MS-HRC-SB-4-3

[2533] His colleagues observed him, sniggering and poking one another
in the ribs. [2534] But they did not dare say anything. [2535] One woman
however did pass a witty remark, to good effect. [2536] Lemuel was not
liked, that was clear. [2537] But would he have wished to be, [2538] that is
less clear. [2539] He initialed the notice and went away. [2540] The sun was
dragging itself up, dispatching on its way what perhaps would be,
thanks to it, a glorious May or April day, April more likely,
it is doubtless the Easter week-end, spent by Jesus in hell.

[2541] And
it may well have been in honour of this latter that Lady Pedal
had organized, for the benefit of Lemuel's group, this outing
to the islands which was going to cost her dear, but she was
well off and lived for doing good and brin^g[⁁]ing a little happiness

[2541] into the lives of those less fortunate than herself, who was all
right in her head and to whom life had always smiled or, as she
had it herself, returned her smile, enlarged as in a convex
mirror, or a concave, I forget.

[2542] Taking advantage of the terres-
trial atmosphere that dimmed its brightness Lemuel glared with
loathing at the sun. [2543] He had reached his room, on the fourth or
fifth floor, whence on countless occasions he could have thrown
himself in perfect safety out of the window if he had been less
weak-minded.

[2544] The long silver carpet was in position, ending in
a point, trembling across the calm repoussé sea. [2545] The room was
small and absolutely empty, for Lemuel slept on the bare boards
and even off them ate his lesser meals, now at one place, now
at another. [2546] But what matter about Lemuel and his room.^? [2547] Lady