The Ginger Man - J. P. Donleavy [50]
"You had a fight, didn't you?"
"Most ungentlemanly incident I think I've ever experienced."
"In a bar?"
"In a bar. The rudeness on this island is overwhelming."
"Well? How? Why?"
"I went into this public house for a quiet drink. Stone cold sober. Man seizes me by the arm and twists it—says get out —you're drunk. I said, I beg your pardon but I'm stone. Naturally I left under the maltreatment that was in it. Now I'm not an evil person, nor do I ever encourage any type of trouble. However I returned to this bar later, ordered another drink and they attacked me brutally. Disgraceful behavior. All on me like a pack of wolves. Trying to put me down and jump on me. It was only by employing the most elusive tactics that I succeeded in escaping with my very life. I have no doubts but that they are searching the city to visit me with more abuse."
"Now really."
"Come sit by me, Chris."
"No."
"Sit by me. I'm most upset."
I'll do your head."
"Can I stay here tonight."
"Yes. I think you ought to have a bath."
"I've got to get out of this damn country. Honest to Christ."
"Any pennies?"
"None."
"You'll have to have a threepenny bath."
Helping him to take off his clothes. Out into this damp bathroom with the bathtub up on lion's paws and the cold sticky floor. In blub, gurgle slub dub glub. Foamy white face, no one to recognize me. Forever to walk backwards in the streets. The yellow light and green cracked ceiling. All last year you were in here in the tub while I was haunted and sad on Howth.
"Come away with me, Chris"
"You've had too much to drink. Say that when you're less confused."
"What? I say, confused."
"Turn around and let me dry your back."
"I want you to."
"I just can't suddenly decide something like that."
"You want to?"
"Where? And your wife and child?"
"We'll all manage."
"And your degree?"
"Have to wait till I can regain my senses. I am in an awkward position."
"You are."
"You're giving me the evil treatment. Now I don't deserve that"
"Pull the light. I'll make you some chocolate."
No way out except the big way. I have put myself into a most unfortunate position. I hope to God that they don't catch me and put me in prison. They saw me ride madly through all the streets of Dublin. Please don't put me in Mountjoy prison, unless I'm given charge of the library. To be married to you, my dear Chris. But what has confounded me is blood. I was such a believer in blood, establishing the dynasty of Dangerfield, honorable kings of kingdoms and I have gotten as far as i Mohammed where the shit falls from the ceiling in a most sickening way and the bread is a week old and the tea like iron filings. I desire to be away in a more civilized country. What's to happen to me when I am old. And bent and busted.
Chris bringing two white cups to the table. She is all undressed wearing a robe. My head feels better. And she fills the hot water bottle. I can only say roll up the carpet of the earth and put it away till next summer, things will be better then. We two in the bed together. I think this is the only peace I have had for years. My dear Chris, to put my hand on your bare arse is such a pleasure. And to touch and feel you're near, for both of us are protection. All together in here. And we are, aren't we? Let us pray. To St. Jude for the impossible or is it allowed to pray for an orgasm?
13
I can't bear to get out into the chill air with my legs all stiff and head hard with some of the things that have been on my mind all night
Sound of Chris dressing. She put a tray beside his bed before leaving. Of toast and one piece dipped in dripping, a slice of bacon and cup of coffee. She kissed him on the head, tucked him in, whispered his breakfast was there and was gone.
Spending the afternoon reading and worrying. A look, now and again, out the window to see what was to be seen. Police or informers. But just casual persons. Mostly bent and carrying. But