The Big Drum - novelonlinefull.com
You’re read light novel The Big Drum Part 36 online at NovelOnlineFull.com. Please use the follow button to get notification about the latest chapter next time when you visit NovelOnlineFull.com. Use F11 button to read novel in full-screen(PC only). Drop by anytime you want to read free – fast – latest novel. It’s great if you could leave a comment, share your opinion about the new chapters, new novel with others on the internet. We’ll do our best to bring you the finest, latest novel everyday. Enjoy
LADY FILSON.
Ten years!
PHILIP.
[_To_ SIR RANDLE.] I began soon after I left Paris.
SIR RANDLE.
And what ground, sir, have you for antic.i.p.ating that you will _ever_ achieve popularity as a writer?
LADY FILSON.
[_Sitting in the chair by the round table._] Preposterous!
OTTOLINE.
[_Stamping her foot._] Mother----! [_To_ SIR RANDLE.] Philip has high expectations of his next novel, Dad. It is to be published in the autumn--September.
SIR RANDLE.
[_To_ PHILIP.] And should that prove no more successful with the "wide public" than those which have preceded it----?
PHILIP.
Then I--then I fling another at 'em.
SIR RANDLE.
Which would occupy you----?
PHILIP.
Twelve months.
LADY FILSON.
And if _that_ fails----!
PHILIP.
[_Smiling again, but rather constrainedly._] Ah, you travel too quickly for me, Lady Filson--you and Sir Randle! You heap disaster on disaster----
SIR RANDLE.
If _that_ fails, another twelve-months' labour!
LADY FILSON.
While my daughter is wasting the best years of her life!
SIR RANDLE.
[_Indignantly._] Really, Mr. Mackworth! [_Throwing himself upon the settee on the right._] Really! I appeal to you! Is this fair?
LADY FILSON.
Is it fair to Ottoline?
OTTOLINE.
_Absolument!_ So that it satisfies me to spend the best years of my life in this manner, I don't see what anybody has to complain of. _Mon Dieu!_ I am relieved to think that some of my best years are still mine to squander!
SIR RANDLE.
[_To_ PHILIP, _who is standing by the writing-table in thought, a look of disquiet on his face--persistently._] Mr. Mackworth----!
OTTOLINE.
[_Rising impatiently._] My dear Dad--my dear mother--I propose that we postpone this discussion until Mr. Mackworth's new book _has_ failed to attract the public, [_crossing to_ SIR RANDLE] and that in the meantime he sha'n't be scowled at when he presents himself in Ennismore Gardens.
[_Seating herself beside_ SIR RANDLE _and slipping her arm through his._] Dad----!
LADY FILSON.
[_To_ PHILIP.] Mr. Mackworth----!
PHILIP.
[_Rousing himself and turning to_ SIR RANDLE _and_ LADY FILSON_--abruptly._]
Look here, Sir Randle! Look here, Lady Filson! I own that this arrangement between Ottoline and me is an odd one. It was arrived at yesterday impulsively; and, in her interests, there _is_ a good deal to be said against it.
LADY FILSON.
There's nothing to be said _for_ it. Oh----!
SIR RANDLE.
[_To_ LADY FILSON.] Winifred--[_To_ PHILIP.] Well, Mr. Mackworth?
PHILIP.
Well, Sir Randle, I--I'm prepared to take a sporting chance. It may be that I am misled by the sanguine temperament of the artist, who is apt to believe that his latest production will shake the earth to its foundation. I've gammoned myself before into such a belief, but--[_resolutely_] I'll stake everything on my next book! I give you my word that if it isn't a success--an indisputable popular success--I will join you both, in all sincerity, in urging Ottoline to break with me. Come! Does that mollify you?
[_There is a short silence._ SIR RANDLE _and_ LADY FILSON _look at each other in surprise and_ OTTOLINE _stares at_ PHILIP _open-mouthed._
OTTOLINE.
Philip----!
