“But certain religions,” I said, “involve the slaughter of human beings.” “Yes, I know,” she said. “I’ve included them. That’s why those knives are hanging on the wall.” “But surely you don’t practise them?” I said. “No, they’re cancelled out,” she said, “by the religions that forbid the taking of life.” “But it seems to me,” I said, “that, at that rate, all your religions cancel each other out.” “Yes,” she replied. “That’s what it often seems to me.” “But then you haven’t a religion at all?” “Well, I sometimes doubt it,” she said. “I often wonder if I did the right thing in embracing them?” It was not to discuss her religion, however, that I had journeyed to Enfield, as I was now somewhat tartly obliged to remind her. “And you seem to be forgetting,” I added, “that I’ve just been dismissed from the employment you were compelled to find me.” “Yes, I know,” she said. “But why should I remember it?” “Because you might prefer,” I said, “to get the decision altered.” She lifted her eyes to me. “Prefer it to what?” she enquired. “Why, to permitting your husband,” I said, “to hear from my lips the story of your relations with his brother Septimus.” “Oh, but I don’t mind that,” she said, “now that I’ve repented. And besides, as I told you, I’d forgotten all about it.” With growing uneasiness, I took another deep breath. “But surely you’re not prepared,” I said, “to let me tell him?” “On the contrary,” she said, “I should welcome it, though I doubt if it would interest him after all the others.” I began to sway a little. “But, my dear Mrs. Chrysostom,” I said, “if you behave like that, I shall remain dismissed.” “But surely, Mr. Carp,” she answered, “and I can see you’re a good man, it’s the only behaviour consistent with repentance.” I pulled out my handkerchief and wiped my forehead. “Then you wouldn’t speak a word,” I asked, “on my behalf?” She shook her head gently. “It is one of my rules,” she said, “never to interfere with dear Chrysostom’s business.” I glanced round the room again. My hat was on one of the shrines. “And you haven’t yet told me,” she said, “that you’re glad I’ve repented.” “Oh, I am,” I said. “I am glad.” “Then I mustn’t detain you,” she said. “Mind the polish.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER XVIII Physical reaction following my interview with Mrs. Chrysostom. Reception of a wreath from the Maidstones. Moving excerpt from Simeon’s diary. I decide to marry one of Ezekiel’s sisters. Interview with Ezekiel and his deplorable language. Tact is selected to become my bride. Tragic return to Mon Repos. I fall unconscious, parallel to my father.