By jumping on my back and trying to strangle
me?
I have done an apprenticeship here withyou for
seventeen years, but it is coming to an end. But she knew, of course, instantly,
what it was. This is the house in which I have been an exile. Gant gnawed his thin
lip, and wetted his great thumb in the oldmanner.
Isaid so, and you wouldnt leave me
alone.
I give thanks for everyscrofulous token that may
ever come upon me. Yes, I have a great deal to give thanks for, said Eugene. Cars
clanked by, beginning to work through the town. Certainly, thought Eugene, youd have
gone thirsty.
For these the war was a fat enormousgoose raining
its golden eggs upon them. They wedged him between them on the front seat; somewhere
bellswere ringing. Im not going to speak harshly to you about it: Ihope youll learn
a lesson by it.
The air was charged with murderousexuberance,
rioting and corrupt extravagance. He wanted to make passionate avowals,great
promises.
The time draws near the birth of Christ, said he,
piously. He tried to explain; a thick jargon broke from his lips. And how are you
going to keep booze from getting me, Luke? It seems, she said, bursting into
tears,as if a Judgment were on us. There was no great bridge tospan, no hard summit
to win. Youre a goner, boy, if that stuff ever gets you, said Luke. He was wearing
ragged from the affair and its consequences. Eugene had a vast inclination to slump
carelessly upon the nearestsupport.
During the morning his father asked him to come for
a walk.
One couldearn twelve dollars a day, with no
experience.
He lighted a cigarette,holding the match in a hand
that trembled.