The Parts Men Play

rances that he is not really early. After what seems an interminable length of time, during which a score of conversational topics are broached,

ies renewed, endeavour to initiate the new-comer into the subject of conversation immediately preceding his or her entrance. As the good woman's subconscious mind is in the kitchen, and as she is

otten-there is always

ts to the eerie catacombs of the Past. The hostess knows that the cook, with arms akimbo, is

inute

pic, but it is as hopeless as trying to talk to an ex-convict without mentioning jails. Finally, in an abandon of desperation, they all turn inquiringly to

to think he's done rather a smart thing in turning up at all. In short, he brings in such an air of geniality and self-appreciation that the gu

y who gives dinners