MS-WU-MSS008-3-49

[0631] as possible, and standing in the ditch I summoned to my aid the
good reasons I had to go ^{for going} there, without a moment's delay. [0632] And
though there were many things I could do without thinking, not
knowing what I was going to do until it was done, and not even
then, going to my mother was not one of them. [0633] My feet, you see,
never took me to my mother unless they received a definite order
to do so.

[0634] The glorious, the truly glorious weather would have
gladdened any other heart than mine. [0635] But I have no reason to be
gladdened by the sun and I take good care not to be. [0636] The Aegean,
thirsting for heat and light, him I killed, he killed himself,
early on, in me. [0637] The pale gloom of rainy days was better fitted
to my taste, no, that's not the word it, to my humour, no, that's
not it either, I had neither taste nor humour, I lost them early
on.

[0638] Perhaps what I mean is that the pale gloom etc., hid me
better, without its being on that account particularly pleasing
to me. [0639] Chameleon in spite of himself, there you have Molloy,
viewed from a certain angle. [0640] And in winter, under my greatcoat,
I wrapped myself in swathes of newspaper, and did not shed them
until the earth awoke, for good, in April.

[0641] The Times Literary
Supplement was admirably adapted to this purpose, of a never-
-failing toughness and impermeability. [0642] Farts themselves did not
tear it. [0643] I can't help it, gas escapes from my fundament on the
least pretext, it's hard not to mention it now and then, however
great my loathing.

[0644] One day I counted them. [0645] Three hundred and
fifteen farts in nineteen hours, or an average of over sixteen
farts an hour. [0646] After all it's not excessive. [0647] Four farts every
fifteen minutes. [0648] It's nothing. [0649] Not even one fart every four
minutes. [0650] It's nothing It's unbelievable. [0651] Come, come, I hardly