Chapter 6 Part III (2) 28

She was awakened by a loud knock on the door.At first she thought it was a dream, not realizing that the knock on the door was real.But the knocking continued, and gradually she came to her senses and decided that someone was knocking at the door of the house.It was pitch black outside, she took out her watch, and by the luminous light on the pointer, she saw that the time was half past two in the morning.It must have been Walter who came back very late, when the boy was fast asleep.The knocking on the door continued, getting louder and louder, and it sounded creepy in the silence of the night.At last the knocking stopped, and she heard the heavy bolt being pulled back.Walter had never been home so late, poor fellow, he must be exhausted.Hopefully he'll go straight to bed today instead of going to the lab like he usually does.

Katie heard several people talking, and then a group of people rushed in.This is strange. In the past, if Walter came back late, he was afraid of disturbing her, so he tried his best not to make any noise.Kitty heard two or three people running quickly up the wooden steps into the room next to hers.Katie became frightened. She had always been apprehensive about the xenophobic riots of the common people.Could something be wrong?Her heart beat faster.But before she could confirm the possibility of a riot, someone came out of the house and knocked on her door. Mrs Finn. She recognized Waddington's voice.

Um.What's up? Can you get up right away?I have something to tell you. She stood up, put on a dressing gown, then unleashed the lock and opened the door.Waddington stood at the door. He was wearing a pair of Chinese-style trousers and a cocoon gown on his upper body.The boy servant stood behind him, holding a lantern in his hand.Behind them are three Chinese soldiers in khaki uniforms.Seeing the panicked expression on Waddington's face, she was startled.His hair was a mess, as if he had just gotten out of bed. What happened?she gasped. You must remain calm.Now there is no longer any delay, get dressed and follow me.

What happened?Has something happened in town? She suddenly realized that there must be a riot in the city, and those soldiers were sent to protect her. Your husband fell ill.We want you to check it out right away. Walter?she cried. You don't panic.I don't know what the situation is like.Commander Yu sent this officer to find me and asked me to take you to the Yamen immediately. Katie stared at him for a moment, feeling a sudden chill in her heart, and then turned away. I'll be ready in two minutes. Before I woke up, I was, he said, and here I was.I just put on a coat indiscriminately, found a pair of shoes and boarded.

Katie couldn't hear what he was saying.With the help of starlight, she puts on whatever she picks up.Her hands suddenly became extremely clumsy, and she couldn't button the button even after using it for a long time.She picked up a Cantonese shawl that she often wears at night and wrapped it around her shoulders. I can't find the hat.Don't need to wear it? Need not. The boy servant walked in front with a lamp, and several people hurried down the steps and walked out of the gate. Be careful not to fall.said Waddington, you had better take my arm. Several soldiers followed closely behind them.

Head Yu sent a sedan chair over and waited for us on the other side of the river. They went down the mountain quickly.Katie's lips trembled so badly that she couldn't open her mouth to ask a question.She dreaded hearing the terrible news.When the river bank was reached, a small boat was parked on the bank, with a lamp hanging on the bow. Is it cholera?she asked at last. I'm afraid so. They walked along a bare wall for a while, and suddenly they came to a gate, with a sentry box on each side of the gate.The bearer put the sedan chair down steadily.Waddington hurried to find Katie, who had already jumped off the sedan chair.The officer slammed on the door and shouted a few times.A side door opened and they entered.Inside was a square mansion. A group of soldiers were wrapped in blankets, lying close to the wall and under the eaves, close to each other.They stopped, and the officer went to speak to a soldier who seemed to be on guard, then turned his head and said something to Waddington.

He is still alive.Waddington murmured, watching the path under his feet. A few lantern bearers led the way, and they followed behind through the courtyard, up a few steps, through another tall gate, and into another large courtyard.On one side of the courtyard was a long hall, lit with lamps.The dim light shines through the rice paper on the window, making the ornately carved panes more eye-catching.The lantern-bearer led them as far as this hall, and the officer knocked on the door of the hall.The door opened instantly, and the officer glanced back at Katie, then stepped aside. you go in.Waddington said.

It was a long and low room, and the dim lights made the room look dim and gloomy, shrouded in an ominous atmosphere.Three or four soldiers were scattered in the house.There was a low bed against the wall directly opposite the door, a blanket was covered on the bed, and a person was curled up under the blanket.An officer stood motionless on the edge of the low bed. Katie hurried over and climbed onto the bed.Walter's eyes were closed tightly, his face was a dead gray under the light, and there was no sound from his whole body, his appearance was terrifying. Walter, Walter.She gasped and said in a low voice, her voice full of fear.

Walter's body moved slightly, or in Katie's vision.This movement was so weak, like a silent breeze, unconsciously caressing lines on the calm water. Walter, Walter, talk to me. Walter's eyes opened slowly, as if with great effort the heavy eyelids were lifted.He didn't look at Katie, just stared at the wall inches from his face.He spoke, his voice was very weak, but it seemed that he was smiling. This fish tank is beautiful.he said. Katie listened, holding her breath, but he didn't make another sound, didn't move, his indifferent black eyes fixed on the whitewashed walls (did he see something mysterious?).Katie stood up and looked haggardly at the man standing by the bed.

There must be something more to do.You can't just stand there helpless! She clasped her hands together.Waddington said a few words to the officer standing by the bed. I'm afraid they've done all they can.The military doctor is in charge of treating your husband.Your husband taught him how to heal. What your husband can do, he has done. Is that man a military doctor? No, he is the head of the Yu regiment.He never left your husband for a single step. Katie glanced at Captain Yu distractedly.He was a tall, hulking man in an ill-fitting khaki uniform, and his eyes were on Walter.She was startled to find tears in his eyes.Why is this man with a yellow face and flat forehead crying?She was enraged.

It was cruel to do nothing and watch him die. At least he doesn't feel the pain now.Waddington said. She crawled up to her husband again.Those terrifying eyes still stared blankly ahead.She didn't know if he could still see, or if he could hear what she said.She brought her lips to his ear. Walter, what else can we do? She felt that there must be some medicine that could be used for him to preserve his fading life.Now that her eyes had grown accustomed to the dim light, she was horrified to see his face so shriveled that she could hardly recognize him.In just a few hours, he has become a completely different person, which is incredible.He's not human at all now, he's almost death itself. She felt as if he was about to say something, so she put her ear to his mouth. Don't make a fuss.I just walked the rough road.I'm all right now. She waited for him to continue, but his mouth closed and his body became still again.The pain tore at her heart, he couldn't just lie there, she felt as if he was already posing for the grave.Someone came up, who seemed to be a military doctor or orderly, and gestured for her to get out of the way.He crawled next to the dying man and glued his lips with a dirty wet towel.Katie stood up and looked at Waddington in despair. Is there no hope at all?she said softly. He shook his head. How long can he live? No one can tell.Maybe an hour. She looked around the empty room, her eyes flicked over the burly figure of Captain Yu. Can I be alone with him for a while?she asked, just for a minute. Of course you can, if you wish. Waddington walked towards Commander Yu and spoke a few words with him.The captain nodded, and then gave the order in a low voice. We'll wait on the steps.When everyone evacuated, Waddington said, you can call us then. Katie's consciousness was still in frenzy, and she couldn't believe what she was seeing, as if it was just a hallucination caused by the drugs flowing through her veins.Then she realized that Walter was going to die, and she had only one thought, which was to eliminate the pent-up resentment in his heart and let him die in peace.If he forgave her, then he forgave himself, and he could rest in peace.She didn't think of herself at all. Walter, I beg your forgiveness.She knelt down and said that she was afraid that he would not be able to bear any strength now, so she didn't touch him with her hands.I'm sorry for what I've done to you.I regret it now. He didn't make a sound, as if he didn't hear Katie at all.She had to keep crying to him.She had a strange feeling that at this very moment his soul had become a fluttering moth, its wings heavy with resentment. baby. There was a slight movement in his dull, dry face, almost imperceptibly, but still it gave her a spasm of terror.She had never called him that before.Maybe it was his deranged consciousness that was dying, mistakenly thinking that she had called him that once, mistakenly thinking that it was just one of her spoken words, puppy, child, car, she called it that.Then something terrible happened.She clasped her hands together, trying to control her nerves as she saw two tears streaming down his parched cheeks. Well, my love, my darling, if you ever loved me I know you loved me and I'm so hated I beg you to forgive me.I have no chance to express my regret.Have pity on me.I beg your forgiveness. She stopped, staring at him with bated breath, eagerly anticipating his answer.When she saw that he was about to speak, her heart skipped a beat.It would be an atonement for the pain she had caused him if he could be freed from his resentment at this last moment.His lips moved, and he didn't look at her, his eyes still fixed blankly on the whitewashed wall.She moved closer to him, trying to hear what he said.He spoke very clearly. It was the dog that died. She froze as a rock.She didn't understand what he meant.She looked at him in panic, her mind was in turmoil.His words were meaningless, murmuring.It seemed he couldn't understand what she was saying at all. He was no longer moving, almost as dead.She stared at him intently.His eyes were still open, but he didn't know if he was breathing.She was frightened. Walter, she whispered, Walter. Finally, she stood up abruptly, and fear overwhelmed her suddenly.She turned and walked towards the door. Can you come over?he seems to have They broke in.The Chinese military doctor walked to the bedside.He held a flashlight in his hand, and he turned it on, shining it into Walter's eyes, and closing his open eyes.He spoke Chinese.Then Waddington put his arms around Katie. I'm afraid he's dead. Katie sighed deeply, and a few tears fell from her eyes.She didn't seem stunned, but rather puzzled.Several Chinese people stood by the bed helplessly, as if they didn't know what to do next.Waddington was silent.After a minute, several Chinese people began to discuss in low voices. You'd better allow me to take you back to your residence.Waddington said they would send him there. Katie stroked her forehead weakly with her hand, then walked towards the low bed, bent down, and kissed Walter lightly on the lips.Now she doesn't cry. Sorry to bother you so much. The officers saluted her as she went out, and she bowed solemnly to them.Everyone went out from the courtyard where they came from, went outside the gate, and got into sedan chairs.She saw Waddington light a cigarette.A few wisps of smoke circled twice in the air, and then disappeared.It's like human life. Twenty-nine They buried him three hours later.He was buried in a Chinese coffin, and Katie was amazed that he would not rest comfortably in such a strange bed, but there was nothing she could do about it.The well-informed nuns learned of Walter's death and, as is customary, sent a wreath of dahlias.The wreath seemed to have been made by a skilled gardener, but it looked ridiculous and awkward as it lay dryly on the Chinese coffin.After everything was ready, everyone began to wait for the arrival of head Yu.He had sent word to Waddington that he must attend the funeral.Eventually he came with an adjutant.The funeral procession started up the hill.The coffin was carried by six slaves to a cemetery where Walter's former missionary doctor was buried.Waddington found an English prayer book from the missionary's relics, and he read the burial words in the book in a low voice, with a feeling of embarrassment that was rarely seen for him.Perhaps in reciting these solemn and dreadful sentences, one thought was running through his mind: If he were the next victim of this plague, no prayers would be said on his grave.The coffin was slowly lowered into the grave, and the gravediggers began to fill the coffin with earth. Commander Yu took off his hat and stood by the side of the grave. After the burial, he put on his hat, gave a solemn military salute to Kitty, said a word or two to Waddington, and left accompanied by his adjutant. went.After visiting a Christian funeral curiously, a few convicts walked back slowly, dragging their yokes in twos and threes.Katie and Waddington waited for the grave to be piled, and then placed the delicate wreaths from the nuns on the mound, which smelled of fresh earth.She never cried, but when the first shovel of earth was placed on the coffin, her heart convulsed violently. She saw Waddington waiting for her to go back. are you busyshe asked, I don't want to go back to the residence yet. I'm fine.Willing to obey your orders. thirty They wandered along the causeway to the top of the hill, where stood the arch dedicated to some chaste widow.The arch took up a large part of Katie's impression of the place.It was a symbol, but she couldn't figure out what it symbolized.Nor did she know why it seemed ironic to her. Shall we sit down for a while?We haven't been here for a long, long time.The vast plain spread before her eyes, still and peaceful in the morning light.I had only been here a few weeks ago, but it seemed like a lifetime ago. He didn't answer, and she let her thoughts wander wildly, and then she sighed. Do you think the soul is immortal?she asked. He didn't seem surprised by the question. How would I know? Just now, they were baptizing Walter before putting him in the coffin, and I saw him.He looked very young.He died too young.Do you remember that beggar you saw the first time you took me out for a walk?I was not frightened by seeing a dead man, but because when I looked at him, he seemed nothing like a human being, just the corpse of an animal.And now, when I look at Walter, he's like a machine stopped.That's the scary part.What was all this sickness, heartbreak, suffering, if he was just a machine? He didn't answer, his eyes looked around at the scenery under his feet.The vast wilderness spreads in the cheerful and bright morning light, and it is refreshing to look at at a glance.The rice fields are neatly spread out on the field, and you can't see the end.In the rice fields, there are figures of peasants dressed in common clothes, and they are working hard with sickles in their hands. It is really a peaceful and warm scene.Katie broke the silence. I cannot express how much I was moved by what I saw and heard in the monastery.They're too good, those nuns, and I'm worthless by comparison.They gave up everything, their home, their motherland, their love, their children, their freedom, and many little things that I think are hard to let go now, flowers, green fields, autumn Walks, books and music, and comfort.They gave up everything, everything.And what are they investing in?Sacrifice, poverty, obedience, hard work, prayer.For all of them, the world was a veritable exile.Life is a cross they are willing to bear, and they always hope in their hearts, which is much stronger than hope. It is yearning, anticipation, and longing for the final death that will lead them to eternity. Katie clenched her hands and looked at him in agony. Well? What if there is no eternal life at all?What would it mean if death was the end of all things?Means they gave up everything for nothing.They were cheated.They are fools fooled. Waddington thought for a moment. I doubt it.I doubt whether their ideals are not so important.Their lives have become things of beauty in themselves.I have an idea that the only thing that frees us from our distaste for the world is the beautiful things that people keep making despite the chaos.The paintings people traced, the music they composed, the books they compiled, and people's lives.And the most abundant beauty is the beautiful life of people.It was a perfect work of art. Katie sighed.His words seemed esoteric.She still needs more hints. Have you ever been to a symphony concert?he continued. Yes, she said with a smile, I don't know anything about music, but I love listening to it. Each member of the orchestra is in charge of an instrument. Do you think that when a piece of music is gradually unfolding, the players of the instruments will always pay attention to the overall effect of the band?They only care about the part they are playing, but they know that the whole piece is beautiful, even if no one is paying attention to it, it is still beautiful.So they can play their part with peace of mind. You mentioned Tao that day.Katie paused for a moment and said, Talk about what it is. Waddington glanced at her, hesitated for a moment, then smiled slightly on his funny face.He said: The way is the way, and the one who walks the way.Tao is an eternal road on which everything in the world walks.But it is not created by all things, because Tao itself is one of all things.The Dao is filled with everything, and at the same time, there is nothing.Everything is born from the Tao, grows along the Tao, and then returns to the Tao.It can be said that it is square but without edges and corners, it is a sound but not audible to the ear, it is a picture but cannot see lines and colors.Tao is a huge net, the mesh is as big as the ocean, but it does not leak.It is the refuge where all things live.It's not anywhere, but you can find it when you peep out the window.Whether it wants to or not, it gives laws to things, and then leaves them to be themselves.According to the Tao, humility can become heroic, and hunchback can also become tall and straight.Failure can bring success, and success can bring failure.But who can tell when the two alternate?Those who seek peace may be as smooth as a child.Moderation and sophistication will make the powerful people win the day and make the weak people avoid it.He who conquers himself is the strongest man. Does this work? It works sometimes, it did when I had six whiskeys and looked up at the sky. Both were silent again, and it was Katie who broke the silence. Tell me, it was the dog that died. Is this a sentence with a source? Waddington's mouth twitched slightly, and he was ready for an answer.But at this moment his nerves seemed surprisingly sensitive.Katie didn't look at him, but something in her expression made him change his mind. If so, I don't know where it came from.He said cautiously, what's the matter? nothing.I suddenly remembered it, and it sounded familiar. There was another silence. When you were alone with your husband, it was Waddington who spoke this time, and I had a talk with the army doctor, and I think we should know something. Well? The military doctor had been in high spirits, speaking incoherently, I may not understand what he meant.From what I heard, your husband was infected during the experiment. He was always inseparable from experiments.He's not a real doctor, he's a bacteriologist.That's why he came here in such a hurry. What I didn't understand from the military doctor's words was whether he was accidentally infected or deliberately used himself as an experiment. Katie turned pale suddenly, trembling at the thought of Waddington.He took her hand. Forgive me for bringing this up again.He said softly, but I thought it would give you some comfort. I know that in this case, any persuasion would be of no avail. Perhaps this means that Walter died for science, a martyr who died in the line of duty. Katie shrugged impatiently. Walter died of a broken heart.she says. Waddington made no reply.She turned to him and looked at him carefully.Although her face was pale, her expression was very determined. What did he mean by saying that it was a dog that died?What is that sentence? Gold.The last line of Smith's poem "Elegy". [Note: The general idea is that a kind-hearted person adopted a dog. Their relationship has always been very harmonious. They knew that one day the dog went crazy and bit the person. When everyone thought that the person would die, the dog died. 】