Hulbert Footner, The Three Thirty-Twos — Chapter 4 (1925)
“ It was the perfection of art that conceals art. I was immediately sensible of his charm, too, though I had discounted it in advance. The smile and the bow conveyed no intimation that he saw in me merely the humble secretary. I took him in to Mme. Storey. She was playing the great Jady that afternoon, and the black ape Giannino in green cap and jacket with golden bells was seated in the crook of her left arm. ”
Hulbert Footner, The Three Thirty-Twos — Chapter 4 (1925)
“ I was rather fussed, and therefore I was bound not to show it. “Well, you're such a famous man,” I said. “Now you're spoofing me,” he said, shaking a forefinger in my direction. “It's not much to be a hero of the society notes, is it?” Tea was waiting, and we attacked it forthwith. Mr. Govett stroking Giannino's pompadour, and feeding him sugar, supplied most of the conversation. His gossip was extremely amusing, without being malicious—well not very malicious. No doubt he suited his talk to his company. ”
Hulbert Footner, The Three Thirty-Twos — Chapter 4 (1925)
“ How gladly I would have put a pistol to.my own head! I did not do so because I could not bear to sully her name by having it connected with mine. And so I keep on the same old round, showing the same old grin! I dared not even stop for fear of people saying: 'Oh, old Barry Govett is broken-hearted because of, well, you know!'—A pretty world, isn't it?” He finished with a harsh laugh. Nobody said anything for awhile. What was there to say? Finally he raised his head. “But you have given me a renewed interest in life,” he said grimly. ”
