human
You really believe it?
gpt
How is one to know? But Crayford is moving Heaven and earth to find a genius. He may have his eye on Claude Heath. He believes in _les jeunes_.
human
Jacques is forty.
gpt
If one has arrived it doesn't matter much what age one is.
human
You don't think Crayford can have given this man a secret commission to compose an opera?
gpt
Oh, no. Why should he? Besides, if he had, she would have let it out. She could never have kept such a thing to herself.
human
Max thought his music wonderful, didn't he?
gpt
Yes, but it was all sacred. Te Deums, and things of that sort that nobody on earth would ever listen to.
human
I should like to see the libretto.
gpt
What? I can't hear. I'm right up against the roof, and the noise is dreadful.
human
I say, I should like to see the libretto!
gpt
Probably it's one that Jacques refused.
human
No, it can't be.
gpt
What?
human
No, it can't be. He never saw a libretto that was Algerian. And this one evidently is. I wonder if it's a good one.
gpt
Make him show it to you.
human
Gillier! He wouldn't. He hates us both.
gpt
Not Gillier, Claude Heath.
human
What?
gpt
Claude Heath--or I'll make him.
human
I never cared very much for the one Jacques is setting for the Metropolitan. But it was the best sent in. I chose it. I read nearly a hundred. It would be just like Gillier to write something really fine, and then not to let us see it. I always knew he was clever and might succeed some day.
gpt
I'll get hold of it for you.
human
What?
gpt
I'll get hold of it for you from Heath. When will Jacques be ready, do you think?
human
Oh, not for ages. He works slowly, and I never interfere with him. Nobody but a fool would interfere with the method of a man of genius.
gpt
Do you think Charmian Heath is a fool?