"Let us try to think of something sufficiently disastrous to terminate her scientific career," said I. And I bowed my rather striking head and rested the point of my forefinger upon my forehead. Thought crystallises more quickly for me when I assume this attitude.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Lezard fold his arms and sit frowning at infinity.
Dr. Fooss lay back in a big, deeply padded armchair and closed his prominent eyes. His pipe went out presently, and now and then he made long-drawn nasal remarks, in German, too complicated for either Lezard or for me to entirely comprehend.
"We must try to get her as far away from here as possible," mused Lezard. "Is Oyster Bay too far and too cruel?"
I pondered darkly upon the suggestion. But it seemed unpleasantly like murder.
"Lezard," said I, "come, let us reason together. Now what is woman's besetting emotion?"
"Curiosity?"
"Very well; assuming that to be true, what—ah—quality particularly characterizes woman when so beset."
"Ruthless determination."
"Then," said I, "we ought to begin my exciting the curiosity of Professor Bottomly; and her ruthless determination to satisfy that curiosity should logically follow."