The Ginger Man - J. P. Donleavy [84]
"Study."
"My mind's a blank."
"What the hell is the matter with you?"
"Kenneth, I'm beaten. I'll never pass. I must dine with my tutor but I can't appear wearing these frightful rags and with hunger written around the eyes."
"God damn it, in spite of everything, I love this country"
"Why Kenneth, are you off your jump completely?"
"I love it"
Dangerfield's face the color of gold, eyes, bright fires. O'Keefe hoisted himself on a stool, his pack hanging between his legs. Sebastian pouring out the brandy.
"It's good to have someone to talk to, Kenneth. I've been a bit on my own lately."
"This country can be so damn exasperating but just to be in Dublin sort of gets me all excited. I tingle in all my bones. And with nothing but four pence for a cup of coffee in Bewley's. I used to lie awake at night memorizing new French words and dreaming about coming back. If I could open up a restaurant with the money saved from this job. I'd be set."
"All you would need would be some chairs, tables, forks and lots of rancid grease."
"Yeah."
"Be very fashionable."
Dangerfield pointing east with a nervous finger.
"I'm going over there, Kenneth. Across the Irish Sea and there will be a bit of the good life. I've got plans. If one stays in the land of the crut too long it gets a bit tight around the various glands. Sun and the dance. And perhaps the song."
"Well have your song and dance, I've got to go. So long."
"Don't"
"So long."
O'Keefe turned and pushed through the door. Dangerfield counting the swinging of the hinges.
I'm a friend of all kinds. And animals too so long as they don't get rough. Some of them have to be put in the cages but o aye, they deserved it Everything is always fair and square, anyhow. Part of the rules. Heavy breasted Mary and your foul father. Chasing you around the house, you in your nightdress, he with a broom. One doesn't know what goes on in these suburban houses. Must watch for these incestuents. I have a friend in Miss Frost and Mary has faith. Must read this little note.
Dear Sebastian,
I hope this finds you all right Please write to me and tell me. Please try to arrange to see me because I'm very lonely, and worried because my father is suspicious and threatening to write to the bank. Tell me what day I should leave for London and where I should meet you. The boys have gone to Cavan to stay on my uncle's farm.
Please think of me and write to me. I want to see you so much, and want to be in bed with you. Write, please.
Love,
MARY.
He moved out with bottle. Under the eagle. Into good air. Night and Ireland. Like licking moisture from leaves. Eating up green. And up the Geary Road. I do not trust this acute joy. Misery is my forte. O'Keefe will be caught by Lady Eclair. Be on a maid. And Eclair will beat his bottom with a Bible. Poor chef. I'd put it that there are only a few more days before I see the end.
He pushed in the front gate. A bit twisted. A light coming through the garage window from the kitchen. Must watch that. I'll just pretend I'm Egbert and check up. A few windows need attending to. The back door locked. Good thing, Miss Frost. That's the way I like to see things, everyone on their toes.
Sebastian knocked. Miss Frost's shadow twisting the key. She smiled. A little shy around the eyes, a little embarrassed around the teeth, her face atwinkle.
"Good evening, Miss Frost. A bit of softness"
"Good evening, Mr. Dangerfield, are you very wet?"
"No. Pleasant out. Nice smell."
"A friend of mine got me some sausage meat from Bray."
"Jolly good show. How are you, Miss Frost—tell me, how are you?"
"O, I'm all right A little tired. I was in the shop today"
"On your feet?"
"Yes."
"Miss Frost, give me a kiss."
"O, Mr. Dangerfield."
Sebastian approaching in the hard kitchen light. He put the brandy on the table and reached out for her wrist Tightening his fingers