Ah, it's a great thing to have a lady aboard with clean habits. It sets the man a good example. A man alone, he gets to living like a hog. Then, too, with me, it's always: 'Put things off. Never do today what you can put off till tomorrow.' But with you: 'Business before pleasure.' Every time. Do all your personal laundry, make yourself spic and span, get all the mending out of the way and then - and only then - sit down for a nice quiet hour with the Good Book. I tell you, it's a model - like an inspiration. Why, I ain't had this old engine so clean in years, inside and out. Just look at her, Miss. She actually practically sparkles. Myself, too. Guess you ain't never had a look at me without my whiskers and all cleaned up. I bet you wouldn't hardly recognize me, works that much of a change. Freshens you up, too. If I only had some clean clothes, like you. Now you - why you could be at high tea. Say, that's an idea, Miss. How's about a nice little cup of tea? Now don't you stir, I'll be glad to make it for you.
More from The African Queen
Charlie Allnut Are you cracked? The currents down there are fierce. I don't want a drowned woman on my hands. What will you be thinking of next?
Charlie Allnut Pinch me, Rosie. Here we are, going down the river like Anthony and Cleopatra on that barge! I'll never forget the way you looked going over the falls - head up, chin out, hair blowing in the wind - the living picture of a hero-eyne!
Charlie Allnut What a time we've had, Rosie. What a time. We'll never lack for stories to tell our grandchildren, will we?
The African Queen
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