human
I thought I would not go into the subject before Maso, began Miss Spring, as she closed her door.
gpt
Such explanations sometimes unsettle a boy; his may not be a mind to which inquiry is necessary. My visit to Munich has an object. I am going to study music.
human
Music? repeated Mrs. Roscoe, surprised.
gpt
I didn't know you cared for it.
human
But it remains to be seen whether I care, doesn't it? One cannot tell until one has tried. This is the case: I am now thirty-seven years of age. I have given a good deal of attention to astronomy and to mathematics; I am an evolutionist, a realist, a member of the Society for Psychical Research; Herbert Spencer's works always travel with me. These studies have been extremely interesting. And yet I find that I am not fully satisfied, Mrs. Roscoe. And it has been a disappointment. I am determined, therefore, to try some of those intellectual influences which do not appeal solely to reason. They appear to give pleasure to large numbers of mankind, so there must be something in them. What that is I resolved to find out. I began with sculpture. Then painting. But they have given me no pleasure whatever. Music is third on the list. So now I am going to try that.
gpt
No use trying music unless you like it,
human
I have never _dis_liked it. My attitude will be that of an impartial investigator, explained Miss Spring.
gpt
I have, of course, no expectation of becoming a performer; but I shall study the theory of harmony, the science of musical composition, its structure--
human
Structure! Stuff! You've got to _feel_ it,
gpt
Very well. I am perfectly willing to feel; that is, in fact, what I wish--let them _make_ me feel. If it is an affair of the emotions, let them rouse _my_ emotions,
human
If you would swallow a marron occasionally, and drink a cup of good coffee with cream; if you would have some ivory brushes and crystal scent-bottles, instead of those hideous objects, said Violet, glancing towards the table;
gpt
You think I have been too ascetic? Is that what you mean?
human
Oh, I never mean anything,
gpt
In spite of your disclaimer, I catch your idea, replied her hostess.
human
But if I should carry it out, Mrs. Roscoe, carry it out to its full extent, it would take me, you know, very far--into complex dissipations.
gpt
Miss Spring came out of what appeared to be a mental census of the various debaucheries that would be required, and laughed a little herself. She was not without a sense of humor.
human
To you it seems funny, no doubt, she said,
gpt
I knew I should get a new idea out of you, Mrs. Roscoe. I always do, said Roberta, frankly.
human
And this time it is an important one; it is a side-light which I had not thought of myself at all. I shall go to Munich to-morrow. But I will add this: if music is not a success, perhaps I may some time try your plan.
gpt
Plan? Horrible! I haven't any,
human
It is an unconscious one; it is, possibly, instinctive truth, said Miss Spring, as she shook hands with her departing guest.
gpt
And instinctive truth is the most valuable.
human
You don't mean to say, Maso, that you've stopped studying already? she said, as she entered and seated herself before her fire again, with a sigh of content.
gpt
Nice lessons you'll have for me to-morrow.
human
They're all O.K.,
gpt
Well, go to bed, then.
human
Yes, 'm.
gpt
Maso, do you hear me? Go to bed.
human
Yes, 'm. He painted faster, making hideous grimaces with his protruded lips, which unconsciously followed the strokes of his brush up and down. The picture finished at last, he rose.
gpt
Mr. Tiber, pim.
human
Are you coming, Mr. Tiber? _Very_ well! Mr. Tiber, hearing this, ran as fast as he could scamper into his master's chamber. Here he had his own bed, composed of a flat basket containing what Maso called