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Chesterton, G. K. (Gilbert Keith), 1874-1936

"The Club of Queer Trades"

I argued
against him on the score of his famous theory about language--the
theory that language was complete in certain individuals and was
picked up by others simply by watching them. I also chaffed him
about not understanding things in rough and ready practice. What
has this glorious bigot done? He has answered me. He has worked
out a system of language of his own (it would take too long to
explain); he has made up, I say, a language of his own. And he
has sworn that till people understand it, till he can speak to us
in this language, he will not speak in any other. And he shall
not. I have understood, by taking careful notice; and, by heaven,
so shall the others. This shall not be blown upon. He shall
finish his experiment. He shall have L800 a year from somewhere
till he has stopped dancing. To stop him now is an infamous war
on a great idea. It is religious persecution."
Mr Bingham held out his hand cordially.
"I thank you, Mr Grant," he said. "I hope I shall be able to answer
for the source of the L800 and I fancy that I shall. Will you come
in my cab?"
"No, thank you very much, Mr Bingham," said Grant heartily. "I
think I will go and have a chat with the professor in the garden."
The conversation between Chadd and Grant appeared to be personal
and friendly.


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