Alpha Book

"
"I fancy there is more truth in that remark than either you or I would
at first think," said the painter in a meditative tone.
"Of course there is," returned the youthful philosopher, with more
enthusiasm than he would have cared to show if he had been talking to a
woman. "What is talent but a combination of the desire to do and the
power to accomplish? As for genius, it is never selfish when it is at
work."
"Is that reflection your own?"
"I think so," answered Orsino modestly. He was secretly pleased that a
man of the artist's experience and reputation should be struck by his
remark.
"I do not think I agree with you," said Gouache.
Orsino's expression changed a little. He was disappointed, but he said
nothing.
"I think that a great genius is often ruthless. Do you remember how
Beethoven congratulated a young composer after the first performance of
his opera? 'I like your opera--I will write music to it.' That was a
fine instance of unselfishness, was it not. I can see the young man's
face--" Anastase smiled.


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