Red Carnataons
Boy:(crossing to bench )I think I will sit down, if you don't mind. It s a devil of a bore standing first on one foot and then on the other. (He sits down on the opposite end of bench).
MAN :Have a cigar?
Boy:No, thanks I'll just finish this cigarette. ( He turns directly to the MAN, and as he does,his eye lights on the carnation in the other's lapel. He shows annoyance. He takes one from his own lapel, hesitates a moment, then replaces it. The MAN, noticing the action,smells his. )
MAN :Pretty flowers, carnations, aren't they? Wonderful fragrance they have, too. I am very fond of them, and I see your taste runs in the same direction.
BOY :(disturbed) Yes, indeed. Very fine flower. But I—well, I hope you won t think me silly, but as a matter of fact, if it doesn't make any difference to you, would you mind keeping your carnation out of sight for a while, until—well, just to be a good sport, if you would hide it for a few minutes, I'd be very grateful.
MAN :( good-naturedly ) Now, I'd like nothing better than to do you a favor, Mr.—Mr.-
BOY :Smith.
MAH : Thank you. Mr. Smith. That's strange. Very strange.