human
And why do you require to do that?
gpt
Because I just love him! Before I could recover from the agitating effect of this crystal ring my companion had continued:
human
Hasn't there ever been any face that you've wanted to look into?
gpt
Oh, yes, I'm a student of physiognomy. Do you mean, I pursued,
human
They've been everything to me--I know them by heart. They've completely taken hold of me. There's no author about whom I feel as I do about Neil Paraday.
gpt
Permit me to remark then, I presently rejoined,
human
One of the enthusiasts? Of course I am!
gpt
Oh, there are enthusiasts who are quite of the wrong. I mean you're one of those to whom an appeal can be made.
human
An appeal?
gpt
Give up this rigid purpose of seeing him. Go away without it. That will be far better.
human
Why, hasn't he any personal charm?
gpt
Ah, that dreadful word 'personal'! I exclaimed;
human
Look here, sir--what's the matter with him?
gpt
The matter with him is that, if he doesn't look out, people will eat a great hole in his life.
human
He hasn't any disfigurement?
gpt
Nothing to speak of!
human
Do you mean that social engagements interfere with his occupations?
gpt
That but feebly expresses it.
human
So that he can't give himself up to his beautiful imagination?
gpt
He's badgered, bothered, overwhelmed, on the pretext of being applauded. People expect him to give them his time, his golden time, who wouldn't themselves give five shillings for one of his books.
human
Five? I'd give five thousand!
gpt
Give your sympathy--give your forbearance. Two-thirds of those who approach him only do it to advertise themselves.
human
Why, it's too bad!
gpt
There's a lady with him now who's a terrible complication, and who yet hasn't read, I am sure, ten pages that he ever wrote.
human
Then how does she talk----?
gpt
Without ceasing. I only mention her as a single case. Do you want to know how to show a superlative consideration? Simply avoid him.
human
Avoid him?
gpt
Don't force him to have to take account of you; admire him in silence, cultivate him at a distance and secretly appropriate his message. Do you want to know, I continued, warming to my idea,
human
Then as she hung on my words:
gpt
Succeed in never seeing him!
human
Never?
gpt
The more you get into his writings the less you'll want to; and you'll be immensely sustained by the thought of the good you're doing him.
human
I think I see what you mean.
gpt
Oh, I express it badly; but I should be delighted if you would let me come to see you--to explain it better.
human
I did use to say out West that they might write a little less for autographs (to all the great poets, you know) and study the thoughts and style a little more.
gpt
What do they care for the thoughts and style? They didn't even understand you. I'm not sure, I added,