Part 9 (2/2)
”Not at all, my dear sir,” said Archibald, looking pleased; ”my views are simply rational. I consider the blind wors.h.i.+p of mere money an utter mistake. There are higher things in life. I may say I am in entire sympathy with my son's aspirations. By the way, it occurs to me that the extraordinary refusal of my pupils to expand under cocaine may be but another manifestation of the remarkable nervous system that characterises my family. It may be connected in some mysterious way with my son's genius. But possibly, sir, you may know my son?”
”I fear I have not that honour. I know only one literary gentleman--he is the editor of the 'Christian Bugle.' Might I suggest that we exchange cards?”
”Willingly,” said Archibald. ”Very happy to make your acquaintance, Major Hemming,” he resumed, after the mutual self-introduction had been effected. ”My son is to be here shortly, when you will have the opportunity of meeting him. Perhaps you will do us the honour of lunching with us?”
”I should be delighted, but unfortunately I am lunching with a friend.”
”I am sorry we are not to have the pleasure,” said Archibald. ”But perhaps you would like a copy of my son's book. It is but a small volume, as you see.” And Archibald pulled the parchment-bound, deckle-edged booklet from his outer breast pocket. ”Don't hesitate, my dear sir, it will give me pleasure if you will accept it.”
”You are most kind,” said the Major. ”I shall look forward to reading it with the utmost pleasure.”
”I am sure you will agree that only a genius could have written those poems,” said Archibald.
”I have no doubt but what I shall form a high opinion of your son's gifts,” said the Major.
”Being of a literary temperament myself,” went on Archibald, ”I happily have been able to appreciate his. I do not want him to work for money, and I have, therefore, put him on a sound financial basis.
So far, he appeals only to a very select section of the public. But he has not written a line which he has not been inspired to write. As regards the general public--I myself, in my humble way, have become aware of the indifference and stupidity of the general public. When, after thorough re-examination of every point of my mental position, I try and speak plainly to such of my fellow-men as I have the opportunity of addressing, I am met with an absolute want of intelligent comprehension. However, I intend to say what I have to say, and I am now at work on a volume, the nature of which you will sufficiently gather from its t.i.tle: 'Plain Thoughts of a Practical Thinker--an attempt to investigate some questions of primary importance that are usually shelved.'”
”An excellent idea, sir.”
”To give you an example of the narrowness even of people who occupy a high position in the social sphere, whenever I have ventured to a.s.sert my sincere belief that children should be instructed in life by means of competent handbooks instead of being allowed to pick up their knowledge in a haphazard, more or less dangerous fas.h.i.+on, I have been met with a frigid politeness, behind which the shocked disapproval was but too manifest.”
”Humph!” said the Major. ”I must confess your proposition is certainly a startling one.”
”It is a common-sense one,” said Archibald, curtly.
”Pardon me,” said the Major, somewhat stiffly, ”but I do think that in the interests of morality and religion it would be exceedingly unfortunate if your ideas were generally adopted.”
”I am perfectly prepared to argue the point,” said Archibald, drawing himself up, whilst his eye flashed with the light of battle.
”I fear I have no time just now,” said the Major, glancing at his watch. ”I must be off. I wish you a very good morning, sir.”
”Morgan, my boy,” cried the banker, when that gentleman at last appeared, ”I've spent the last hour tackling one of the most terrible Philistines I have ever met.”
END OF BOOK I.
BOOK II.
CHAPTER I
”Which way do we go?” asked Lady Thisleton, as they stood hesitating at a crossing-stage in Broad Street, City. ”Wouldn't it be nice to stay here and philosophise?”
She was dressed as plainly as possible in a dark brown coat and skirt, and wore a small hat and veil, so that she was not in the least conspicuous. Both she and Morgan, having entered on the day's adventure, were determined to enjoy it, though his mood was far from being whole-hearted. And, as they surveyed the slow medley of omnibuses that moved between them and the pavement they were struck by the scene in the same impersonal way. They did not feel that they formed any part of it; they saw it as with the eyes of a floating, invisible spirit. To them it was collective movement and colour--movement in the hurrying streams pouring from every exit of the giant stations, in the ma.s.sed chaos of vehicles, in the sense of bustle and business and purpose; colour in the crudities of blue, green, yellow, red, that flared from omnibuses and shop windows, and that yet were fused into the dun monochrome of town, to the overwhelming sense of which asphalt and paving and street lamp and stone buildings and sober costumes all contributed, and with which the very hubbub seemed to blend.
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