I was not supposed to have any sweets.
On the occasion of the next feast the diet was varied. I had a
sip of one of those fermented milk products. You probably know
the sort of thing I mean. Even before you've swallowed it, it
tastes as though it had already disagreed with you. The nurse
said this food was predigested but did not tell me by whom. Nor
did I ask her. I started to, but thought better of it. Sometimes
one is all the happier for not knowing too much.
A little later on, seeing that I had not suffered an attack of
indigestion from this debauch, they gave me junket. In the
dictionary I have looked up the definitions of junket. I quote:
JUNKET, v. I. t. To entertain by feasting; regale. II. i. To
give or take part in an entertainment or excursion; feast in
company; picnic; revel.
JUNKET, n. A merry feast or excursion; picnic.
When the author of a dictionary tries to be frivolous he only
succeeds in making himself appear foolish.
I know not how it may be in the world at large, but in a hospital,
junket is a custard that by some subtle process has been denuded
of those ingredients which make a custard fascinating and exciting.
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