| 332 | 333 | 334 | 335 | 336 |
| 1 | 85 | 170 | 255 | 340 |
|
still to be born. It was an evening full of the quality of tranquil,
unqualified assurance. Mr. Polly's mind was filled with the persuasion
that indeed all things whatsoever must needs be satisfying and
complete. It was incredible that life has ever done more than seemed
to jar, that there could be any shadow in life save such velvet
softnesses as made the setting for that silent swan, or any murmur but
the ripple of the water as it swirled round the chained and gently
swaying punt. And the mind of Mr. Polly, exalted and made tender by
this atmosphere, sought gently, but sought, to draw together the
varied memories that came drifting, half submerged, across the circle
of his mind.
He spoke in words that seemed like a bent and broken stick thrust
suddenly into water, destroying the mirror of the shapes they sought.
"Jim's not coming back again ever," he said. "He got drowned five
years ago."
"
"
"
"
"
Where?" asked the fat woman, surprised.
Miles from here. In the Medway. Away in Kent."
Lor!" said the fat woman.
It's right enough," said Mr. Polly.
How d'you know?"
334
Page
Quick Jump
|