Canby, we could bribe them into calling it a
strong play. We know it isn't, and they'll know it isn't. What I
mean is the characterization of 'Roderick Hanscom.' I tell you, if I
do it, they're going to call it a big thing. They aren't all maniacs
about everything made in France, thank heaven! Rostand! Ass! I'm not
playing parts with a clothespin on the end of my nose!" And again he
mimicked the departed visitor: "'This for my stirrup-cup: you cable
Rostand tomorrow.' My soul! Does he think I want to play CHICKENS?"
Sulphurously, he resumed his pacing of the floor.
Old Tinker seemed unaffected by this outburst, but for that
matter he seemed unaffected by anything. His dead gaze followed
his employer's to-and-fro striding as a cat's follows a
pendulum, but without the cat's curiosity about a pendulum. He
never interrupted when Potter was speaking; and Canby noticed
that whenever Potter talked at any length Tinker looked
thoughtful and distant, like a mechanic so accustomed to the
whirr and thunder of the machine-shop that he may indulge in
reveries there. After a moment or two the old fellow ceased to
follow the pendulum stride, and turned to the playwright.
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