_Second Pass._ (_obstinately_). I do not care about the cause, I
only look to the result--the rich _are_ divided from the poor. It is
ridiculous that an orange-girl should play the piano, and a ploughman
paint a picture.
_First Pass._ (_smiling_). I do not see why. Surely the poor should
have their little amusements? And do we not have it on decent
classical authority, "that Art polishes the manners, and renders them
less ferocious!"
_Second Pass._ (_contemptuously_). Ah! You take a sentimental view
of it! Believe me, the people would be all the better were they to
receive a practical--a technical education--say were they to be taught
how to sweep chimneys, or to blacken boots!
_First Pass._ (_complacently_). They will engage in both those useful
industries with the greater _gusto_ if they know that when they are at
leisure they can understand MACAULAY or enjoy BEETHOVEN.
_Second Pass._ (_with conviction_). But you must admit that there is
a good deal of waste. Consider Mr. FORSTER calculated that the rate
would be threepence in the pound, and now it's a shilling, and will
go higher still! Remember that Londoners pay far more dearly than
citizens of many provincial towns, for an article not one whit better.
Pages:
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49