"Babylonia—let's see now—well, it just happens that Babylonia is not one of my specialties."
"Well, tell us about Baluchistan, then," suggested Mr. Pottle.
"Yes, do!" echoed Mrs. Gallup.
"I've forgotten about it," answered the brilliant conversationalist sullenly.
"Well, tell us about Beethoven, then," pursued Mr. Pottle relentlessly.
"I never was there," growled Mr. Deeley. "Say, when does the next trolley leave for Xenia?"
"In seven minutes," answered Mrs. Gallup coldly. "You've just got time to catch it."
The bungalow's front door snapped at the heels of the departing sage from Xenia.
Mr. Pottle hitched his chair close to the sofa where Mrs. Gallup sat.
"Oh, Mr. Pottle," she said softly, "do talk some more! I just love to hear you. You surprised me. I didn't realize you were such a well-read man."