Pauline Frederick : on and off the stage (1940)

First Marriage 57 Quickly he debated a question. Should he refuse the alligator pears and ask for a ham sandwich, or should he go through it bravely? He decided on the latter and replied with seeming indifference, that he, too, would like the alligator pear. Then came the next difficulty. " What dressing do you like? " Pauline asked him. Now what on earth did one eat with the wretched fruit? Why couldn't they have ordered bread and cheese! " Whatever you're having," he replied and hoped that this would suffice. " I like French," Pauline told him and from that he took his cue. He, too, would have French dressing. " We'll have a bottle of champagne, to go with it." This was Mumsy's voice. " You're both very tired and it will refresh you." Franklin could have gulped. He had never tasted champagne either! How difficult it all was for a young man who was trying so hard to appear at his best. But when supper came, it wasn't so difficult after all. Although Mumsy was always rather formal, Pauline was so very natural and her ease and simplicity made him feel quite like an old friend. Before they started eating he hit one more snag. There were spoons and forks before him and he didn't know which one should be used with an alligator pear! Fortunately, he had one advantage in being a man because he could wait for the ladies to start. He straightened his tie, smoothed the back of his hair and took a sip of champagne. It tingled as it went down and after a few more sips, his nervousness melted away and everything in the world was grand. All his life Franklin remembered that first alligator pear and his first glass of champagne. Later, when he came to know Pauline better, he reminded her of the evening and told her of his discomfort. How they both laughed. Evidently his nonchalance had not