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Soon it was to be forgotten what those who crowded to the windowwere weeping
about. After the mock-classical play was over shewould come out and sing this
song. The universe from armies to couches shrieked it back athim. And yet they
were in love with each other.
He did notanswer her but did not let her go
either. She knew where to stand and where not to stand in aroom.
I love a big,
cool flower like that, said the little boy. Anthony felt his mouth harden with
contempt.
He said it with so much reliefthat for an instant Anthony was furious
with him.
Good night, little papa, said the boy, coming over to Debrülle. He
would take the boy to New Orleans with him.
The man and the boy looked at each
other and understood what eachwas thinking.
Only that way and in no other did
men know WHO, and notmerely what they were.
One wasno longer young enough, even
when one was very young, really tolive them, to be of them.
What had died inhim
was alive still in the child.
Already they are beginning to call upon
me.
Ouvrard, you are a great mathematical hog. The words of her songs, when
there werewords, meant nothing.
Debrülle took Anthony by the arm and led him
out of the room. You promised, you know, big man, said theboy, sitting up
again. Little Tony demandedhis cabinet before going to bed.
The child hadshut
his eyes tight sitting in a high chair. She was standing there firmly,yet her
hands involuntarily reached out toward him. He set off down the long walk
striking the speeding circle,running, leaping. He wiped his brow, which
hadbroken out into a cold sweat at the sound of Anthonys laughter. Paris, he
discovered, was an excellent place for a wealthy youngman to tarry in.
To all
that, song and silent waiting, Debrülle had composed aperfect accompaniment.
The nurse made no opposition, although sheinformed her mistress. In some sort
his future there began to becomevaguely visible.
He woke andcried out,
demanding to be set down.
It was a simple melody, his own words in German,
sentimental andvague in meaning. I love a big, cool flower like that, said the
little boy. They heard the pianoforte beginand Angela break off in the middle
of her song.
At the sound of the childs voice someone in the music-room got
upand closed the door.
Anthony determined to take his son with him to Paris
that night.
Apart of her dress which had been torn was wrapped about her.
And
the child solemnly promised he would not, which movedthem all greatly.
He would
give them another Roman empirefor which to die; order, glory, and stability
again. There is nothing, you know,like dismissing an audience in tears.
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