Mr. Pedagog sighed, and the Bibliomaniac, wearily declining a second cup of coffee, left the table with the Doctor, earnestly discussing with that worthy gentleman the causes of weakmindedness.[Pg 72]
VIII
"There's a friend of mine up near Riverdale," said the Idiot, as he unfolded his napkin and let his bill flutter from it to the floor, "who's tried to make a name for himself in literature."
"What's his name?" asked the Bibliomaniac, interested at once.
"That's just the trouble. He hasn't made it yet," replied the Idiot. "He hasn't succeeded in his courtship of the Muse, and beyond himself and a few friends his name is utterly unknown."
WOOING THE MUSE
"What work has he tried?" queried the School-master, pouring unadmonished two portions of skimmed milk over his oatmeal.