Taswell’s mind was still worrying over the original proposition. Taswell was at a disadvantage, because in his person at this moment he was offering a sad commentary on the optimistic philosophy that he cherished. While he scorned Wilfred’s ideas, he was strongly drawn to them. “According to you,” he said to Wilfred, “everything in the world is wrong and rotten!”
“Not everything,” said Wilfred. “Only certain human institutions.”
“The Joe Kaplans,” suggested Stanny.
Taswell, suddenly roused, brought down the soft side of his fist on the table. “Oh, damn him!” he said thickly.
“Hear! Hear!” said Stanny and Wilfred. “You, too?”
But Taswell’s eyes bolted. He pressed his lips together.
“What brought Kaplan into your mind just then?” asked Wilfred of Stanny.
“He’s just added ‘Truth’ to his string of newspapers and magazines,” said Stanny. “He’s put in a stinker as art editor. I had a row with him. I can see that I am booked to go down where it’s steep.”
They were silent for awhile.
“What is right in the world?” asked Taswell at length.