But I would write almost anything. I have written a great
deal. And I have managed money. There was a time--" A look of pain came
into his eyes. This was being vulgar and not in line with the tradition
that his enunciation boasted.
"I have known a great many people. I don't desire to bore you with talk of
celebrities and all that. But I assure you, I have been somebody. Oh,
nothing important or perhaps very worth while. I dislike this sort of
thing, you know." Another smile twisted his lips. "But, when one is down
to the last--er--to the last farthing, so to speak, one swallows a bit of
his pride. That's more than an aphorism with me. To go on, I have handled
great sums of money. I have traveled all over the world, I have eaten and
spoken with men of genius all my life. My youth was a very interesting one
and--and perhaps we could go somewhere for dinner and--and I could tell
you things of writing men of the past that--that might appeal to you.
Marvelous fellows. There was O. Henry and London and Davis and Phillips
and Stevie Crane. I dislike imposing myself on you this way, but--if I
didn't think you would be interested in a discussion with a man who--who
admires the beautiful things of life and who has lived a rather varied
existence I would not--"
* * * * *
The cracked nose-glasses were back in place and he had stopped short.
Pages:
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216