Читать книгу The Holy Terror - H.G. Wells - Страница 24

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On their way to Balting they took a day off for a rest, because Chiffan knew of a little lake where there was someone who would lend them an old punt. And they would borrow a rod and line and fish.

"Fish for what?" asked Rud.

"Just fishing," said Chiffan. "Think of all we've got to turn over in our minds."

It was a very pleasant day indeed, much sunshine and a glowing stillness upon the lake and upon its great trees. Chiffan's friend was a gamekeeper by profession and a socialist by resentment and conviction. He cooked them a mighty meal of rabbit and onions. They had small beer (departing from their normal austerity) and cheese, and he relieved himself of much long suppressed radical opinion and gave them a shakedown in a little outhouse with a fire. And while he was busy about his work Chiffan did his fishing.

Rud did not even attempt to fish. Chiffan caught nothing, and for the most part they paddled about the lake, pulled yellow and white water lilies out of sheer acquisitiveness, or sprawled in the punt and meditated under a great yellowing horse-chestnut that overhung the water, and occasionally plopped a conker through its glassy surface. Chiffan wasn't inclined for talk, and Rud, too, had a feeling that the bulk of their talking was done. They understood one another. And in his relaxed state Chiffan reflected upon women.

"That girl." he said.

"What about her?" asked Rud. "That Lancashire girl, you mean?"

"I could have had her," said Chiffan.

"Well?"

"I didn't. I didn't want her enough."

"Well?"

"And now I do...

"She was a bore. And yet there was something about her...I think it was her neck attracted me. There was something attractive about her neck. Damn! I wish I either wanted a woman or didn't. I can't get her out of my head. Maybe it's the sunshine or that rabbit. And I made a fool of myself with the other because she piqued me...You're lucky not to be bothered by these things."

Rud, who was lying on his back in the punt, said nothing, but he made Chiffan feel his disapproval by wagging his foot as an impatient cat waves its tail.