Carmella Commands
Dixon came to the house that night, shortly after supper. The interview, with Carmella as interpreter, quickly developed the fact that both men were in favor of the partnership. But they discussed details until Carmella was tired.
“It’s a bargain, then,” said Tommaso finally.
“It is a bargain,” answered Dixon.
The two men shook hands, while Carmella danced.
“Now,” she said, “you shall have lawyers to make papers.”
“Why papers?” asked Tommaso. “We need no papers.”
“In America,” said Carmella, “everything needs papers. You cannot do business together without them.”
“She’s right,” said Dixon. “It is the better way.”
Carmella interpreted with obvious glee.
“Oh, you say so too,” growled Tommaso. “Very well! So we shall do.”
Within a week the firm of Coletta and Dixon was announced.
Across the city, on Laurel Avenue, Mrs. Barrington, who never in the world read the official notices, nevertheless saw it, and sniffed, if such an expression can be used of so refined a lady.
She called it to the attention of her husband, who chuckled softly.
“Ought to be a good firm,” he commented.
[251]
