ZOO. Not here, Daddy. With us life is too long for telling lies. They all get found out. Youd better ask me questions while you have the chance.
THE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN. If I have occasion to consult the oracle I shall address myself to a proper one: to a tertiary: not to a primary flapper playing at being an oracle. If you are a nurserymaid, attend to your duties; and do not presume to ape your elders.
ZOO. [rising ominously and reddening] You silly—
THE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN [thundering] Silence! Do you hear! Hold your tongue.
ZOO. Something very disagreeable is happening to me. I feel hot all over. I have a horrible impulse to injure you. What have you done to me?
THE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN [triumphant] Aha! I have made you blush. Now you know what blushing means. Blushing with shame!
ZOO. Whatever you are doing, it is something so utterly evil that if you do not stop I will kill you.
THE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN [apprehending his danger] Doubtless you think it safe to threaten an old man—
ZOO [fiercely] Old! You are a child: an evil child. We kill evil children here. We do it even against our own wills by instinct. Take care.
THE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN [rising with crestfallen courtesy] I did not mean to hurt your feelings. I—[swallowing the apology with an effort] I beg your pardon. [He takes off his hat, and bows].