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Richard drank and sat for a little silent. As he came to the end, he greweven
more careful. Outside the house a carwas heard to start up and move off.
Jonathan said, staring at the floor: No, I wouldnt do that. Hestood high above
it, looking scornfully down, and he said: Why are youhere? He would ride there
presently upon their cries. Lester stood there because she hadnothing else to
do. Now youve made me remember, I dont so much mind.
Jonathan said, staring at
the floor: No, I wouldnt do that. She was there; itwas dark; she could see in
the dark.
She had pushed Richard away; she had not gathered Bettyin.
If she did
not mind Betty,perhaps she would not mind Richard. All that was noble in her
lifted itself inthat moment.
And outside I sawthat filthy little hand pointing
in behind me. Once or twice he made an effort to be defensively witty;it was
unsuccessful and he dropped it. She had pushed Richard away; she had not
gathered Bettyin.
Lester had seen him as he began to descend the stair. All
that was noble in her lifted itself inthat moment. She was-fixed; as solid as
you or me, but a deal moreherself than either of us. There was no need to
explain what she meant by there andhere. The change affected the room itself;
thesunlight weakened; power everywhere departed.
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