human
Jerry, do you realize how this grows? I find it absorbing to watch.
gpt
Do you, Jane?
human
It has been like a miracle, like spring. First the bare outlines; then came the trees, sky, earth; then branches, clouds, the grass; then a sweep of colour, soft as a May wind; then you did something to it that made it a place of mystery.
gpt
Does it have all that for you, Jane?
human
Yes, and more. It has the proof of my belief in your power.
gpt
Why do you hate the portraits so?
human
Because they are not you--they are things to sell. You are clever enough to make people look as they want to look, not as you know they are.
gpt
Heavens, Jane, that would ruin us!
human
There, you've said it. We are prostituting your soul to pay our rent.
gpt
It's just a crutch, Jane. I'll discard it as soon as I can. Don't take it too seriously.
human
I can't help it. You see, I take the creative instinct seriously; it is our share of Godhood.
gpt
I know, but all of us have to pot boil.
human
Not all of us.
gpt
You chose manual labour instead, didn't you? But we aren't all made of the stuff you are, Jane.
human
It isn't that. It is only that if you worship Godhood, even in yourself, you cannot prostitute it.
gpt
But Baby and you and I must live. Doesn't the motive make any difference, to your mind?
human
We don't have to live in this house with those things about us.
gpt
Yes, we do. The very wells of my soul dry up in poverty and ugliness. I'm not a genius, Jane, I'm only just a talent.
human
When I am doing my share, you will be freer to grow, Jerry.
gpt
Won't you leave it out? Martin and Bobs are coming to dinner, you remember. They would enjoy seeing it.
human
Better wait until it's finished,