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Chapter 11
Pooter,letmeaskyou,‘Whatisthedifferencebetweentheamateurandtheprofessional?’
“None!!!
“Stay!Yes,thereisadifference.Oneispaidfordoingwhattheotherdoesasskilfullyfornothing!
“ButIwillbepaid,too!ForI,contrarytothewishesofmyfamilyandfriends,haveatlastelectedtoadoptthestageasmyprofession.Andwhenthefarcecrazeisover—and,markyou,thatwillbesoon—Iwillmakemypowerknown;forIfeel—pardonmyapparentconceit—thatthereisnolivingmanwhocanplaythehump-backedRichardasIfeelandknowIcan.
“Andyouwillbethefirsttocomeroundandbendyourheadinsubmission.TherearemanymattersyouMayunderstand,butknowledgeofthefineartofactingistoyouanunknownquantity.
“Prayletthisdiscussionceasewiththisletter.Vale!
YoursTruly,“BURWIN-FOSSELTON.”
Iwasdisgusted.WhenLupincamein,Ihandedhimthisimpertinentletter,andsaid:“Myboy,inthatletteryoucanseethetruecharacterofyourfriend.”
Lupin,tomysurprise,said:“Ohyes.Heshowedmetheletterbeforehesentit.Ithinkheisright,andyououghttoapologise.”