The Life of the Party

A lawyer's triumphant evening takes an awkward turn when Algernon Leary leaves Mrs. Carroway's costume party in New York. The guests have dressed as children, and Leary has chosen to appear as himself at the age of three. He has enjoyed dancing with Miss Milly Hollister and receiving compliments on his outfit. Getting home from the Washington Square apartment proves less agreeable: the only waiting taxicab looks shabby, and its driver has been drinking.

Irvin S. Cobb turns this contrast between professional dignity and childish clothing into a story of mounting embarrassment. During a street encounter, Leary tells Patrolman Switzer that a robber has taken his overcoat and money. The officer doubts his explanation while a gathered crowd takes pleasure in the spectacle. Extended comic descriptions and lively street dialogue make the lawyer's wounded pride the centre of attention. Readers drawn to humorous city fiction will find an account of how public appearances can overwhelm a person's attempts to explain himself.