Maude (ignoring him). Miss Rantum, what is the matter with it? I'm not doing as well as I did last week!
Miss R. No, you really aren't, but–
Jack I say, why don't you change–
Maude (imploringly). What is the matter, Miss Rantum?
Miss R. It isn't firm. You don't seem to know what you are saying.
Maude (in grave-yard tones). "As the traveler, among the mighty mountains, fails to–"
Jack (ditto). Finally, my beloved brethren–
Miss R. (hastily). Lighter, but firmly. Use a conversational tone, "As the traveler, among the mountains;" "It is a very pleasant day," "How do you do?" See?
Maude (in light, quivering tones). "As a traveler, among the mountains–mighty mountains–fails to realize the height to which he has climbed–has climbed, so we, in Life's dusty pathway, cannot estimate the distance we have traveled."
Jack "Climbed–climbed." I don't like "climbed" there; wouldn't "attained" be better?