“What does 'illconvenient' mean?” Bruno whispered to Sylvie.
“The difference between 'convenient' and 'inconvenient' is best explained by an example,” said the Other Professor, who had overheard the question. “If you'll just think over any Poem that contains the two words—such as—”
The Professor put his hands over his ears, with a look of dismay. “If you once let him begin a Poem,” he said to Sylvie, “he'll never leave off again! He never does!”
“Did he ever begin a Poem and not leave off again?” Sylvie enquired.
“Three times,” said the Professor.
Bruno raised himself on tiptoe, till his lips were on a level with Sylvie's ear. “What became of them three Poems?” he whispered. “Is he saying them all, now?”
“Hush!” said Sylvie. “The Other Professor is speaking!”
“I'll say it very quick,” murmured the Other Professor, with downcast eyes, and melancholy voice, which contrasted oddly with his face, as he had forgotten to leave off smiling. (“At least it wasn't exactly a smile,”) as Sylvie said afterwards: “it looked as if his mouth was made that shape.”
“Go on then,” said the Professor. “What must be must be.”
“Remember that!” Sylvie whispered to Bruno, “It's a very good rule for whenever you hurt yourself.”