.
    â€œOh, I just don’t want to,” I teased her.
    Rapietta sneered.
    â€œLook at yourself,” she told me, “standing there in one British walker and a button-down sneaker and no socks, presuming to impose a layman’s judgment upon legal counsel.”
    Though shaken, I held my ground. I did not make PFC by happenstance. I just happened to be inducted when the army needed cowards in that classification.
    â€œIf you don’t sign you can’t have a Bon Voyage party,” she informed me with finality.
    â€œI don’t care. ” This was turning out to be a real fun day.
    â€œYou won’t get to meet Abe,” she threatened me.
    I gave ground.
    â€œSay please,” I demanded.
    She refused. It was a test of strength between two strong souls.
    â€œA Bon Voyage party!” I suddenly caught the picture. “For me?” I asked, and began jumping in and out, as both shoes happened to be unlaced.
    â€œWhat does it all mean?” I cried.

    â€œIt means you will soon be rubbing elbows with ‘ celebs ,’” she informed me quietly.
    â€œâ€˜ Celebs ’? Such as people seen wecently in Bwoadway pwoductions by Tennessee Rilliams?” I inquired, getting myself under contwol.
    â€œSuch as Chinless Kilgallen, Hedda Eczema, and Norman Manlifellow, Boyish Author.”
    Rapietta put her hands on my shoulders in event I should begin jumping again, but I was feeling too faint for that.
    â€œDo you mean Norman Manlifellow, Boyish Author, might come to a party for me? ”
    â€œMight?” Rapietta scoffed. “He wouldn’t dare stay away.”
    â€œAnd what of Leon Urine, author of The Whole World Looks Jewish When You’re in Love?”
    Rapietta touched forefinger to thumb in the gesture employed by the fast international set to indicate Leon was in the bag.
    â€œAnd shall we play Verités?”
    â€œNo, dear, Françoise won’t make it. But Giovanni Johnson shall!”
    My breath caught.
    â€œYou don’t mean Sixteenth Arrondissement Johnson, America’s greatest gift to Mecca since Ahmad Jamal?”
    â€œNone other.”
    â€œAnd will he wear his fez?”
    â€œI guarantee it.”
    She was too late to hold me down. I got in six jumps before I could stop.
    â€œRoger Blueblade is our man!” I cried, coming down for the last time. “Give me the papers, dear girl, dear girl”—and I reached for the shining sheaf.
    Rapietta snatched it back.
    â€œYou’ve already signed them when I wasn’t looking, you mischievous marmoset,” she taunted me. The clever creature had been on to my game all along!
    She flung herself across my lap in a burst of gaité Parisienne but slipped through my knees to the floor with her dirndl tumbling capriciously under her armpits. This was a woman I had never glimpsed before.
    â€œIs that what is called a