Will you kiss me once?"
The tall lady stooped and kissed him; he gasped, "Thank you. It was more
than I deserved. And now for the Dark."
The lady sighed a little and went away, and I think that a bunch of
heather which lay on the coffin must have come from her. Anyway, that is
all I know about the Loafer, and he may now tell his story of the Pink
Tom Cat in his own way. You observe how drily circumstantial he is.
* * * * *
I shall not be able to go on with Billy Devine's story for some time. We
have had an ugly business here, and it is now two months since I wrote a
line. It was only by making special inquiry that I found how time had
gone, for I have been living in a nightmare.
One fine morning I put on smart flannels and went for a scull on the
river. If ever you drink too much it is best to force yourself into
violent exercise at any cost, and for that reason I determined to row
until the effects of a very bad night had worn off. Usually I keep
myself clear of after consequences, but I had been with a keen set, and
we did not go to bed at all.
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