-Ambrose Bierce

EAVESDROP, v.i. Secretly to overhear a catalogue of the crimes and vices of another or yourself.A lady with one of her ears appliedTo an open keyhole heard, inside,Two female gossips in converse free --The subject engaging them was she."I think," said one, "and my husband thinksThat she's a prying, inquisitive minx!"As soon as no more of it she could hearThe lady, indignant, removed her ear."I will not stay," she said, with a pout,"To hear my character lied about!"Gopete Sherany