Reminiscing is often like a chain reaction. One reminiscence will recall another, and then that other will recall a still further one, and so on.

The mention of Mrs. Veblen in the previous reminiscence recalled to my mind the weekly afternoon teas she used to give, at her home in Princeton, for the local mathematicians and their friends. These were very pleasant affairs, and gave the mathematicians an opportunity to talk a little “shop” among themselves.

Mrs. Veblen dearly wished that at some time Dr. Einstein would attend one of her teas, but Dr. Einstein was not keen about such social gatherings. Imagine, then, Mrs. Veblen's surprise and joy when, at one of her teas, Dr. Einstein suddenly appeared and sat down. She was so excited that she could hardly contain herself. She crossed the room fluttering her arms for silence, and then remarked: “We are particularly honored this afternoon to have Dr. Einstein with us.” Then, turning to Dr. Einstein she said: “I wonder, Dr. Einstein, if you would be so kind as to explain to my guests in a few words, just what is relativity theory?”

I wondered what the poor man was going to do, but without any hesitation Dr. Einstein rose to his feet and commenced a story. He said he was reminded of a walk he one day had with his blind friend. The day was hot and he turned to the blind friend and said, “I wish I had a glass of milk.”