human
I have no idea at all in regard to the matter, she answered a little coldly.
gpt
Mr. Thayer appears to me to be able to hold his own, without the backing of any committee. It simply depends upon his personal generosity.
human
But it is such a worthy object. And don't you think we could get that little Arlt to fill in with?
gpt
From, by, in, or with charity, and to or for a charity?
human
Oh, of course, we couldn't pay him.
gpt
Then I should advise him to decline charity altogether,
human
It would be an advantage to him to play on such a programme,
gpt
It would also be an advantage to him to get a little money, now and then.
human
I think it is something for a man of no reputation at all to have a chance to be heard in such a connection,
gpt
Ye-es. Bobby rose with provoking deliberation.
human
And it is also possible, Mrs. Avalons, that when we are thankful even to be charted in Woodlawn, Mr. Arlt's name may be a good deal better known than it is now. Sally, we are due at the Stuyvesants', and I think we must tear ourselves away.
gpt
For social pulleys, give me three: music, cheek, and charity, but the greatest of these is ch--
human
Charity,
gpt
Sally, I abhor that woman,
human
If you once begin, there'll be no end to it,
gpt
I never yet found anything I couldn't end, when I tried,
human
Ever tackled Mrs. Lloyd Avalons's idiocy?
gpt
She is not the only one.
human
No; worse luck! But what makes you do it?
gpt
I approve the charity, and I happened to have a free night. Moreover, it will give Arlt a chance to accompany.
human
But she won't pay him.
gpt
No, but I generally manage to pay my own accompanist.
human
Do you think he will gain from such a thing?
gpt
I don't know, he said dubiously.
human
He ought to, but I can't seem to discover the way to get on in this precious country of ours. Arlt is a musician to the tips of his fingers; I have yet to hear a pianist in the city to compare with him. And still, nobody manifests the least interest in him.
gpt
He lacks the two P's, he said slowly;
human
Do you mean that nothing else counts here?
gpt
Precious little. A fellow has got to have good lungs for blowing his own horn, else he is drowned in the general chorus. That's the worst of music as a profession; personality is everything. You must be perfect or peculiar. The latter alternative is the greater help. If Arlt would grow a head of hair, or wear a dinner napkin instead of a necktie, it would improve his chances wonderfully.
human
But, if the right people would take him up?
gpt
They won't; or, if they do, they'll drop him as a monkey drops a hot chestnut. Arlt plays like an artist; but he blushes, and he forgets to keep his cuffs in sight. He is as unworldly as he is conventional. Society doesn't care to fuss with him.
human
I am having my own share of good times, Dane. It seems as if I ought to be able--
gpt
You can't. No man can hoist his brother into success. It is bound to be every man for himself. You can work over Arlt till the crack of doom, and that's all the good it will do him. People will say 'How noble of Mr. Thayer!' and they will burn moral tapers about your feet; and meanwhile they'll leave Arlt sitting on the floor alone in the dark.
human
Nevertheless, I think I shall keep on with the experiment,
gpt
Good luck go with you! But it won't. You can't make the next man's reputation; he must do it for himself. All art is bound to be a bit selfish; but music is the worst of the lot. I don't mean composing, of course, but the interpreting end of it. It's such beastly personal work; all the nooks and corners of your individuality show up across the footlights. They are commented upon, and they have to pass muster. Artistically, you and Arlt are as alike as two peas; personally, you are positive, he is negative.'
human
I think I shall sing the Damrosch _Danny Deever_. It has a stunning accompaniment.