Page:The Plutocrat (1927).pdf/51

 with no cheap and pretty sounds at the command of the stops. I'm glad of the opportunity to give you my opinion of 'The Pastoral Scene,' Mr. Ogle. I thought it 'popular,' I admit it. 'Popular,' yes; but nevertheless magnificent. It expressed for the many the same ideologism—if I may say so—that I attempt in my own work for the few."

Ogle, at first not too favourably impressed with the bushy-browed young man, began to like him better and to feel willing for him to go on talking. "You're very kind," the playwright said. "As a matter of fact, both the manager and I were nervous about putting on 'The Pastoral Scene' for the very reason that it did not seem possible it would find an audience. Popularity was the one thing we couldn't imagine its possessing, and no one could have been more surprised than I was by its showing that after all there is a great sophisticated and intelligent public for an uncompromising realism. I hope you didn't find the play quite without that searchingness you seem to admire in art, Mr. Macklyn."

The serious young man made no response and appeared to be unaware that an inquiry had been addressed to him. Upon concluding his own remarks he had applied himself frowningly to his glass,