The Ginger Man - J. P. Donleavy [121]
"I want to have it together, Sebastian."
"But we mustn't set a carnal example for the other guests."
In the tub she said the water was terrible and no lather and it looked all gray and dirty and you'd think she didn't have a wash in a tinker's age. She smiled up out of the tub. Pulling him down for another kiss. Dangerfield's feet slipping on the soapy floor. Watch it for Christ's sake, I'm falling. A roar of water over the side. Mrs. Ritzincheck will think we're up here at it hammer and tongs, hanging from the chandeliers and divers bathroom fittings. And that causes jealousy. Everybody will be wanting it.
"You look a sight, Sebastian"
"We've got to go easy, Mary.
"Take off your clothes, I want to see what you look like"
"Mary, please."
"You've got no chest."
"Wait a minute. Just look at this. There. See?"
"It's so funny."
"I beg your pardon."
"But you're thin."
"Now Mary look from behind. Give you some idea of the breadth of me shoulders. I'm deceptive."
"I'll admit you're broad."
"But you've got a chest there, Mary."
"But you mustn't look, I know they're too big."
"Not a bit."
"But they're smaller than they were."
Dangerfield stepping into the tub. Must control myself. Keep it down. Mary will stop at nothing. Somebody come break down the door and catch us at it in the tub.
"Sebastian, you're queer looking when I see you like this in the light."
"Don't grab, I'U get drowned."
"Isn't it an awful death?"
"O I don't know, Mary. Out there on the waves with the ships at sea."
"Rub me with the soap."
"Melons, Mary."
"Don't say that. Take me to the sea."
"We'll go and live by the sea."
"And I'll go naked on the beach."
"What ho, Mary. We'll see that"
"I read about these French painters. Awful men, they were drawing without clothes and it must be nice to be able to pose for them"
"Mary there's a change come over you"
"I know"
"I like you, Mary"
"Do you mean it?"
"Yes. Bit of a rub here, Mary"
"Your back is a sight"
"A scrubbing with your fair hand it needs. Haven't known such peace for years."
"I'm glad, and glad to kiss your back and pull your hair. I used to pull my little brothers' hair in the tub when they were carrying on. You have nice soft hair. Sort of silky almost. It's more beautiful to be a man isn't it ?"
"I'm sure I don't know the answer to that, Mary"
"I've got some lace and frills to wear for you"
Standing on the linoleum in water slop. Little dark haired Mary pinning up behind her head a swath of wide black curls and rolling a towel around her. And face in full blush. She stopped and wiped up the puddles. Out that window and down on the tracks, the Underground trains sliding in and out. Long gray platforms. And skipping across the gloomy hall and get a little of the electric fire. Mary's dancing feet
"It's cold. Does anyone ever be in the hall?"
"London, Mary. Never worry about that. See everything here."
"I guess they do."
Sebastian stretched out on the green ticking watching naked Mary brushing her long hair.
"A nice body, Mary."
"Do you like me?"
"Massed army of all the saints couldn't keep me away."
"You're awful. I'll tell you something if you promise not to laugh. Do you promise?"
"For God's sake, Mary, out with it. Out. Don't keep it from me whatever it is. I've got to know."
"You might think I was queer."
"Out Not a bit"
"I used to practise being naked in my room in front of the mirror so I wouldn't mind when I was with you in London. And I'd make believe you were watching me and I'd stand around like this. You don't think I'm crazy?"
"No."
"Have you seen a lot of women?"
"Wouldn't say a lot."
"And what were they like?"
"Naked."
"No. Tell me. How do I compare with them?"
"A fine figure."
"And would they stand up in front of you?"
"Sometimes."
"How did they stand in front of you?"
"I can't remember."
"Would they go around like models showing off their best points or anything?"
"Jesus, Mary."
"Would they?"
"In a way."
"You don't think I'm too forward. I thought you