Back to Methuselah by George Bernard Shaw
page 291 of 451 (64%)
page 291 of 451 (64%)
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ninety-five next January. The tertiaries are in their third century. Did
you not see the number two on her badge? She is an advanced secondary. THE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN. That accounts for it. She is in her second childhood. THE MAN. Her second childhood! She is in her fifth childhood. THE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN [_again resorting to the bollard_] Oh! I cannot bear these unnatural arrangements. THE MAN [_impatient and helpless_] You shouldn't have come among us. This is no place for you. THE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN [_nerved by indignation_] May I ask why? I am a Vice-President of the Travellers' Club. I have been everywhere: I hold the record in the Club for civilized countries. THE MAN. What is a civilized country? THE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN. It is--well, it is a civilized country. [_Desperately_] I don't know: I--I--I--I shall go mad if you keep on asking me to tell you things that everybody knows. Countries where you can travel comfortably. Where there are good hotels. Excuse me; but, though you say you are ninety-four, you are worse company than a child of five with your eternal questions. Why not call me Daddy at once? THE MAN. I did not know your name was Daddy. THE ELDERLY GENTLEMAN. My name is Joseph Popham Bolge Bluebin Barlow, |
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