In a german pension

Bread soup was placed upon the table. “ah.” Said the herr rat, leaning upon the table as he peered into the tureen. “that is what I need. My ‘magen’has not been in order for several days. Bread soup , and just the right consistency, I am a good cook myself” --he turned to me.

“how interesting.” I said, attempting to infuse just the right amount of enthusiasm into my voice.

“oh yes – when one is not married it is necessary. As for me , I have had all I wanted from women without marriage.” He tucked his napkin into his collar and blew upon his soup as he spoke. “now at nine o’clock I make myself an english breakfast, but not much. Four slices of bread, two eggs, two slices of cold ham, one plate of soup. Two cups of tea – that is nothing to you.”………..