O’Downett grinned, bending a fond look on his friend. “Willie is quite the antiquarian, himself.”
Yeats flushed, acutely embarrassed. “Hardly, old bean, hardly. I dabble in Celtic studies, really, is all.”
“Stuff and nonsense, Willie here is a most serious scholar. Helped co-found the Dublin Hermetic Society, didn’t you? And Madame Blavatsky finds your scholarship most serious, indeed.”
Malcolm, anxious to put the young poet at ease, gave Yeats a warm, encouraging smile. “You’re interested in Theosophy, then, Mr. Yeats?” He knew, of course, that Yeats pursued a profound interest in Theosophy and any other studies which touched on the occult. The new and wildly popular organization established by Madame Blavatsky devoted itself to psychical and occult studies along the lines of the “Esoteric Buddhism” which she and so many other practitioners were popularizing.
Clearly uncertain where Malcolm stood on the issue, the young Irish poet cleared his throat nervously. “Well, sir, yes, I am, sir. Most interested in Theosophy and, ah, many such studies.”
Malcolm nodded, endeavoring to keep his expression friendly, rather than awestruck. “You’ve read Wise’s new History of Paganism in Caledonia? Intriguing ideas on the development of religion and philosophy.”
The young poet brightened. “Yes, sir, I have, indeed, read it! Borrowed a copy as soon as I arrived in London last year, as it had just been published. And I’ve read Edward Davies, of course, and D.W. Nash on Taliesin.”
“Ah, the British druid who was said to have met Pythagoras. Yes, I’ve read that, as well.”