Prof.—Now, please, tell this number. (n = 2, p = 9; word “number” means two figures. Ans. 29.)
Prof.—Very well, let me know this. (“Very well” means three figures; l = 5, m = 3, k = 7. Ans. 537.)
Prof.—Very good, Mlle. Now repeat clearly what this is, if you please. (“Very good, Mlle.,” means six figures; n = 2, r = 4, c = 7, w = 8, t = 1, s = 0. Ans. 247810.)
Sometimes the Professor asks some person present to come upon the stage, and write certain figures upon a blackboard provided for the purpose. The method of communicating the numbers is the same, but the Professor in this instance points to each figure in turn, tells it to the lady, and awaits her reply before proceeding. For example, suppose the number 638219 to have been written by a gentleman.
Prof.—Very good, sir (turning to Mlle. C). How many figures have been written upon the board?
Mlle.—Six.
Prof. (pointing to first figure)—How about this? (h = 6.)
Mlle.—Six.
Prof.—May I ask this? (m = 3.)
Mlle.—Three.