| Share page | Visit Us On FB |
|
STORIES OF
Accordingly this was done, and a wonderful transformation took place when " rigged out" from top to toe in clean wholesome clothing, James Lawson felt himself a new man; and indeed, he looked what in reality he was, or had been, a gentleman. One of the causes of his down-fall was not long in manifesting itself, when he expressed a desire several times to have a drink.
" But won't you let me have a drink ?" he said to his companion. "I want it—please let me have a drink."
The manager, however, discreetly refused to grant this almost feverish request; he told Mr. Lawson that if he wanted a dinner it should be provided, but drink he could not have. Finally the two went into the " Ship and Turtle" dining-rooms, and over a good meal, the author and composer of " Ever of Thee" told the following story:
" I was once rich—you know what I am now. You were astonished to hear me play the piano so well. That little song has been the only companion from which I have gained any com-fort during the last twelve months. It brought back to me the days when I was rich, loved, respected and happy; of course it has its sad side for me. But the memory of what it recalls is the dearest thing in my existence."
94 |
||