Chapter 4 Part Two Another Lady

§THE OTHER WOMAN§ 17 Reports from Derry 1914 Monday, February 9, 1914 * When Queen Elizabeth came to the British throne in 1558, neither court nor common people welcomed her as their monarch.However, forty-five years later, when she died in 1603, the Virgin Queen was as beloved as her father, Henry VIII. sir, sir.A boy in the front row raised his hand high. Yes, Carter Jr.George said. Sir, what is virginity? George ignored the sniggering that ensued, and continued as if confronted with a serious question: a virgin means a virgo intacta (unconceived) woman, Carter Jr.I hope you can understand your Latin.If you don't understand, you can look up the first chapter of Luke's Gospel, verse 27: to a virgin, a man named Joseph who had been betrothed to the house of David.The virgin's name was Mary.But let's go back to Queen Elizabeth first.This is a family with Shakespeare and Marlowe (Note 1), Francis.Derek (Note 2) and Walter.The golden age of Raleigh and others, when England not only defeated the Spanish Armada, but also quelled a rebellion led by the Earl of Essex; some historians believe that the Earl of Essex Is the queen's lover.

Note 1: Christopher Marlowe, AD 1564︱1593, another great playwright and poet of the same period as Shakespeare. Note 2: Sir Francis Drake, AD 1540︱1596, a famous nautical explorer during the time of Queen Elizabeth I of England, was also the first Englishman to travel around the world. Note 3: Walter Raleigh, AD 1552︱1618, a courtier of Elizabeth I of England, was also an explorer.His voyage to the Americas in 1578 may have been the turning point that triggered his subsequent efforts to expand the colonies of the New World. Several hands went up, and George wasn't surprised at all. Wainwright.He nodded wearily to one of them, knowing exactly what kind of questions Wainwright would ask.

Sir, what is a lover? George smiled.A lover is a man who lives with a woman but does not enter into a sacred marriage relationship. So a lover can't be a virgo integra, can it, sir?Wainwright smiled maliciously. Wainwright, you're quite right, but I'm guessing Elizabeth never had a lover, as that would call into question her authority as monarch. Another hand went up.But wouldn't court and commoners prefer a man on the throne, such as the Earl of Essex, to a woman? George smiled again.One of the few kids who loved the classroom more than the playground, Graves was not one to ask frivolous questions.Graves, at the time, even favored Queen Elizabeth over the Earl of Essex by those who would otherwise detract from her.More than three hundred years later, the lady is literally equal to any male in the pantheon of British monarchs.George summed it up as the chapel bells rang in the distance.

He looked around to see if there were any other problems.No.He sighed.So that's it.he said.But, gentlemen, he added, raising his voice: Remember to write a treatise on Henry VIII and Ann.The Religious and Political Importance of Marriage by Anne Boleyn and must be on my desk by noon Thursday. These junior and fifth-grade students packed their textbooks and walked out of the classroom, grumbling and complaining. George picked up the eraser and began to erase the names and related dates of Henry's six queens. When he turned around, Graves was still sitting in his seat. Can you tell me, Robert, the names of the six of them, and the year they became queens?he asked.

Catherine of Aragon, 1509; Ann.Pauline, 1533; Jane.Jane Seymour, 1536; Anne of Cleves, 1540; Catherine.Howard (Catherine Howard), 1540, and Catherine.Catherine Parr, 1543. Next week I'll teach you how to remember their ultimate fate in a simple way. Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived.You spoke to us last week, sir. Did I really say that?George said as he put the eraser back on the table, seemingly unaware of how much chalk dust had gotten on his robes. George followed Graves out of the classroom and across the quad to the faculty common room to enjoy a morning break with his colleagues.While he has proved himself a popular teacher with most of his staff and students, he is also well aware that not all of his colleagues share his attitude; The two expressed their view more publicly that the lack of discipline in his classes was undermining the authority of the teachers, especially when they had to teach the fifth-grade students on the same day.

Dr. Landau thought it was time to pull Mallory aside to talk about the issue, but George replied that he believed in the importance of self-expression, otherwise how would a boy reach his potential?The headmaster had no concept of self-expression, so he decided not to pursue it.After all, he will be retiring after this school year, and it will be someone else's responsibility. George had only one real friend among his colleagues.Andrew.Andrew O'Sullivan studied at Cambridge at the same time as him, but they did not meet each other at the time.O'Sullivan majored in geography and had won a boxing title at Fitzwilliam; he wasn't really interested in mountaineering, much less in Fabian's beliefs, but he and George soon found the two to be happy .

As George entered the common room, he noticed Andrew slumped in a comfortable leather chair by the window, reading a newspaper.George poured himself a cup of tea and strolled over to find his friend. Did you read The Times this morning?Andrew asked. No, said George, putting the cup and saucer on the table between them.I usually don't catch up with the news until after evening prayers. Andrew said: Correspondents in Delhi are reporting that Lord Curzon and the Dalai Lama have entered into an agreement to allow a select group of climbers in George moved a little faster and knocked over his colleague's teacup.Sorry, Andrew.As he spoke, he grabbed the newspaper.

Andrew couldn't help but find it amused to see his well-mannered friend make a rare little anomaly.But he waited until George returned the newspaper before speaking.The Royal Geographical Society is inviting interested persons to apply, and Andrew continued: My dear Mallory, do you happen to be the interested person? George didn't want to answer the question without thinking about it any further; he was relieved when the bell rang to remind the teacher that the end of class would be over in five minutes. Well, said Andrew, rising from his chair: If you don't think you can answer that particular question, allow me to ask a less difficult one.Do you have anything else to do on Thursday night than read The Times?

Correcting grade five students' essays about the Armada, George said: I really believe that some kids get a sadistic pleasure from rewriting history.Wainwright seems to think that the Spaniards won the battle, and Derek was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Andrew laughed.It was only the school manager Thackeray that night.Mr. Thackeray Turner invited me to dinner with him, and he asked me if I wanted to bring friends. Andrew, it is very kind of you to invite me, George said as they came out of the common room into the quad: But I think Mr Turner meant to bring a lady friend. I doubt it, Andrew said: at least not when he has three unmarried daughters.Also, George, do you play pool?

18 Botticelli's beauty Thursday, February 12, 1914 * George put chalk on the tip of the pool cue.He first met Thackeray.Turner liked him a lot: straightforward, open-minded and direct, but a little old-fashioned and always testing your character. On the way to Turner's house, Andrew told George that Turner was an architect by profession.Passing through elegant double wrought-iron gates, the drive follows a long avenue lined with lime trees, before emerging into Westbrook, nestled among the Surrey hills, surrounded by magnificent flower beds , lawns and water gardens.No need for anyone else to explain, the sight in front of him made George understand why Turner's career was so successful.

Before they had reached the top of the steps, a butler opened the front door and quietly guided the two of them down the long corridor.They found Turner already waiting in the pool room; his tailcoat was hanging on the back of a nearby chair, and George supposed he was getting ready for a game. It's time for a plate before the ladies come down to eat.This is the first sentence Turner said to the guests.George admired a painting of the painter John.A full-length portrait of the master by Lavery (note 1), and other nineteenth-century watercolors adorning the walls, one of which bears the same surname as the master.Then he took off his coat and rolled up his sleeves. Note 1: Sir John Lavery, 1856︱1941, Irish painter, especially famous for portraiture. When the three balls were placed in their designated places on the green cloth, George soon saw another side of his master's personality.Mr. Turner liked to win, and even expected to win.What he didn't expect was that George didn't like losing.George wasn't sure if Andrew was happy to please the elderly, or if he was just really bad at pool, and either way, George wasn't all that keen on accommodating the homeowner's expectations. It's your turn, bro.Turner said after scoring eleven points in a row. George took a moment to assess the line of the shot, and by the time he handed the club over to Andrew, he had accumulated fourteen points.It soon became clear that Turner had a match, so he decided to try a different strategy. Mallory, O'Sullivan told me you're a bit of a radical. George smiled.He didn't want Turner to get the upper hand, on or off the table.If you mean my support for universal suffrage, then sir you are right. Andrew frowned.When he added the score he got this time to his pitifully small total score, he said: only three points. Turner returned to the table and didn't speak again until he added twelve more points.But as George bent over to take aim at his next shot, Turner asked: So you think women should have the right to vote? George straightened up, chalked the tip of the cue, and while he was volleying again, replied, Sir, of course I agree. But they are not fully educated, how to take such responsibility?Turner said: And anyway, how can we expect women to make rational judgments? George leaned over the table again, and this time, he scored another twenty-one points before handing the cue to Andrew, who got none. There is an easy way to improve.said George. what way?Turner asked as he scanned the table, assessing his options. First of all, give women proper education so they can go to college and get the same degrees as men. Presumably this measure does not apply to Oxbridge? On the contrary, says George: Oxford and Cambridge must lead the way, because then other schools will follow. A woman with a degree, Turner scoffed: it's incredible.He bent down to hit the next ball and missed, the white ball rushing into the nearest pocket.George had to fight with all his strength to keep from bursting out laughing.Mallory, let me make sure I understand exactly what you're suggesting.Handing the cue to his guest, Turner said: In your opinion, intelligent women with degrees from Oxford and Cambridge should have the right to vote? No, sir, that's not my advice, said George: "I believe women should have the same rules of the game as men.No matter how stupid a person is, he should have a vote. For the first time since the start of the game, there was a smile on Turner's lips.I don't see how Congress could possibly agree to this.After all, turkeys don't usually approve of Christmas. Unless one of the turkeys figured it out, doing so might win them the next election.George made a beautiful drive and the red ball was pocketed.He stood up smiling and said: Sir, I think I won this set. Turner nodded reluctantly.As he was putting on his coat, there was a soft knock on the door and the butler entered.Sir, dinner is ready. Thank you, Adkins.said the master.As soon as the butler left the room, Turner whispered: I'd bet a year's income that Akins wouldn't give women the right to vote. I'd be willing to bet a year's worth of earnings too, guess you never asked him.George regretted the words as soon as he uttered them.Andrew looked embarrassed, but didn't say anything. I'm really sorry, sir, said George: "That's really inexcusable, and Not at all, my dear boy, said Turner: Since my wife passed away, I guess I've become a bit modern.Becoming a bit of an old-fashioned one.Maybe we should join the ladies for dinner.As they walked down the hall, he added: Well played, Mallory.I look forward to another round, when your perspective on workers' rights will undoubtedly refresh us. The butler opened the door and let Turner and the two guests enter the dining room.A large oak table, which seemed more Elizabethan than Victorian, occupied the very center of the oak-panelled room, with six seats arranged around it, and the finest cutlery, tablecloths, and china. George gasped as he walked in, which he rarely did, even on top of a hill.Mr. Turner had not yet introduced his three daughters, Marjorie, Ruth and Midley, to the guests, but George kept staring at Ruth, which made her blush and look away. Don't just stand there, Mallory, said Turner, noticing George still loitering in the doorway: They won't bite you.In fact, you're more likely to find that they agree with you than I do. George went up to shake hands with the three young women, and tried not to look disappointed when his host seated him between Marjorie and Midley.The two maids served the first course of cold salmon with dill, while the butler poured out a half glass of Soncer for Turner to taste.George hadn't noticed the most appetizing food he'd seen in weeks because he tried to sneak a peek at Ruth sitting across the table from time to time.She seemed unaware of her own beauty.Botticellian beauty, he whispered to himself as he gazed at her fair skin, porcelain blue eyes, and thick auburn hair.Botticelli's beauty, he repeated as he picked up his knife and fork. Note 2: Sandro Botticelli (Sandro Botticelli), 1444︱1510, Italian early Renaissance painter, one of the masters of the Florentine school of painting, his paintings are fresh and lyrical, with a decorative style, and the female figures are graceful and graceful Slightly mysterious, works include: "The Birth of Venus", "Spring", "Divine Comedy" and so on. Mr. Mallory, Marjorie, the eldest of the three sisters, interrupted his thoughts: I hear you have seen Mr. Bernard Shaw. Is that true? Yes, Miss Turner, I had the honor of having dinner with the great man after his speech at the Cambridge Fabian Society. A damn big shot, Turner said: just another socialist bent on telling us all how to live our lives.That guy isn't even British yet. Marjorie smiled gently at her father. The theater critic of The Times thought, she went on to George: "My Fair Lady" was both witty and illuminating. Note 3: Pygmalion, also translated as "The Flower Girl", was written by George Bernard Shaw and was later adapted into plays and movies. That might be a socialist too.Turner said while eating. Miss Turner, have you seen that play?George turned to Ruth and asked. No, Mr. Mallory, I haven't seen it, Ruth replied: The last time we went to the theater, it was "Charlie's Aunt" at the Village Center, and it was just after the vicar banned "Never Play". After reading the performance. Note 4: The Importance of Being Earnest, a satirical comedy written by Irish playwright Wilde in the nineteenth century. That was the work of another Irishman.Turner said.His name should not be mentioned in respectable society.Mallory, you probably agree with me, don't you?he asked as the first course was withdrawn.The salmon on George's plate was still intact and looked as though it could swim. If these two of the most gifted playwrights of our time cannot be discussed in decent society, then I agree with you, sir. Midley, who hadn't spoken until now, leaned over and whispered, "I quite agree with you, too, Mr. Mallory." And you, O'Sullivan, Turner asked: Do you agree with Mallory? I rarely agree with George, Andrew replied: That's why we're still on such good terms.His answer made everyone laugh.At this moment the butler placed a piece of sirloin on the sideboard, presented it to the host, and after obtaining his approval, began to cut the meat. Taking advantage of the distraction, George looked across the table again and saw Ruth smiling at Andrew. I have to confess, said Andrew: I haven't seen any of those gentlemen. I can assure you, O'Sullivan, Turner said after sipping a glass of wine: Neither of them are gentlemen. Just as George was about to answer, Midley interjected: "Never mind, Mr. Mallory, our father can't stand this." George smiled, and until the dishes were cleared he and Marjorie had a more refined conversation about basket-weaving; but he still peeked across the table now and then, which Ruth didn't seem to notice. Well, gentlemen, Mr. Turner said as he folded his napkin: I hope you learned a lesson from this evening. what is that, sir?Andrew asked. Hopefully you won't have three daughters in the future, especially since Mallory insists they all go to college to get their degrees. Good advice, Mr Mallory, Midley said: If I had the opportunity to look up to my father as a model and follow in his footsteps as an architect, I would love to do so. For the first time that night, Mr. Turner fell silent in shock.It took him a while before he came back to suggest: Maybe we all move to the living room for a cup of coffee? This time it was the girls who couldn't hide their surprise that Dad had broken the old routine.Usually he enjoys brandy and cigars with his male guests before letting them join in. A memorable victory, Mr. Mallory.She whispered as George helped Marjorie pull back her chair.George did not follow until the three sisters had all left the dining-room; he was glad to see that Andrew and the old gentleman were having a lively conversation. When Ruth settled down on the sofa in the living room, George strolled over nonchalantly and sat beside her.Ruth didn't say anything, and seemed to be looking at Andrew who was sitting on the French bench with Marjorie.After George achieved his goal, he was suddenly speechless.It was some time before Ruth broke the deadlock. Mr. Mallory, you must have beaten my father at pool, have you?She finally spoke. Yes, Miss Turner, that's right.George answered when Adkins put down a cup of coffee beside her. That explains why he was so argumentative at dinner time.She took a sip of her coffee and added: If he invites you again, Mr. Mallory, it might be smoother to let him win. I'm afraid I'll never agree, Miss Turner. Why not, Mr. Mallory? Because it would reveal a weakness in my character, which she might find out. she?Ruth repeated, confused. Everest, Mother Earth. But my father told me that it is Mount Everest that you hope to conquer. Everest was the name the English had given her, but not one she would respond to. Your coffee will get cold, Mr. Mallory.Ruth glanced at the opposite side and said. Thank you, Miss Turner.He said and took a sip. So do you want to get a little more familiar with this goddess?she asked. In time, perhaps, Miss Turner.But that would have to wait until one or two other ladies fell for me. She looked at him more puzzled.Is there any specific object? Mrs. Matterhorn, he replied: I'm going to visit her over the Easter break.He took another sip of his cold coffee before he asked: So where will you spend Easter, Miss Turner? Father is going to take us to Venice in April.I doubt that this city will have your approval, Mr. Mallory, because it is lifeless and only a few feet above sea level. Miss Turner, it's not just altitude that matters.Under the blue eyes of the day, baby of the sea, Venice is here, a walled labyrinth full of men, Amphitrite's doomed temple. So you admire Shelley.Ruth put the empty glass back on the coffee table. Just as George was about to answer, the clock on the mantelpiece struck to remind him that half the hour had passed.Andrew stood up from his seat and said to his host: Sir, it was a very pleasant evening, but perhaps it is time for us to leave now. George glanced at his watch: ten thirty.The last thing he wanted was to say goodbye, but Turner was on his feet, and Marjorie was walking towards him.She gave him a warm smile: I really hope you'll come see us again soon, Mr. Mallory. I hope so too.said George, still looking in Rose's direction. Mr. Turner smiled.He may not be able to defeat Mallory, but one of his daughters certainly has what it takes to win him over. 19 sense of loss Friday, February 13, 1914 * George didn't want Andrew to find out what he was going to do. He couldn't forget Ruth.He had never met such peaceful beauty, such pleasant company; when alone with her he thought of nothing but gazing into those blue eyes.The more she smiled at Andrew, the more desperate he became, unable to think of any witty responses or even polite conversation. How much he wanted to hold her hand, but Midley kept distracting him, allowing Andrew to occupy Ruth's attention.Did she have any interest in him at all?Or Andrew had already expressed his opinion to her father?At dinner he had seen the two of them lost in conversation.He had to figure out what they were talking about.He had never felt so miserable in his life. George had seen men in the past who suffered from love, and he'd just laughed them off as duped fools.Now he joined them, and his goddess seemed to prefer another guy.Andrew is not good enough for her, George said aloud before falling asleep.But then he realized that he wasn't good enough either. When he woke up the next morning, if he had fallen asleep, he tried to get her out of her thoughts, preparing for today's lesson.The thought of spending forty minutes with the junior fifth graders and having to listen to what they had to say about Raleigh and the impact of his introduction of tobacco from Virginia disgusted him.If Guy wasn't on the other side of the world as a diplomat, he could have asked him what he would do next. For George, that first class that morning was like the longest forty minutes ever.Wainwright almost made him angry, and Carter Jr. had him overwhelmed for the first time, but luckily the next bell rang.But for whom does the bell ring?He thought; probably none of them had read Donne, except perhaps Graves. Note 1: John.John Donne, 1572︱1631, was an English metaphysical poet and priest.His writing style is unique, and his works include love poems, satirical poems, religious poems, elegy, sermons, etc. The themes of his early creation were mainly lyrical or death and parting, while his later works gradually became more mystical.For Whom the Bell Tolls is one of Dane's verses. George walked slowly across the quad to the common room, practicing in his mind the lines he had repeated last night.He had to follow the script until every one of his questions was answered, or Andrew would know what the hell he was thinking and laugh at him.If this was a hundred years ago, George would have dueled him.Then he remembered which of them was the boxing champion. George strode into the atrium, trying to look confident and at ease, as if he had no worries in the world.He could hear his heart pounding as he opened the common room door.What if Andrew wasn't inside?If some of the questions in his mind were not answered, he felt like he couldn't make it through another class with the junior fifth graders. Andrew sat in his old seat by the window and read the morning paper.He smiled when he saw George, who poured himself a cup of tea and walked slowly towards Andrew.A colleague happened to be sitting in the chair next to Andrew, busy discussing how unfair the school schedule was.This annoyed George. He sat himself on the radiator between the two of them, trying to recall his first question.oh yes Andrew folded up the paper, turned his attention to George and said: You were very well last night. Yeah, well done.George repeated awkwardly that it wasn't in his script. You seem to be having a great time. I had a great time, George said: "Turner is such a character. He obviously likes you. Oh, do you think so? I am very sure.I've never seen him so alive. So you've known him for a long time?George asked boldly. No, I've only been to Westbrook a few times, and he barely talks. Oh really?George said so.His first question was answered. What do you think of those girls?Andrew asked. girls?George repeated it, and Andrew seemed to be putting his question to him, which offended him. yes.Do you have a crush on any of them?Marjorie obviously couldn't take her eyes off of you. I did not notice.George said: What about you? Well, old friend, I'll be honest with you, this came as a bit of a surprise.Andrew admitted. A little surprised?George said, wishing he didn't sound too desperate. yes.You know, I didn't think she had any interest in me. she? Ruth. Ruth? right.During my first two visits, she didn't give me a second look at all, but last night she kept talking to me.I think I have a chance. Have the opportunity?George jumped up. Mallory, are you all right? Of course I'm fine, why do you ask that? Uh, but you keep repeating everything I say. Every word you say?Have it?George said, sitting back on the radiator.Then you'd like to see Ruth again, wouldn't you?He worked up the courage to speak, and at least one question he wanted to ask. Well, here's where it gets interesting, says Andrew: After dinner, the old gentleman took me aside and invited me to join the whole family in Venice for the Easter holidays. So did you accept it?George asked, horrified at the idea. Well, I'd love to, but there's a small difficulty. Small difficulty? You are here again.Andrew said. Sorry, George replied: What difficulty? I had promised to go on a hockey trip out West for Easter, and I was the only goaltender who could.I don't think I can let the whole team down. Of course not, George couldn't help jumping up again and said: That would be bloody rudeness. Quite right, Andrew said: But I think I might be able to come up with a compromise. Compromise? yes.If I had skipped the last race, I could have caught the train that matched the boat, leaving Southampton on Friday night and arriving in Venice on Sunday morning, which meant I could still spend a whole week with the Turners. a whole week?George said. I told the old gentleman about the idea, and he seemed quite happy, so I'll join them in the last week of March. That was all George needed to know.He jumped off the radiator, scorching the hips of his trousers. Mallory, are you sure you're all right?You seemed rather absent-minded this morning. Blame Wainwright.George said he appreciated the opportunity to change the subject. Wainwright?Andrew asked. He said this morning that the Earl of Essex had defeated the Spanish Armada and that Derek hadn't been in that battle at all.I was almost mad at him then. No doubt Derek was playing petanque at Plymouth Heights. No, Wainwright had a theory that Derek was at Hampton Court Palace, engaged in a lengthy affair with Queen Elizabeth, and that he sent Essex to Devon to keep him out of the way. I think it's just the opposite.Andrew said. Let's just think about it that way.George said. 20 Secret Project Tuesday, March 24, 1914 * The first few days of the climb went well, although Finch seemed a little absent-minded and not as aggressive as usual.It wasn't until the third day, when they were both stranded on a ledge halfway up Zmutt Ridge, that George understood why. Are you getting to know women?Finch asked, in the same tone they used to discuss every day about other things. I can't say I'm experienced in this particular field.George confesses, thinking of Ruth at the same time. Join the club.Finch responded. But I always thought, you should have some authority on this topic? Women do not allow any man to be an authority on the subject.Finch said bitterly. George asks: You're in love with someone, right?He wondered if Finch was facing the same problem as him. It's the loss of love, Finch said: It's much more complicated. I'm pretty sure it won't take long for you to find a replacement. I'm not worried about a replacement, Finch said: "I just found out she's pregnant. Then you have to marry her.George said matter-of-factly. That's the problem, Finch said: We're married. It was the closest George had been to the brink since the Mont Blanc avalanche. A head emerges from the ledge.Let's move on, Yang said: Could it be that you two don't see a way out of your problem? Neither of them answered, Yang just said: Come with me. For the next hour, the three men worked their way up the final thousand feet. Finch didn't speak again until George joined Young and Finch at the top of the hill. Any other news about that mountain we all want to climb to the top?he asked Yang. While George didn't approve of Finch's recklessness, he hoped Young would answer the question, because one thing was certain: No one would hear them from the 14,688-foot summit of the Matterhorn. content of the conversation. Yang Yuan looked at the valley, thinking about how much information he should reveal.I have to say on this subject that only the three of us know.Finally he said this: I don't expect a formal statement from the Foreign Office, at least for the next few months.For a while he didn't speak again; for one of the rare times, even Finch remained silent.But I can tell you that he finally went on: the British Mountaineering Society and the Royal Geographical Society had reached an interim agreement to form a joint organization called the Everest Committee. Who will be on this committee?Finch asked. Yang took a long time to think about it before answering.Francis.Sir Husband Young will be Chairman, I will be Vice-Chairman and Mr Hinks will be Secretary. No one can object to Young Husband being chairman, George said carefully: after all, he was very helpful to the start of the Everest expedition project. That doesn’t apply to Hinks though, and Fincher’s response is less guarded: someone just has a way of turning snobbery into an art form. Dude, isn't that too harsh?George hinted at him.He thought it was impossible for Finch to say anything to scare him. In case you haven't noticed, in Scott's RGS lecture, the women, including Mrs. Hicks and Mrs. Scott, are banished to the balcony like cattle being herded onto a freight train. Tradition is always hard to kill in such institutions.Yang said calmly. Let's not make excuses for snobbery and pass it by in terms of tradition and the like.Finch said.Mind you, George, he went on: Hinks would be delighted if you were chosen for the mountaineering team.You went to Winchester and Cambridge after all. Saying that is completely unnecessary.Yang said sharply. We'll soon find out if I'm right.Finch stood his ground. You don't need to worry about this, Yang said: I can assure you that the British Mountaineering Association, not Sinks, chooses the climbing team. Finch was reluctant to let go of his idea."Maybe, but what really matters is who's on the committee," he said. The committee will have seven members, Young said, including three from the British Mountaineering Association.Let me know before you ask, I'm inviting Somerville and Heford to work with me. It couldn't be more fair.George said. Possibly, said Finch: but who is the candidate for membership of the Royal Geographical Society? Sinks, a guy named Raebum, and a general Bruce, so we'll have the same vote. Then let Young Husband hold the key vote. I have no problem with this, Yang said: Husband Yang has always been an excellent president of the Royal Geographical Society, and his integrity has never been questioned. You are so British through and through.芬奇如此評論。 楊抿了一下嘴唇，然後補充道：也許我應該說清楚，皇家地理學會挑選的團隊成員，只是未來負責繪製外圍地區細部地圖的人，還有收集地質學樣本和喜馬拉雅山特有花卉動物的人。攀登隊伍由英國登山協會決定，找出埃佛勒斯峰攻頂路線也會是我們的工作。 芬奇還是不讓步。他問：那麼誰可能會帶領這支探險隊？ 我預期會是布魯斯將軍。他在印度服役多年，是少數熟悉喜馬拉雅山、又與達賴喇嘛有私交的英國人之一。他會是帶領我們越過邊境、進入西藏的理想人選。一旦抵達埃佛勒斯峰山腳，建立基地營後，我會接手成為登山隊領隊，唯一的責任就是確保第一個站上世界屋頂的是英國人。 我是澳洲人。芬奇提醒他。 另一位大英國協子民將會站在我身旁，這真是再合適不過了。楊帶著微笑這麼說，然後又補充：紳士們，或許對我們來說，明智的做法就是開始下山。除非你們打算在這座山頂耗上整夜？ 喬治再度戴上護目鏡。楊的消息讓他振奮，雖然他懷疑，芬奇逼著他透露出的訊息遠比他原先打算說的更多。 楊在馬特洪峰最高點放了一枚金幣，躬身說道：夫人，國王陛下向您致上他的讚美，並且希望您將讓他的子民平安回家。 再一個問題。芬奇說道。 就這麼一個。楊回答。 這支探險隊計畫何時出發前往西藏，你對此可有概念？ 有，楊回答道：探險隊出發時間不能晚於明年二月。如果在雨季開始前我們想要有時間攻頂，就必須在五月前建立基地營。 芬奇似乎對這個答覆感到滿意。不過，如果剛上任的查特豪斯校長佛萊契（Fletcher）先生知道他的教員要求請假六個月，會做何感想？喬治只能暗自揣測。 楊帶著他們慢慢下山，直到抵達較安全的地方前，都沒有再浪費唇舌閒聊。當他們看見住宿的旅館時，楊針對這個主題說了最後一段話：紳士們，在外交部正式發表聲明前，如果沒有人提起這個話題，甚至包括我們三個人都不再討論這件事，我會非常感激。 喬治和芬奇都點頭了。不過，楊補充說明：我希望你們一九一五年不會有其他計畫。 穿著開襟衫、法蘭絨長褲和獵裝外套的芬奇正要去吃晚餐，這時他注意到馬洛里在櫃檯簽一張支票。 芬奇低頭看著馬洛里腳邊的行李箱，問道：你要去進行另一場小小的冒險，對吧？ 馬洛里微笑了。yes.我必須承認，你不是唯一讓我想保持領先一碼距離的人。 芬奇看著行李箱上黏貼的標籤。既然知道威尼斯沒有任何山脈，我只能推測，這一定和另一位女性有關。 喬治把支票交給站在櫃檯後方的職員，沒有回答。 和我想的一樣，芬奇說：況且，既然你曾暗示過，在談到較美麗的那種性別時，我算是某種程度上的專家，那麼請容我警告你，要想辦法一次和兩個女人周旋絕不容易，就算她們確實住在不同的大陸上也一樣。 喬治把收據折起來收進內袋時咧嘴笑了。親愛的芬奇，他說：請容我指出，必須先有第一個女人，才可能有第二個呀。他沒再多說一句話，拿起行李箱，給芬奇一個淡淡的微笑，隨後朝前門走去。 在你第一次和珠穆朗瑪面對面時，我不會再重複這句話，芬奇平靜地說：我有種感覺，那位特別的女士很可能會變成一位無情的女主人。 喬治沒有回頭。 21 巧遇 一九一四年，三月二十六日，星期四 * 喬治在衛斯布魯克初見露斯後，一直無法把她趕出腦海，就算在爬山時也是如此。是不是因為這個緣故，芬奇在他之前抵達馬特洪峰頂端，楊選擇一起加入埃佛勒斯峰委員會的是桑莫維爾及賀福德？芬奇曾說過，有一天，喬治必須在兩者之間抉擇；他是對的嗎？喬治想，現在還沒必要做選擇，因為讓他困惑的兩位女士都刻意忽略他。 喬治在星期二晚上從澤馬特（Zermatt）開溜，留下他的同伴去化解他們與一、兩座次要山峰的恩怨。他搭上前往洛桑（Lausanne）的火車，中途必須在維斯普（Visp）換車；他一路上幾乎都在計畫如何製造兩人不期而遇的機會如果有辦法找到她的話。 當火車鏗鏘前進時，喬治忍不住想，雖然山脈並不可靠，至少它們都在同一個地方。他為了見她，特別從瑞士來到義大利，這一切會不會太過明顯？他知道有一個人立刻就會明白怎麼回事。 在洛桑下車後，喬治買了一張到維洛納（Verona）的齊薩爾皮諾（Cisalpino）高速火車三等車票，然後在維洛納轉乘前往威尼斯的快車；他什麼都不想，只想睡覺，所以沒必要浪費錢買更貴的票。然而，他幾乎無法入睡，因為鄰座的法國人顯然認為每道菜都應該用大量蒜頭調味，而且他的鼾聲大可與火車引擎匹敵。 喬治在火車抵達終點站前只抓到一點點空檔補眠。他從沒去過威尼斯，不過過去一個月裡，貝德克旅遊指南一直是他的良伴，所以當他踏上聖塔路西亞火車月臺時，他已知道城裡每家五星級旅館的地址了；他甚至還知道，佛羅倫斯旅館是第一家提供所謂整套私人衛浴設備的旅館。 水上巴士在聖馬可廣場停靠，喬治下船後開始尋找那家離市中心沒幾哩、而且他負擔得起的旅館。他住進一個很適合登山者的房間頂樓最小的房間，安頓後迫不及待想好好睡一晚。就像所有準備妥當的登山者一樣，如果他希望施展他的小小計謀，就必須比太陽還早起。他有信心，不管透納一家住在哪間旅館，至少在十點以前他們是不會出門的。 喬治又度過了一個不眠的夜，這次問題不是大蒜或鏗鏘作響的火車，而是一張沒有彈簧的床墊，以及總是只放一小撮羽毛的枕頭；就算是他在查特豪斯的年輕學生都會抱怨的。 他在六點前就起床，半小時後橫越嘆息橋，身旁有些晚歸的狂歡者，以及幾位早起工作的人。他從外套內袋裡拿出一張旅館名單，有條不紊地著手進行他的尋人之旅。 他進入的第一個機構是包爾旅館，他在接待櫃檯詢問，透納家（一位年長紳士與三個女兒）是否在此作客。晚班門房伸出手指劃過長長的名單，然後搖搖頭。在附近的歐羅巴女王旅館，喬治得到相同的回答。巴格里奧尼旅館有一位湯普森和一位泰勒，卻沒有透納。格里提宮的晚班經理，甚至等著拿到小費才考慮回答喬治的問題，但隨後卻給他一模一樣的答案。在下一間旅館，即使喬治事先聲明他是這一家人的密友，他們仍拒絕透露顧客的名字。 他開始懷疑透納家該不會改變他們的假期計畫了，直到聖克萊門提旅館的門房領班聽到那姓氏後露出肯定的微笑，他才不再懷疑。領班是位英國人，但在喬治塞給他一張大面額鈔票前沒再笑過。他告訴喬治，透納家一行人並不住在聖克萊門提旅館，不過他們偶爾會到這裡吃飯，而且有一次他還奉命預訂一艘公共汽船送他們回到他停了下來，直到同樣的鈔票遞了過去，和第一張鈔票會合回到他們的旅館。第三張鈔票出現時，喬治得到了旅館的名稱齊布里亞尼，以及這家旅館專屬水上計程車固定下客的碼頭位置。 喬治把變薄的皮夾放回外套口袋裡，迅速趕到聖馬可廣場；他在廣場上看見季德卡島（Giudecca），齊布里亞尼旅館驕傲地聳立於島上。每隔二十分鐘就有一艘船頭寫著齊布里亞尼的水上計程車靠岸；他站在一道大拱門的陰影裡，那裡可以看見每艘下客的船；他有信心，一名有三位年輕女士陪伴的年長紳士很容易辨認，特別是在過去六星期中，他鮮少忘懷其中一位女士的容顏。 接下來的兩小時，喬治仔細看著每位從季德卡島搭水上計程車過來的客人。又過了一小時，他開始懷疑透納一家已搬到不同旅館去了；或許就是拒絕洩漏顧客名單的那一家。他仍注視著，周圍的咖啡店開始擠滿了人。剛烤好的帕尼尼三明治、小麥麵包片和滾燙咖啡的香味四下瀰漫，讓他想起他還沒吃早餐。不過他不敢離開，唯恐透納一家正好在此時上岸。他下定決心，如果他們沒在中午前出現，他可能就會冒險搭計程車到島上去，甚至走進他們的旅館。不過，如果他遇見他們，該怎麼解釋他為何出現在那裡？畢竟透納先生知道，即使是再小的房間，喬治的月薪幾乎不夠在齊布里亞尼住上一晚。 然後，喬治看到她了。他腦海中浮現的第一個想法，是她比他記憶中更美。她穿著黃色絲質高腰長洋裝，胸部下方繫著一條寬寬的紅絲帶，波浪狀的紅髮垂在肩上，手上拿著一把白色的陽傘，讓自己免於朝陽的曝曬。如果你問他，瑪喬莉和米德莉穿什麼衣服，他是沒辦法回答的。 透納先生第一個走上碼頭，身穿時髦的奶油色西裝外套、白襯衫和條紋領帶。他舉起一隻手協助女兒下船。喬治發現安德魯不在，鬆了一口氣；他希望他正在彤頓（Taunton）守著球門。 透納朝聖馬可廣場的方向漫步而去，看來目標明確；果然沒錯。當他們走進一家擁擠的咖啡店時，侍者領班立刻引他們來到唯一沒人佔據的桌子。點過餐後，透納靜下來讀前一天的《泰晤士報》，露斯瀏覽著一本書，想必是威尼斯的旅遊指南，因為她一直和姊妹們分享書上的資訊，偶爾還指出一些地標。 有那麼一瞬間，露斯朝著他的方向看來，喬治一度懷疑她是否看到他了；事實上，人們幾乎不會注意到自己沒在找的人，尤其對方還躲在陰影裡。喬治耐心地等待，直到透納先生打算付帳時，他知道計畫的下一步不能再耽擱了。 透納一家一離開咖啡店，喬治就走出陰影處，朝著廣場中心前進。他的眼睛片刻不離露斯；她手中那本旅遊指南仍是打開的，她正唸出書中的段落，其他家人專注地聆聽。喬治忽然有點希望此時他回到某座山頂，就算那意謂著身旁只有芬奇為伴也沒關係。他們若看見他，一定就會明白一切了。不過只有一種方式才能知道他想的是否正確。 他從一群從容漫步的遊客背後出現，然後在只剩下幾步距離時停在透納先生面前。 早安，先生，喬治一面說，一面舉起他的平頂硬草帽，設法裝出很驚訝的樣子。真是愉快的意外啊。 唔，這對我來說確實是意外，馬洛里先生。透納說。 而且是最令人高興的意外。瑪喬莉說。 早安，透納小姐。喬治說著，再度舉起他的帽子。雖然米德莉回報他一個害羞的微笑，露斯卻繼續讀她的旅遊書，好像喬治不期然地出現只是讓人心煩的打岔。 位於教堂五道拱門之前的，她朗聲說道：是聖馬可廣場，一座鋪了地磚且有拱廊的寬闊廣場，拿破崙曾把這裡形容為歐洲的會客室。 喬治繼續對著她微笑，但露斯就像莎士比亞喜劇中的奧莉維亞（Olivia）（註1）一樣，並沒有回報他的恭維，讓他感覺自己似乎成了馬伏里奧（Malvolio）。他開始認為，他展開的是一段白費力氣的旅程；他不該讓自己有非分之想，甚至連片刻都不該有他會溜走，而他們很快就會忘記他曾經在此出現。 註1：奧莉維亞和馬伏里奧是莎士比亞的愛情喜劇《第十一夜》（又名《隨心所欲》）中的角色。貴族奧莉維亞因哥哥過世傷心了七年，並拒絕公爵的求愛。馬伏里奧是奧莉維亞家的管家，生活嚴謹，自律甚嚴，卻因而遭人愚弄，誤以為女主人愛上自己。 鐘塔高聳，露斯繼續說著，擡頭往上看：約三百二十五呎高，旅客可以爬上四百二十一級的階梯，抵達塔上的矮牆旁。 喬治對透納先生舉起帽子，轉身打算離開。 馬洛里先生，你認為你可以應付那個嗎？露斯問道。 喬治猶豫了一下。可能可以，他一面說，一面轉過身來：不過必須把天候條件納入考慮。風強的話可能就會有困難。 馬洛里先生，如果你安安全全地待在塔裡，我無法想像為何強風會造成困難。 不過，透納小姐，我們必須謹慎，在評估任何攀登行動時，最重要的決定就是選擇的路線。畢竟我們很少有機會直線前進，而且一旦做了錯誤的決定，可能只能毫無所獲地回頭。 真是有趣啊，馬洛里先生。露斯說道。 不過，如果有條更直接的途徑出現眼前，我們應隨時考慮新路線的可能性。 在貝德克指南裡，我沒看到任何可能有更直接的路線的建議。露斯說道。 就在那一刻，喬治決定，如果他打算離開，至少也要有自己的風格。 或許現在正是為妳的旅遊指南增添新頁的時候了，透納小姐。喬治沒再多說，脫掉下帽子和外套，交給露斯。他又看了鐘塔一眼，然後朝公眾入口走去，加入觀光客等候進塔的隊伍。 當他來到隊伍前端時，縱身跳到旋轉柵門上，伸手抓住入口上方的拱門。他把自己向上拉，然後站上牆上突出的壁架。沒多久，一整排震驚不已的旁觀者開始留意他的進展，此時他攀在第一道矮牆上了。他暫停一會兒，考慮接下來該怎麼做。他的下一步是把右腳踩在一臉疑惑的聖人雕像上米德莉注意到，那是聖湯瑪斯。 當喬治從一個壁架前進到另一個壁架、從一個拱壁攀到另一個拱壁時，透納先生把注意力從他身上移開了一會兒，轉而觀察他的三位女兒。米德莉似乎為喬治的技巧而著迷，瑪喬莉臉上帶著敬畏的神情，但最令他訝異的是露斯的反應。她的臉變得死白，似乎全身在顫抖。當喬治在距離頂端幾呎處似乎滑了一下腳時，透納先生以為他最疼愛的女兒就要昏倒了。 喬治朝下望著擁擠的廣場，他無法再從下方那幅色彩斑駁的拼布花被中認出露斯。他兩手穩穩抓住寬欄杆，把自己拉上最頂端的矮牆，然後加入依循較正統路線來到塔頂的遊客之中。 一小群被催眠似的旅客往後退了一步，幾乎無法相信他們親眼所見的過程。他們之中有一、兩個人拍了照片，這樣才能在回家後證明這件事不是他們捏造出來的。喬治靠在矮牆上，開始思索重返塔下的路徑直到發現兩位義大利憲兵跑進廣場為止。 喬治如果不想在法國經驗之外再添一次義大利監獄見聞，就不能冒險循原路回去。他朝樓梯頂端的主要出口衝去，混入觀光客隊伍當中，開始慢慢走下蜿蜒石梯，準備回到廣場。他擠過幾名遊客身旁，最後放慢腳步，和一群美國遊客同行；他們顯然沒看到他方才的壯舉，專心討論著午餐地點。 當他們從塔樓魚貫而出，回到廣場上時，喬治挽著一位來自伊利諾州的年長美國婦人的手臂。她沒有抗議，擡頭對他微笑。我有沒有告訴過你，我有個親戚當年在鐵達尼號上？ 沒有，喬治說：這聽來多麼吸引人啊。他補上這句話時，他們一行人正好經過兩位憲兵身旁，他們正在尋找某個獨來獨往的男子。 是的，是我姊姊的兒子，羅德力克。你知道，他甚至沒有意思要這時喬治已不見蹤影了。 他一逃離擁擠的廣場就迅速往旅館走去，不過並沒有發足狂奔，深怕引來他人注意。他只用十五分鐘打包行李，付完帳單後離開；不過他過午才結帳，因而又多了一筆額外的費用。 他輕快地朝嘆息橋的方向走去，知道那裡有公共汽艇可載他到火車站。當汽艇發動，慢慢滑過聖馬可廣場旁時，他瞥見一位警官在盤問一位年輕男子，那人想必與喬治差不多年紀。 他在聖塔路西亞車站下船，直接走到售票處，詢問售票員下一班到倫敦維多利亞車站的火車何時開。 三點鐘，先生，他回答道：不過一等座位的票恐怕沒有了。 那麼我只能接受三等車廂了。喬治一邊說，一邊掏空了錢包。 他一看到警察就躲進暗處，渡過漫長如永恆般的等待，月臺鈴聲才響起。一名列車長把聲音放到最大，請所有一等車廂的乘客上車。喬治在他們朝火車緩步前進時，加入這群上流菁英之中，他暗忖，這群人該是警察最不感興趣的對象。他甚至曾想過要爬到火車頂，不過他知道這樣只會讓他更容易曝光。 喬治上車後在走道上晃盪，提防查票員出現。他思索著是不是該把自己鎖在廁所裡，直到火車開動為止。這時他背後有個聲音說道：Il vostro biglietto，signore ，per favore.（先生，請出示您的車票。） 喬治轉身，看見一個男人穿著藍色長大衣，翻領上繡著厚厚的金色滾邊，手拿一本皮面書本。他看著窗外，看見一個警察走下月臺，朝著車廂窗戶裡窺探。他開始假裝翻找車票，這時，那名警察走進了車廂。 我一定把票放錯地方了，喬治說：我會馬上回到售票處，然後 沒必要那樣做，先生，查票員毫不費力地換了一種語言說：請告訴我你的名字。 喬治順從地回答：馬洛里。這時警察朝著他走過來了。 喔，是的，查票員說：您在B車第十一號包廂，先生，您的夫人已經到了。您願意跟我走嗎？ 我太太？喬治一邊說，一邊跟著查票員穿過餐車，走進下一個車廂，同時設法在查票員發現自己的錯誤前，想出某個說得通的藉口。當他們抵達十一號包廂時，職員打開標示著Riservato（保留席）的門，喬治往裡一看，看見他的外套和平頂硬草帽，放在她對面的位子上。 喔，親愛的，你來啦，露斯說：我正開始懷疑你到底能不能準時抵達呢。 喬治在她旁邊坐下時，急促地說道：我還以為妳會再過一星期才回英國。 我本來也這麼想，露斯說：不過有一回某人告訴我，要是有一條更直接的途徑出現眼前，應隨時考慮新路線的可能性，當然，除非那時候颳強風。 喬治笑了，高興得好想跳起來，隨後又想起另一道阻礙；從各方面來看，這道阻礙都和義大利警方一樣讓人害怕。妳父親知道妳在這裡嗎？ 我想辦法說服他了。畢竟，有位老師在新學期開始前被關在義大利監獄中受苦，對學校的名聲總是不好。 那安德魯呢？妳不是 露斯伸出雙臂擁抱他。 喬治聽到包廂的門滑開了。他不敢回頭看。 親愛的，答案當然是好。露斯在親吻他之前說道。 Scusi！（抱歉打擾。）警察致意之後，又補上一句：Mille congratulazioni ，signore！（先生，非常恭喜您。） 22 如此快樂，如此幸福 一九一四年五月一日星期五 * 我想，輪到你了。透納說道。 喬治將球桿頂端瞄準白球。當他擊球時，感覺自己的雙腿在發抖。他打歪了，球在球桌上失控地四處亂撞，從某個側面緩衝墊上彈了起來，然後停在紅球旁邊幾吋遠的地方。 犯規，透納說：這樣讓我多得四分。 agree.喬治嘆了口氣，這時主人回到球桌邊，在添了十六分之後，才再度開口說話。 過去一個月是喬治生平最快樂的時光。事實上，他從不知道世上存在著這樣的幸福。每過一天，他對露斯的愛就更加深了一些。她是如此聰慧，如此快樂，和她相處是如此有趣。 回英國的旅程如田園詩般美好。他們善用每一分鐘來認識彼此，儘管當火車停在義大利邊界時，又有一位海關官員細看喬治的護照，讓他確實緊張了一陣。當他們終於越過邊境進入法國時，喬治第一次放鬆下來，甚至花了片刻時間想了一下正在攀登澤馬特山的楊和芬奇。不過，也只是片刻而已。 他在晚餐時刻告訴露斯，他為什麼點了菜單上所有的五道菜；他解釋說，他已經三天沒吃東西了。他形容前一位和他在火車上共度一夜的那個人，醒著時打嗝帶著大蒜味道，睡著時鼾聲如雷，這讓她笑了。 所以你前三個晚上都沒睡覺。she said. 而且看起來今天晚上我也不會睡了，我親愛的。said George. 我不能說謊，佯稱我期待和我所愛的男人這樣共度第一夜，露斯說：不過，我們為什麼不她朝桌子對面傾身，在喬治耳邊說了句悄悄話。對於她的建議，他思考了片刻，然後開心地同意了。 幾分鐘之後，露斯離開餐車，回到他們的包廂時，發現座位已調整成兩張單人床。她把脫下來的衣服掛了起來，在小小的洗手盆裡洗了臉，然後爬進床裡，關上燈。喬治還在餐車裡喝著黑咖啡，直到最後一個客人離開後，才回到包廂。 他安靜地打開門，溜了進去，然後動也不動地站了一會兒，讓眼睛適應黑暗。他可以看見露斯在被子下的苗條身體曲線，他很想觸碰她。他脫下外套、領帶、長褲、襯衫和襪子，把這些衣物留在地上後才爬上床。他納悶地想，不知道露斯是不是還醒著。 晚安，馬洛里先生。she said. 晚安，馬洛里太太。he answered.三個晚上以來，喬治第一次熟睡了。 當喬治俯身打他的下一球時，透納說：馬洛里，你這星期稍早時寫信說，你希望和我討論某件重要的事。 Yes, it does.喬治說，但他的白球消失在最近的球袋裡。 又一次犯規。透納說道。他轉向桌子，不急不徐地累積了更多分數，讓喬治感覺愈不自在。 是的，先生，他最後勉強開口了，頓了一下才補充道：我確定您一定注意到，我最近花了不少時間和令千金相處。 which one?透納問，這時喬治又失手了。你又犯規了。年輕人，你今天晚上有打算要拿到任何分數嗎？ 這只是因為，先生，這只是因為 你希望在你向露斯求婚以前，先得到我的祝福。 我已經問過她了。喬治承認。 希望如此，馬洛里。畢竟你已經與她共度一夜了。 那晚過後，當喬治醒來時，天色還是一片漆黑。他傾身向前，把百葉窗推到一邊，以便觀察第一道陽光從地平線上緩緩升起；對任何登山者來說，那都是讓人開心的景象。 他靜靜溜下床，在地板上摸索他的短褲，然後穿上，接下來又找到其他衣物。如果你習慣睡在小帳篷裡，只靠一支燭光照明，那麼這些動作並不算太困難。喬治靜靜拉開包廂的門，走了出去。他在走道上來回張望，很欣慰地發現四下無人。他很快穿上襯衫、拉起長褲和襪子、打好領帶，然後披上外套。當他閒步來到餐車時，正在布置早餐桌的侍者很驚訝在一大早就看到一等車廂的旅客。 Good morning, sir.一位侍者一邊說，一邊盯著馬洛里的長褲，看起來有點尷尬。 Good morning.喬治回答，多走兩步後突然想起他的褲口鈕扣沒扣。他笑了出來，扣上鈕扣後匆忙走進餐車，想找一份早報來看。 他一直走到K車廂才找到賣報攤位。窗戶上的標誌寫著Chiuso（打烊中），不過喬治可以看到櫃檯後一名年輕男子正拆下綑綁報紙的粗繩。他不敢置信地瞪著報紙頭版。他認得出自己出現在一張模糊的照片中，不過就算以他程度有限的義大利語能力，他也譯得出那個頭條：警方尋找聖馬可廣場的神祕登高客。 他指著那疊報紙，店員不情願地打開門。 你有多少份報紙？ 二十份，先生。he answered. 我全都買了。said George. 店員看起來有點猶疑，不過當喬治把現金交給他時，他聳了聳肩，把錢放進現金櫃裡。 當店員把找的零錢拿回來時，喬治正欣賞著展示櫃裡的某件珠寶。那個多少錢？他指著其中一個天鵝絨展示座。 先生，用哪一種貨幣計算？ 英鎊。喬治一邊回答，一邊拿出支票簿。 年輕男子用手指劃過一張黏在後面牆上的卡片，上面有一排數字。三十二英鎊，先生。 當店員替那個小禮物包裝時，喬治開了張支票，花掉了下個月的薪水。 喬治走回餐車，一手腋下夾著報紙，禮物則已放進外套口袋裡了。當他進入下一個車廂，又再次來回張望著走廊。附近還是沒人。他溜進最近的盥洗室裡，用幾分鐘的時間把每份報紙的頭版撕下來，只有一份除外，然後以相對而言更長的時間，把撕下來的紙都沖進馬桶。看到最後一份頭版消失後，他打開門，踏進了走道，繼續朝餐車前進，並在每個包廂門口都丟下一份早報。 不過，先生，我可以解釋那是怎麼發生的。目標球彈到球桌外並沿著地板滾動時，喬治如此抗辯。 又一次犯規。透納說著拾起那顆球，擺回綠呢布上。馬洛里，我不需要解釋，不過，你有什麼前景？ 先生，如您所知，我是查特豪斯的教員