"It is plainer, thank you! But does the combination of the two elements take place exactly as you have shown?
At a normal temperature, the metal's affinity for oxygen--" "Ah," he said, "you know that?
It looks as if you had studied the new Austrian theory.

But perhaps one may make a small concession, for the sake of clearness." "Science is exact," Agatha replied.
"It's a bold claim for us to make," he rejoined, smiling.

"Our symbols are guess measures; our elements split up into two or three.

But I gather that you refuse to compromise about what, in the meantime, we think is the truth ?" "I think one must adhere to it, as far as one knows." "Well, no doubt, that is the proper line.

But I've stopped your lecture and perhaps bored your pupils." "No," said Agatha.