MS-HRC-SB-4-3

[2282] A folding-rule, together with a wisp ^{triangle fin} of white handkerchief, emerged
from the breast pocket. [2283] I took him at first for the undertaker's
man, annoyed at having called prematurely. [2284] He remained some time,
seven hours at least.

[2285] Perhaps he hoped to have the satisfaction of
seeing me expire before he left, that would probably have savec^d
him time and trouble. [2286] For a moment I thought he was going to finish
me off. [2288] What a bhope What a hope, it would have been a crime. [2289] He
must have left at six o'clock, his working day ended.

[2290] The light is
queer ever since. [2291] That is to say he went a first time, came back
some hours later, then left for good. [2292] He must have been here from
nine to twelve, then from two to six, now I have it. [2293] He kept look-
ing at his watch, a turnip. [2294] Perhaps he will come back to-morrow.
[2295] It was in the morning he hit me, about ten o'clock probably. [2296] In the
afternoon he did not touch me, though I did not see him immediately,
he was already in position when I saw him, standing beside the bed.

[2297] I speak of morning and afternoon and of such and such an hour, if
you simply must speak of people you simply must put yourself in
their place, it is not difficult. [2298] The only thing you must never
speak of is your happiness, I can think of nothing else for the
moment. [2299] Better even not to think of it. [2300] Standing by the bed he
watched me. [2301] Seeing my lips move; move, for I tried to speak, he
stooped down to me.

[2302] I had things to ask him, to give me my stick
for example. [2303] He would have refused. [2304] Then with clasped hands and
tears in my eyes I would have begged it of him as a favour. [2305] This
humiliation has been denied to me thanks to my aphony. [2306] My voice
has gone dead , ^dead, the rest will follow. [2307] I could have written, on a
page of my exercise-book, and shown to him, Please give me back