A few seconds later, and he heard the front door bang.
He stood motionless, one hand clenched on the soiled plush tablecloth ... gradually it relaxed.
He had once been given a book and his freedom. Both had been snatched away from him. Now both were restored.
Wonderingly, he looked round at the walls; hideous dingy pattern of red flowers clumped on a brown background. This room, in which he and Kathleen had sat for two meals a day—three on Sundays—sixteen years—one must subtract the recurring summer holidays ... or add them on—which was it?... And the dusty black cat with its staring eyes had overheard all that had been said at those meals—all that had not been said.
He took his writing-case to the table; and began a letter to his house-agent.
"Pacific Villa,
"Hammersmith.
"Jan. 6th.
"Dear Sir,
"I am desirous of sub-letting this house, which is mine on a seven-years' lease renewed two years ago. Will you therefore...."