As Mrs. Armiger drew near, the fountain clerk put my sundae in front of me....

As Mrs. Armiger drew near, the fountain clerk put my sundae in front of me. "Here you are," he said. "I made this one especially for you, Andrew. Plenty of chocolate sauce and whipped cream--just the way you like it."
Glad Andrew and I had at least one thing in common, I scooped up a big spoonful of ice cream. My mouth was watering for chocolate, but before I had a chance to taste it, Mrs. Armiger pounced on me. "How wonderful to see you up and about, dear boy. I was just plain worried to death when I heard you'd come down with diphtheria."
Her perfume hung around me in a cloud so dense I could hardly breathe. "Yes, ma'am," I stammered, trying hard not to cough. "Thank you, ma'am."
Laying a plump hand on my shoulder, Mrs. Armiger smiled. "Why, Andrew, I believe a touch of the dark angel's wings has improved your manners."
Theo gave me one of the sharp little kicks he specialized in. Blowing through his straw, he made loud bubbling sounds in his drink.
He expected me to do something outrageous too. They all did--the whole family was watching, waiting for me to mortify them. I could almost hear Mama holding her breath. I knew Andrew would never have sat as still as a stone, ears burning with embarrassment, but, unlike him, I couldn't think what to do or say.
"That's a very rude noise, Theodore," Mrs. Armiger said.
Mama snatched Theo's glass. "If you want to finish your phosphate, apologize to Mrs. Armiger."
Without looking at anyone, Theo mumbled, "I'm sorry."
Mama wasn't satisfied. "Sorry for what, Theodore Aloysius?"
Theo kept his head down. Trying not to giggle, he said, "I'm sorry for making a rude noise, Mrs. Armiger."
Mama gave him his phosphate. "That's better."
Theo kicked me again, harder this time. From the way he was scowling, I guessed he was mad that he'd gotten into trouble and I hadn't.