MS-WU-MSS008-3-50-1

[1339] first sight the heavens seemed uniformly gloomy. [1340] But ^{[⁁]by taking} a little pains,
for ^{[⁁]there were moments} in my life ^[⁁]when I ^{[⁁]took a little} pains, I obtained a result, that is to
say I ^{[⁁]came to} a decision, in this matter. [1341] So I was able to continue on my
way, saying, I am going towards the sun, that is to say in theory towards
the East, or perhaps the South-East, for I am no longer with Lousse, but
out in the heart again of ^[⁁]the pre-established harmony, which makes so
sweet a music, which is so sweet a music, for ^[⁁]one who has ^{[⁁]an ear for music.}

[1342] Pe^ople ^{were hastening angrily to and fro, most of them,} some in the shelter of the umbrella, others in that perhaps a little
less effective of the rainproof coat. [1343] ^{[⁁]A few} had
taken refuge under trees and archways. [1344] And among those who, more cour-
-ageous or less delicate, came and went, and among those who had stopped,
to avoid getting wet, many a one must have said, They are right, I am
wrong, meaning by they the category to which ^[⁁]he did not belong, or so
I imagine.

[1345] As many a one too must have said, I am right, they are wrong,
while continuing to storm against the foul weather that ^{[⁁]was the occasion of his superiority.} [1346] But at the sight of a young old man of wretched aspect, shivering
all alone in a narrow doorway, I suddenly remembered the project
conceived the day of my encounter with Lousse and her dog and which this
encounter had prevented me from carrying out.

[1347] So I went and stood beside
^[⁁]him, with the air I ^hoped of one who says, Here's a clever fellow,
let me follow his example. [1348] But before I could make my ^little speech,
which I wished to seem spontaneous and so did not make at once, he went
out into the rain and away. [1349] For this speech was one liable, in virtue
of its content, if not to offend at least to astonish.

[1350] And that was why
it was important to deliver it at the right moment and in the right tone.
[1351] I apologise for these details, in a moment we'll go faster, much faster.
[1352] And then perhaps relapse again into a wealth of filthy circumstance.
[1353] But which in its turn again will give ^[⁁]way to vast frescoes, dashed off