_Applicant_. Please, Sir, here's my boy. Can you take him?

_Official_. Certainly. Has he had any education?

_App._ Well, as he's rising five, not much.

_Off._ But does he know anything? For instance, has he learned any
English history?

_App._ Not that I know of.

_Off._ Has he dipped into geography?

_App._ Well, I don't think he has.

_Off._ Can he cipher at all?

_App._ Not very well.

_Off._ Does he know what two and two make?

_App._ Well, he has never said he does.

_Off._ Can he write?

_App._ Well, no, he doesn't write.

_Off._ But I suppose he can read? Come, he at least can read?

_App._ Well, no, Sir, I am afraid he's not much of a scholar. I don't