"I see. Now, when you graduated—"
Elizabeth entered from the kitchen with a tray. "Pardon me," she smiled. "I think refreshments are in order."
Sagdahl's face didn't change, but his eyes bugged slightly. Elizabeth put a coffee cup in his hand and a plate of cake on one knee. He looked unhappy, but mumbled dutiful thanks.
"Oh, it's a pleasure," said Elizabeth blandly. "You boys are doing your duty, and really, this is very exciting."
Sagdahl got down a mouthful of cake. Valiantly, he tried to resume the staccato flow: "Now, when you graduated, Dr. Arch, you took a vacation, you say. Where was that?"
"Up in Quebec. About three months. Just driving around and—"
"I see. Then you returned to school for a master's degree, right? Did you at this time know a Joseph Barrett?"
"Well, yes, I shared an office with him."
"Did you ever discuss politics with him?"
"Drink your coffee before it gets cold," said Elizabeth. "There's plenty more."