Chapter 27 twenty seven

Another two or three weeks passed.One morning, my work just came to an end, and I thought I could take a day off, so I decided to spend the day at the Louvre.I wandered about the galleries admiring the famous paintings with which I had long been intimately acquainted, allowing my fancy to play at will with the emotions aroused by these pictures.I walked leisurely into the long gallery, and suddenly caught sight of Stroeve.I had a smile on my face because his chubby body and frightened expression made me laugh every time I saw him.But after I approached him, I found that he looked very depressed.He looked miserable, but also so funny, like a well-dressed man who fell into the water after being rescued and still has lingering fears, for fear that others will take him as a joke.He turned and stared at me, but I knew he didn't see me.His round blue eyes were full of sadness behind the glasses.

Stroeve.I called out. He was startled, and then he smiled, but it was so miserable. Why are you wandering here like a lost soul?I asked in a cheerful tone. I haven't been to the Louvre for a long time.I'd like to see if they have anything new on display. But didn't you tell me that I had to paint a picture this week? Strickland is painting in my studio. oh? I suggested that he paint it there.He is not yet well enough to go back to his lodgings.I thought we could share that studio.Many people in the Latin Quarter rent a studio in partnership.I thought it was a good idea.When a person is tired of painting, I always think it would be interesting to have a companion by my side to talk to.

He spoke these words very slowly, and he paused awkwardly for a long time after each sentence. At the same time, his pair of gentle and somewhat silly big eyes kept staring at me. Filled with tears. I don't understand what you're saying.I said. Strickland couldn't work when someone was around. Hell, that's your studio.He should figure it out for himself. He looked at me miserably, his lips trembling. What happened?I asked, in a very rude tone. He hesitated for a long time without speaking, his face flushed red.He looked at a picture hanging on the wall with a very painful expression on his face.

He won't let me draw any more.He told me to go outside. Why don't you tell him to fuck off? He kicked me out.I can't fight him.He threw out my hat afterward, and locked the door. What Strickland did made me mad as hell, but I was mad at myself, too, because Dirk.Stroeve played such a funny role that I couldn't help laughing. What did your wife say? She went shopping. Would he not let her in? I have no idea. I looked at Stroeve puzzled.He stood there like a schoolboy being scolded by a teacher. How about I drive Strickland away for you?I asked. His body trembled, and his gleaming face flushed.

don't want.You'd better do nothing. He nodded to me and walked away.It was very clear that for some reason he didn't want to discuss it with me.I don't understand why he does this.