I have not read the book, but I am always happy to try and help.
This sounds like rationing was going on, so the the reference to low coffee is about the amount of the total stockpile left. Specifically the question is how many coffee beans are left.
The offer to "pick up hers with mine" is about taking the rationing coupons to get both at the same time.
He replies by saying he has plenty of coffee, but he wants fancy almonds or "the best French" brandy instead.
Interestingly enough "low coffee" could be a reference to lack of sleep to, as that is a drink to keep on awake all hours of the night, so it could be a reference to the sleep situation.
Again, I have not read the book, but this seems clear enough.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2005-09-01 05:53 am (UTC)This sounds like rationing was going on, so the the reference to low coffee is about the amount of the total stockpile left. Specifically the question is how many coffee beans are left.
The offer to "pick up hers with mine" is about taking the rationing coupons to get both at the same time.
He replies by saying he has plenty of coffee, but he wants fancy almonds or "the best French" brandy instead.
Interestingly enough "low coffee" could be a reference to lack of sleep to, as that is a drink to keep on awake all hours of the night, so it could be a reference to the sleep situation.
Again, I have not read the book, but this seems clear enough.