Page:Diary of a Nobody.djvu/139

THE DIARY OF A NOBODY. "But, Mr. Pooter, let me ask you, 'What is the difference between the amateur and the professional?'

"None!!!

"Stay! Yes, there is a difference. One is paid for doing what the other does as skilfully for nothing!

"But I will be paid, too! For I, contrary to the wishes of my family and friends, have at last elected to adopt the stage as my profession. And when the farce craze is over—and, mark you, that will be soon—I will make my power known; for I feel—pardon my apparent conceit—that there is no living man who can play the hump-backed Richard as I feel and know I can.

"And you will be the first to come round and bend your head in submission. There are many matters you may understand, but knowledge of the fine art of acting is to you an unknown quantity.

"Pray let this discussion cease with this letter. Vale!

"Yours truly, "."

I was disgusted. When Lupin came in, I handed him this impertinent letter, and said: 137