human
Then I take it for granted that the trip has been a success,
gpt
Indeed it has. Mr. Lorimer took me to all his old haunts and, in Berlin, to all of yours that he could find. We went to your old lodgings, and we heard a concert in the hall where you made your début and, the last day we were there, Sidney insisted upon hunting up your old master.
human
The dear old _Maestro_! Did he remember me?
gpt
Certainly he did, if _remember_ is the right word, for his knowledge of you was not all in the past tense. He has followed you closely, and he knows just what you have done. Mr. Thayer, she added abruptly;
human
Why should I?
gpt
Because he said that there was your especial talent, only he called it by a stronger name. He jeers at the work you are doing.
human
I am sorry. I thought it was good work.
gpt
So it is, as far as it goes. But the other goes farther.
human
Perhaps, he assented.
gpt
But do you think it is as--as--
human
Good form? she queried, laughing.
gpt
Yes, if you choose to have it so. It depends something upon the individual. With your training and traditions, you would scarcely elect to sing comic opera in English.
human
Heaven forbid! he said hastily.
gpt
But there are grades and grades, even of the other. Not many mortals reach the top round of the ladder.
human
No; and, even if they did, they would be a good deal in your way, for the space up there is limited. It will be merely a question of your own will whether or not you occupy a part of it.