human
Why and whence the armadillo, Archie? You sounded like a University Extension lecture!
gpt
Did I? he grinned.
human
Was it all right? There were some things I forgot to tell 'em. About the--
gpt
Never mind! said Joan hastily.
human
What I want to know is how you came by the armadillo, anyway?
gpt
I'm taking a correspondence course,
human
In--in armadillos?
gpt
No, in conversation, he said seriously.
human
Subjects of General Discussion Suitable for Social Gatherings. I thought, seeing as I'm going out in society so much these days, I ought to work up a different line of talk than a fellow needs in business. The sort of things _you_ like, you know--not learned, exactly, but sort of high-brow.--Books and all.--They send us out a subject once a week. 'All about the North Pole' it was once. 'The Infant in Portraiture,' another time. Last week it was 'The Armadillo and Its Ways.' Great scheme, ain't it?
gpt
Stupendous! murmured Joan.
human
But, Archie, suppose you meet a fellow-student at some--er, social gathering who happens to be pursuing the same line of cultivation? Mightn't that be rather embarrassing?
gpt
Give me away, you mean? What's the dif? I would give him away, too, and we'd have something to talk about! Anyway, to know all about something's a mighty fine idea, even if you don't get a chance to tell folks.