Earnest warmed up. "You know birds, Mr. Abbott? How amazing! But I wish you wouldn't call the screech-owl common. It certainly isn't rare, but so little is known about the habits of this interesting bird, that when I discovered one close by I have given night after night to observing this little fellow and making notes which will be a real contribution, I hope, to ornithology. I wish you'd told me you knew birds."
"My knowledge is most superficial, compared to yours, Mr. Fabian. But please go on. I'm interested to know what you learn that is worth the discomfort you must suffer - "
Earnest waved one of the hands. "The discomfort is nothing, if you're interested."
He talked for twenty minutes about owls. I've got nothing against owls, but I'm almost willing to all them wise and let it go at that.
(from The Golden Box, by Frances Crane)
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