[Szell comes into the room. He pats Babe on the shoulder and walks to the sink]

The gun had blanks, the knife, a retractable blade. Hardly original, but effective enough, I think you'll agree. I'm told you are a graduate student. Brilliant, yes? You're a historian, and I am part of history. I should have thought you would have found me interesting. Frankly, I am disappointed in your silence.

Why do you have so little accent?

I had alexia as a child. Alexia is a disease that-

I know. It's where you can't understand written speech.

Highest marks. At any event, my writing is childish still, but I am a fanatic about spoken language. I envy you your school days. Enjoy them fully. It's the last time of your life no expects anything of you.