“Ever since the days of Xenophon,” said I.
“You're both too clever for me,” exclaimed our hostess. “Where did you get your knowledge from, Anastasius?”
The Professor, flattered, passed his hand over his bulgy forehead.
“I was a great student in my youth,” said he. “Once I could tell you all the kings of Rome and the date of the battle of Actium. But pressure of weightier concerns has driven my erudition from me. Pardon me. I have not yet asked after your health. You are looking sad and troubled. What is the matter?”
He sat bolt upright, fingering his imperial and regarding her with the keen solicitude of a family physician. To my amazement, Lola Brandt told him quite simply:
“I am thinking of living with my husband again.”
“Has the traitor been annoying you?” he asked with a touch of fierceness.
“Oh, no! It's my own idea. I'm tired of living alone. I don't even know where he is.”
“Do you want to know where he is?”
“How can I communicate with him unless I do?”