"But it is the only means yet discovered of doing any good."
"So they say!"
"What do you mean? 'So they say!'… I say so. I've been working at my profession for forty years, and I am just beginning to get a glimmer of it."
"Forty years, to learn a profession! When can you begin to practise it?"
Christophe began to laugh.
"You little disputatious Frenchman!"
"I want to be a musician," said Georges.
"Well, it is not too early for you to begin. Shall I teach you?"
"Oh! I should be so glad!"
"Come to-morrow. I'll see what you are worth. If you are worth nothing, I shall forbid you ever to lay hands on a piano. If you have a real inclination for it, we'll try and make something of you…. But, I warn you, I shall make you work."