He's an inventor." "What's he invented ?" "Just lately," said Lucy, "he's been working on a new kind of horseless carriage." "Well, I'm sorry for him," George said, in no unkindly spirit.

"Those things are never going to amount to anything.

People aren't going to spend their lives lying on their backs in the road and letting grease drip in their faces.

Horseless carriages are pretty much a failure, and your father better not waste his time on 'em." "Papa'd be so grateful," she returned, "if he could have your advice." Instantly George's face became flushed.

"I don't know that I've done anything to be insulted for!" he said.