Page:Free Opinions, Freely Expressed on Certain Phases of Modern Social Life and Conduct.djvu/102

 *siderable, but it would go up several points higher if I were made quite sure that their objection to this form of theatrical enterprise was genuine, permanent, and unconquerable. I like Mr. Barrie very much, and his Scottish stories delight me as they delight everybody, but I want him to draw the line at the unbeautiful details of dyspepsia. People are already too fond of talking about the various diseases afflicting various parts of their bodies to need any spur in that way from the romantic drama. One of the most notorious women of the day has attained her doubtful celebrity partially by conversing about her own inner mechanism and other people's inner mechanisms in a style which is not only "free," but frankly disgusting. But,—"she is so amusing!" say the Smart Set,—"One cannot repeat her stories, of course—they go rather far!—but—but—you really ought to hear her tell them!" This kind of thing is on a par with certain lewd fiction lately advertised by certain enterprising publishers who announce—"You must have this book! The booksellers will not show it on their bookstalls. They say you ought NOT to read it. GET IT!"

All homage to the booksellers who draw the line at printed garbage! One must needs admire and respect them for refusing to take percentages on the sale of corrupt matter. For business is always business,—and when business men see that the tendency of a certain portion of the reading public is towards prurient literature, they might, were they less honourable and conscientious than they are, avail themselves financially of this morbid and depraved taste. Especially as there are a large