The Fable of Elvira and Farina and the Meal Ticket

• Watchlist

Alexander, Elvira's husband, was the biggest man in town and had plenty of coin. Elvira and her daughter, Farina, met a lady who had traveled abroad. She pumped them full, so they attack Ready Money to see Europe. He didn't have a chance. For a year they cut circles in Europe, then the Hen and Chick came back as Birds of Paradise. They came full of newfangled ideas, and Alexander was the Goat. Nothing would do but they must move to the city and Bust into society. They rented a large Chilly Morgue right on the avenue for $14,000 a year, then sent out twenty invitations to a dinner party to prominent people. They received twenty refusals. All things come to those who plug hard enough, and finally Elvira received an invitation to dinner from Mrs. Weatherby-Glue. Her life's work was accomplished, after a very costly expedition.