654
RAMON SENDER
vided for in section B-3. I recommend frequent renovation of
the tropical decor in the bridge room where the parrot feels so
contented, and I suggest that he be made to forget the phrase
come again
and learn another more in keeping with the new cir–
cumstances of his life." Upon hearing his name the parrot re–
peated the expression, accompanying it by a slight trill.
The chauffeur was hoping the maid would look at him, but
aware of this she continued looking "nowhere," and wondering
what new phrase they should teach George.
Mr. Amer went on reading: "To the servants I bequeathe,
in tum, the following sums: To Jane, the maid, ten thousand
dollars. To Herbert, the chauffeur, five hundred dollars." (The
chauffeur allowed an exclamation of quite impertinent disgust
to escape him and the others held their breath). To Bertha, the
cook, eight thousand dollars."
The chauffeur conjectured: "Why five hundred to me?"
He could discover no reasons for so unjust a difference. But Mr.
Amer was still reading : "To the sanatorium for mental diseases
on Coronado Avenue, two hundred thousand dollars to be dis–
tributed as follows: fifty thousand for the construction of a
chapel of the same faith as the church of my grandparents. The
rest to cover the expenses of a party to take place every month in
said sanatorium. It is my wish that a monthly celebration with
dancing be held for the mentally ill of the masculine sex, to
be
attended by girls from the city as well as by the women servants
of my household. Another party for the women patients to which
men will
be
invited, I shall expect Herbert the chauffeur to at–
tend. With these parties it is my desire to give the poor sick
people a little social life to make their sad situation more bear–
able.
"Trustee and administrator of these funds will be Mr.
Froilan Amer."
The will caused a sensation. The maid looked through the
windows at the high cement walls visible beyond the residential
section, and the terrace overlooking them. There was the sana-
