RODERICK HUDSON
having. I can't do such things myself, but when I see a young man of genius standing helpless and hopeless for want of capital, I feel—and it's no affectation of humility, I assure you—as if it would give at least a reflected usefulness to my own life to offer him his opportunity."
"In the name of the general public I suppose I ought to thank you. But I want first of all to see where my own interest comes in. You guarantee us, at any rate, I hope, all the beautiful things."
"A masterpiece a year," said Rowland cheerily, "for the next quarter of a century."
"It seems to me that we have a right to ask more—to demand that you guarantee us not only the development of the artist but the security of the man."
Rowland became grave again. "His security?"
"His moral, his sentimental security. Here, you see, all that 's perfect. We are all under a tacit compact to keep him quiet. Perhaps you believe in the necessary turbulence of genius, and you intend to enjoin upon your gifted pupil the importance of cultivating his passions."
"On the contrary, I believe that a man of genius owes as much deference to his passions as any other man, but not a particle more, and I confess I have a strong conviction that the artist is better for leading a quiet life. That's what I shall preach to my gifted pupil, as you call him, by example—except that I 'm unfortunately not an artist!—as well as by precept. You evidently believe," he added in a moment, "that he'll lead me a dance!"
"No, I prophesy nothing. I only think that cir-
49
