When he enters the room he looks neither to left nor right, but with his head shaking faintly and his mouth moving in a shorter vibration, makes directly for the bookcase.
Jerry. Hello, Dada.
Dada does not hear.
Jerry [louder]. Looking for the Bible, Dada?
Dada. [He has reached the bookcase, and he turns around stiffly.] I’m not deaf, sir.
Jerry. [Let’s draw the old man out.] Who do you think will be nominated for President, Dada?
Dada [trying to pretend he has just missed one word]. The——
Jerry [louder]. Who do you think’ll be nominated for President, to-night?
Dada. I should say that Lincoln was our greatest President. [He turns back to the bookcase with an air of having settled a trivial question for all time.]
Jerry. I mean to-night. They’re getting a new one. Don’t you read the papers?