Nature or Nurture Ch. 60-61

I suppose I should have known you love literature, for you talk like a book. And you're an actor, but that says less than you might think, some actors never read anything besides scripts.

But now I know, I'd like you to read some of my work, I'm serious you know, I'm not just playing at writing to get into Oscar's good graces. On the contrary, it would be much easier if I really were the literary barbarian I've been in your company, interested in physical occupations only. We quarrel even more than usual when discussing our work. Him being famous for his penmanship doesn't help at all, he seems to think he's always right because of that.'

Vincent cannot help saying seriously, 'This play is rather brilliant, so I guess you could do worse than listen to him sometimes.'

Gathering breath to answer that remark in all seriousness, Lord Douglas looks up at his swordsmaster and says, 'You're having me on! I nearly fell for it as well, you're good. But of course you have trained me very carefully and painfully to listen to your every word and do everything you say. That is an unfair advantage.'

'It is an advantage, but not unfair,' Vincent retorts, 'I've all this 'born in a gutter and lived as a villain' stuff to get over before I can even hope to be taken seriously in matters of the upper class. I need every advantage I can get without noble upbringing.'

'That is nonsense and you know it, Vincent,' Lord Douglas counters, 'look at how you fit in here, quoting along with the best of them, making even your fellow players swallow hard a few times in your touching scenes.

I stand corrected, I will let you read some of my best work, and I'd love to discuss my favourite poetry with you during our excursions.

I'd start right away, but I'm sure your wife will be waiting for you, and your friends. I'll be here again tomorrow, and we'll continue our lessons, won't we? You can bathe and change afterwards at my place, and I'll pick you up and drive you back to St James' as usual.'

'I wouldn't miss our lessons for the world, Bosie, there are so few people who can truly challenge me, and you are getting so near. I love teaching you.'

And with mutual respect and friendship they part, Lord Douglas undoubtedly back to Mr Wilde, and Vincent to the pub where he is set to meet his friends.