However, there is no need to pursue an academical discussion, since this wretched machine of yours, on which you have wasted so much time, appears to be a miserable failure." Now, to throw the non-success of his invention into the teeth of the inventor, especially when that inventor knows that it is successful really, although just at present it does not happen to work, is a very deadly insult.

Few indeed could be deadlier, except, perhaps, that of the cruelty which can suggest to a woman that no man will ever look at her because of her plainness and lack of attraction; or the coarse taunt which, by shameless implication, unjustly accuses the soldier of cowardice, the diplomat of having betrayed the secrets of his country, or the lawyer of having sold his brief.

All the more, therefore, was it to Morris's credit that he felt the lash sting without a show of temper.
"I have tried to explain to you, father," he began, struggling to free his clear voice from the note of indignation.
"Of course you have, Morris; don't trouble yourself to repeat that long story.

But even if you were successful--which you are not--er--I cannot see the commercial use of this invention.

As a scientific toy it may be very well, though, personally, I should prefer to leave it alone, since, if you go firing off your thoughts and words into space, how do you know who will answer them, or who will hear them ?" "Well, father, as you understand all about it, it is no use my explaining any further.