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Politics were touched upon, and they spoke of the possibility of Ferrall going to the Asse beco a new amusement for the idle rich
So city, State, and national issues were run through lightly, business conditions noticed, the stock market speculated upon; and presently conversation died out, with a yawn frolass at the last bit of ice
"Don't do that, Billy," smiled Siward "You haven't discoursed upon art, literature, and science yet, and you can't go until you've adjusted the affairs of the nation for the next twenty-four hours"
"Art?" yawned Fleetwood "Oh, pictures? Don't like 'em Nobody ever looks at 'em except débutantes, who do it out of deviltry, to floor a man at a dinner or a dance"
"How about literature?" inquired Siward gravely "Anything doing?"
"Nothing in it," replied Fleetwood ravely still "It's another feminine bluff--like all that music talk they hand you after the opera"
"I see And science?"
"Spider Flynn is matched to meet Kid Holloway; is that what you mean, Stephen? Somebody tumbled out of an air-ship the other day; is that what youscientific jewelry on Broadway at a dollar a quart; is that what you want to know?"
Siward rested his head on his hand with a smile "Yes, that's about what I wanted to know, Billy--all about the arts and sciences … Much obliged You needn't stay any longer, if you don't want to"
"How soon will you be out?" inquired Fleetwood
"Out? I don't know I shall try to drive to the office to-n froan Fleetwood i anywhere, but a oes to his club You don't look well, Stephen You are too much alone"
Siward did not answer His face and body had certainly grown thinner since Fleetwood had last seen hie in him--the dark, hard lines under the eyes; the pallor, the curious iers, which were always restless, nowin search of some small object to worry and turn over and over, now nervously settling into a grasp on the aramated Electric?" asked Fleetwood, abruptly
"I think it's all right Want to buy so
Plank stirred in his chair ponderously "So it to pieces," he said
"So to," smiled Siward