Appointment in Samarra - John O'Hara [49]
What Ed did you think he meant? said Helene. Oh, I don t know. Do we have to go into that? said Julian. What s your name?
Helene Holman, she said. Oh, yes, yes, said Julian. What? Will you say that again, please?
Helene, Hol-man, she repeated. Oh. Helene Holman. You’re the one that married Dutch Snyder. How is old Dutch? Does he still dance as much as ever?
I never heard of him, said Helene. Neither did I, said Julian. You’re my pal. Neither did I. And I don t want to again. My goodness that s a nice gown you have on.
I like it, she said, smiling at Al. Miss Holman is a very, very good friend of Ed Charney s, said Al. That s fine. I like that, said Julian. And I ll tell you something else. I m a very very good friend of Ed Charney s.
Oh, I know, said Al. I was just telling you, Miss Holman is, too. A very good friend. You know what I mean?
You don t have to draw a map, do you? said Helene. You mean Miss Holman is Ed s mistress? Is that what you mean? said Julian. Yes, that s what he means, said Helene. Well, I don t know what to say, said Julian, and then: Except I do like that dress. I like that dress.
I like it, said Helene. So do I, said Julian. How about you, Al? What s your opinion on Miss Holman s dress? Come on, speak up.
It s all right, said Al. It s all right.
I should say it is, said Julian. How about dancing, Miss Holman?
She s tired, said Al. Well, in that case, she better go to bed, said Julian. Hey, said Al. What do you want? said Julian. Nothing. Only remember what I told you about Miss Holman and Ed, said Al. My friend, I ve already forgotten that little bit of gossip, said Julian. I m not a bit interested in Miss Holman s affairs, am I, Miss Holman?
Not a bit.
Right, said Julian. So let s dance.
Check and double check, said Helene, and got up and went to the dance floor with Julian. Everyone in the big room watched them. She was a good dancer, and so was Julian. And they danced, which was a kind of disappointment to several persons, who expected another kind of exhibition. It also was a kind of surprise to Helene, and a kind of surprise to Al Grecco. When they sat down again Al relaxed and was able to laugh at the things Julian said. Presently they were joined by Carter Davis. After he was introduced he said: Caroline wants you.
I happen to know she doesn t, said Julian. Well, she does, said Carter. Carter, sit down before there s an ugly scene, said Julian. Carter hesitated, and then sat down. All right, he said, but only for a minute. Ju, you ve got to
Did you all meet my friend Mr. Davis? said Julian. Yes.
Yes.
Yes, they met me, said Carter. So they did, said Julian. Well, let s talk about something else. Books. Uh, Miss Holman, have you read The Water Gipsies?
No, I don t believe I have, said Helene. What is it about?
I haven t the faintest idea, said Julian. I got it for Christmas, or rather a member of my family did.
A member of your family, said Carter. Yes, a member of my family, said Julian. My wife, Miss Holman. Mr. Davis, this is Mr. Davis right here, he gave my wife The Water Gipsies for Christmas. What did you give me, pal?
You know what I gave you, said Carter. Of course I do, and I m a bastard for not remembering it. Julian leaned forward to explain to Helene and Al: Mr. Davis gave me a tie, from Finchley s. All the way from Finchley s. Do you remember which tie you gave me, Carter?
Sure I do, said Carter. I ll bet you five dollars you don t, said Julian. Al, you hold stakes. Here s my five. Is it a bet, Carter?
I don t want to take your money, said Carter. Oh, yes you do. Oh, yes you do. Put up your five bucks. There, Al. Now. How can we prove it? said Julian. Oh, I have an idea. You tell me what kind of tie it was, and then go over to Caroline and repeat the description of the tie, see? And if you’re right she’ll shake her head yes, and if you’re wrong she ll
She’ll shake her head no, said Carter. Okay. He got up and went over to the table. Do you want to dance some more? said Julian. Don t you want to wait till your friend proves who won the bet?