A long time dragged by.

The visitor did not join the company, but from another room, now and then, sounded his clear-pitched voice, full of odd and courteous modulations.

When at last the conference ended, and their unmated footsteps crossed the landing, a few sentences echoed from the stairway.
"That is all," declared the voice, pleasantly.

"The Chow Ceremonial says, 'That man is unwise who knowingly throws away precious things.' And in the Analects we read, 'There is merit in dispatch.'" Heywood's reply was lost, except the words, "stupid people." "In every nation," agreed the placid voice.

"It is true.