“Oh, I don’t know,” he answered. “I don’t believe in beginnings—gradual ascent, ladder of fame, and all that. Life to me is divided into two halves—the period of finding out and the period of handing out. I don’t intend to be a person who is beginning to be spoken of. When I am spoken of it will be by every one—simultaneously. In the meantime it is better to be obscure—and absorbent.”
“You want success.”
“I shall have it too.”
“For the world’s sake.”
“Ye-es—and for mine.”
Quarter after quarter boomed out from the neighbouring clocks. It was after two when Eve rose and took her coat from the nail on the door.
“You going?”
“Yes.”
“Shall I walk with you?”
“No, it isn’t far.”