human
This is once too often, Lorimer, he said briefly.
gpt
You've somebody besides yourself to think of now. If I were in your place, I would have important business call me to Washington, in the morning, and I would stay down there for a few days. It will give you time to think things over, and find out just where you stand.
human
Do you know, Mr. Thayer, it is a very wonderful experience, this having a species of court musician?
gpt
As wonderful as it is to have a good listener who always understands and rarely praises?
human
You say very pleasant things.
gpt
True ones. If this keeps on, I shall begin using you as critic for all my new songs.
human
Like the fabled dog? I wish you would. But, truly, I am not joking. You are quite spoiling me for my usual diet of recitals. Do you realize that, for the past two months, you have sung to me on an average of two hours a week?
gpt
Well, what of it?
human
Nothing, except that people say you are refusing engagements.
gpt
A fellow must have a little time to enjoy his friends, he returned coolly.
human
I can't be expected to sing, six nights a week.
gpt
Your logic betrays your artistic nature. You have sung at five recitals, this week. This is the sixth night; but you've not been silent.
human
You know you wanted to hear _Faust_ sung again.
gpt
Yes, and so did Mrs. Stanley want you to sing at her house.
human
Who told you?
gpt
Mr. Arlt.
human
Arlt shouldn't tell tales. But I had three good reasons for refusing: I don't like Mrs. Stanley; she doesn't treat Arlt as well as she treats her pug dog, and moreover you had asked me to dinner. I never sing after a good dinner.
gpt
But you mustn't refuse engagements.
human
I didn't. I kept one.
gpt
Engagements to sing, I mean. You seem to forget that you are a star.
human
All the more reason I should stop twinkling now and then. I can't be on duty, the whole time. Besides, Miss Gannion, he rose from the piano and came forward to her side;
gpt
I am very glad,
human
Most people forget that a public singer has a private personality, he went on thoughtfully.
gpt
We are supposed to divide our time into even thirds, practising, singing and receiving compliments. It gets to be a positive delight to discuss the weather and the fashion in neckties.
human
And to sing by the hour for your friends?
gpt
It is our easiest way of speaking to them.
human
But, on the other hand, you are demoralizing me completely. You have no idea what empty, formal affairs recitals seem to me now; they are so impersonal. I feel like grumbling, because I can't talk over each item of the programme with the one who does it. I said something of the sort to Miss Dane, the other day; but she told me she always dreaded the sound of a speaking voice after one of your songs.
gpt
She might have a species of choral service evolved for social use, Thayer suggested dryly.
human
The Gregorian tones would lend dignity even to conventionalities, and they are quite within the powers of any amateur.