"You are right," says the Professor turning to me, whereupon Milburd rises quietly, and gets to the door. (_Exit MILBURD._) "But common sense, though, I admit, wrongly designated, does not convey to us a positive pleasure. The question, which we are considering--namely, whether to be deaf, is a happiness or not--should be treated in the Socratic method, and the whole reasoning reduced to the simplest syllogisms." Through the window, I see Bella going out with Milburd. Adelaide is with Boodels. Chilvern is pointing at me: they are all laughing. I smile _to_ them, and at them, as much as to say, "Bless you! I'm with you in spirit, but the Professor has my body." Byrton I see meeting them. He has his driving coat on. Hang it, they're going for some excursion without me. _Thoughts while the Professor is talking on the pleasures of deafness._--Where are they going to? Why didn't they tell me? I think Bella _might_ have given me some notion. If she's with Milburd, won't he make fun of _me_? Is he trying to cut me out, or not? If "yes," it's deuced unfair of him. Bella doesn't look back, or make any sign to me to come. If I joined them now, should I be _de trop_? No. How can I? It's all _our_ party generally. They disappear into the shrubbery. Professor suddenly asks me, "That _you'll_ admit, I suppose." _Happy Thought._--(As I haven't heard a single word of what he's been saying, to reply guardedly), "Well, to a certain extent, perhaps--but--" then I pause, and frown, as if considering it, whatever it is. The Professor is lost in amazement. "But," he exclaims, "you _must_ admit _that_. By what theory of approximation can you show that we do not attain to such perfectibility of number; unless you would say, as I _have_ heard advanced by the Budengen school, that the expression is but a formula adapted to our human experience." I wonder to myself what point he is arguing with me. His subject was Deafness. _Happy Thought._--(In order to find out where he's got to in his lecture, ask him). "Yes, but how does this tell upon Deafness." "I will show you; but it is impossible to discuss conclusions unless we settle our premisses." [I hear the trap in the stable yard and Byrton woa-woaing. Bother!] "Will you bring some deep objection to a premiss which is fundamental ...." I beg his pardon, which premiss? _Happy Thought._--Better find out what he _is_ talking about, then differ from him point blank, and leave the room. _Happy Thought._--Pair off. Same idea as that excellent parliamentary arrangement, when you agree to differ with another member, for a whole session, on every question, and then go away and enjoy yourself.