human
Do you know, I rather like Beatrix for the stand she has taken, Bobby said meditatively.
gpt
She has the sense to know that, if she married you and made you share the responsibility of that child, it would knock your singing higher than a kite.
human
How much does my singing amount to me in comparison with my love for Beatrix? I would cancel my engagements, to-morrow, if she would say the word.
gpt
But, thank the Lord, she won't, Bobby replied placidly.
human
Don't be an ass, Thayer. It is a popular fiction that an artist is expected to give up his work for the sake of matrimony; but it's an immoral fable. The gods have endowed you with a voice, and you have no business to fling away the gift, when your keeping it can do so much good in the world. You owe something to humanity, and a lot more back to the gods who gave you the voice; you have no moral right to do anything that will hinder your paying that debt. Beatrix knows this. She knows what would be the inevitable effect of saddling you with the child, and she is right in her decision.
gpt
Has she been talking the matter over with you?
human
No need. I have eyes of my own, and I learned my _Barbara Celarent_ in junior year.
gpt
Do you see Mrs. Lorimer often?
human
Every day or so. I drop in there when I can, for she's not going out much, and she needs to see more people.
gpt
How is she?
human
I don't know how to tell you, Bobby answered, while a note of sadness crept into his voice.
gpt
She is giving her life to that child; and, unless you know the child, you can't imagine the wear and tear of such an existence. I don't know which would be worse, the watching for the intellect which never comes, or the waiting for the convulsions that do.
human
What will be the end of it all?
gpt
God knows,