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146

[Raises his face and leans back to listen.] Yes.

Fresh herrings! Dublin bay herrings!

I failed, Richard. That is the truth. Do you believe me?

I am listening.

I failed. She is yours, as she was nine years ago, when you met her first.

When we met her first, you mean.

Yes. [He looks down for some moments.] Shall I go on?

Yes.

She went away. I was left alone—for the second time. I went to the vicechancellor's house and dined. I said you were ill and would come another night. I made epigrams new and old—that one about the statues also. I drank claret cup. I went to my office and wrote my article. Then

Then?

Then I went to a certain nightclub. There were