Authors, English -- 20th century -- Biography; Blackwood, Algernon, 1869-1951
It was a happier morning than I had known for long; the feeling that
I had something to give to the doctor made the hours pass quickly,
and when he arrived at three, in his very best mood, he was obviously
pleased on hearing that I could easily spare $10. The relief was
written on his beaming face. He thanked me warmly. “I do really need
it,” he said with emphasis, “or I couldn’t take it from you.” We passed
a delightful hour or two; I was strong enough to play the fiddle to
him; we talked ... the happiest afternoon I had yet known in that room
came to an end; he prepared to go. Pointing to the drawer, I asked him
to take the money out. He did so. At least he opened the drawer. He
opened all four drawers. The money was not there.
The most painful part of it, I think, was the look on his face as he
presently went out. He did not believe me. I had found it impossible
to mention Boyde. I had been speechless. I had no explanation to give.
By the expression on the old German’s face as he left the room I could
see he thought I was lying to him. His disappointment in me was greater
than his disappointment over the money. It was a bitter moment--even
more bitter than the further treachery of my companion....
I was alone with my thoughts and feelings. I was alone for four
days--and four nights. Boyde, that is, did not return till four
days had passed, while the doctor stayed away three days. Whether
either of them had said anything to Mrs. Bernstein on their way out,
Boyde promising payment perhaps, the doctor letting fall something
derogatory, I did not know. Mrs. Bernstein, anyhow, was very
unpleasant during those four awful days. Boyde had not even given her
the $10. She paid me dreadful visits, she threatened to sell my things
(what? I wondered), to turn me out; she sent up hardly any food....
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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