Page:Fashions for Men And The Swan Two Plays (NY 1922).pdf/278

 really reproached myself on her account. My mother will scold me for it too. But, happily, it's nothing serious. Good night, Xara. [''Extends his hand to her. courtesies low.'']

—[As if he had just noticed .] Ah, the professor! Good night, Professor. Your discourse was very interesting particularly the manner of delivery Very original, yes  a bit belligerent, but original. As her highness was taken ill so suddenly, I hadn't the opportunity to offer my very humble comment. I would never have supposed that you could be such an insubordinate young fool.

—[Uneasily, forcing a smile.] Albert, you are mistaken

—No, no, these astronomical impertinences are very interesting. [To .] He sat down with us quite unassumingly and then with a flourish he lifted us up to the sky and he stayed up there  and dropped me with a thud [To .] But you spoke with spirit. Very smart Always higher, higher

—Pardon me, but your sarcastic criticism is unjust, Albert. He is not like us.

—I noticed that.

—[More and more excitedly.] He is a scientist; he is a free spirit He has the right to speak more freely than we