"I think," replied George, "that it is a very personal matter. There are, of course, people who have everything written on their forehead, and others who are impenetrable; being impenetrable is quite as much a talent as anything else."
"It can be trained too, like anything else," said Else.
The conversation stuck for a moment, as is apt to occur when the personal application that lies behind some general observation flashes out only too palpably.
Frau Ehrenberg started a new topic. "Have you been composing anything nice, George?" she asked.
"A few trifles for the piano. My quintette will soon be ready too."
"The quintette is beginning to grow mythical," said Else discontentedly.
"Else!" said her mother.
"Well, it really would be a good thing, if he were to be more industrious."
"You are perhaps right about that," replied George.
"I think artists used to work much more in former days than they do now."