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JONATHAN STRONG
S. My music has been just like the other music being written
today.
P. I never heard anything like it.
S. But you haven't been to many concerts, have you?
P. I've been to
all
three so far this year.
S. Well, I just follow the current style, rearrange it a little
from someone else.
P. But you never quote! I have never heard you quote. You al–
ways say things of your own.
S. With you, Patrick, I don't need to quote. You have only
seen me with you, or taking a bow from the audience, applauded
by the little ladies.
P. I've seen you with Louie. He goes to college.
S. Do you like Louis?
P. Yes. He's very quiet.
S. Patrick ... In saying good-bye, please forget the first night
you came.
All
right?
P. All right.
S. Until you know someone, you do not know what you should
do, or what they expect you to do, or what they want you to do,
or even what you really want to do yourself. You were right then.
P.
All
right.
S. So, you like my music. I hope you will like my Ninth Sym–
phony. I had Matty put two packages in the hall, one for you and one
for Louis. They are manuscripts of the Ninth. It is dedicated to
both of you. The manuscripts won't mean much, just a lot of notes,
but one is for you. Make sure Louis gets his.
P. Thank you, Mr. Supperburger . . .
S. Maybe they will perform it soon on a Friday.
P. I'll be there.
S. I
know.
P. Mr. Supperburger, is it at all like the second movement of
your Suite?
He suddenly stood up, so quickly, almost with a leap. His eyes
are watery, and I have never seen a look like his now, in his gray
eyes.
S. Patrick . . . You understand people very well.
P. I meet a lot.
S. You have felt
it.
You have seen the connection. Dh but then,
