«Rachel, I think you're raving. A striking simile, but really I never heard such tosh.»
«Well, perhaps I'm just describing how it is with me and Arnold. I'm just a growth on him. I have no being of my own. I can't get at him. I couldn't do so even by killing myself. It would interest him, he'd have a theory about it. He'd soon find another woman he could get on with better, and they'd discuss my case.»
«Rachel, these are very base thoughts.»
«Bradley, how I adore your simplicity. As if I understood that language any more! You're talking to a toad, to an earthworm cut in two and wiggling.»
«Rachel, do stop, you're upsetting me.»
«You are a sensitive plant, aren't you. And to think that I saw you as a sort of knight errant!»
«Such a bedraggled one-«You were a separate place. Do you understand?»
«A wide plain where you could set up your tent? Or are these similes getting out of hand?»
«You mock everything.»
«I don't, it's just a habit of speech. Surely you know me by now.»
«Yes, yes, I do actually. Oh I've messed everything up. I've even spoilt you. Now Arnold has taken you over too. He cares for you far more than he cares for me. He takes everything.»
«Rachel. Listen. My relation to you is not part of my relation to Arnold.»
«Brave words. But it is now.»
«Please try to remember what he said this morning, you know, when he asked you-«
«Oh how you do hurt and annoy me! He said something like, 'Don't feel you can't go and see Bradley now. In fact you'd better go and see him straight away. He'll be in a frenzy to see you and discuss our conversation. Why not go and see him and have a frank chat, have it all out. He'll talk more to you than to me. He's a bit sore and it'll do him good. Off you go.' «
«God. Does he think you'll report your conversation with me to him?»
«Maybe.»
«And will you?»
«Maybe.»
«Is Arnold having an affair with Christian?»
«You're in love with Christian.»
«Don't be silly. Is Arnold-«
«I don't know. I'm getting bored with that question. Possibly not in the strict sense. But I don't care. He acts as a free man, he always has. If he. wants to see Christian he sees her. They're going into business together. I couldn't care less whether they get into bed together too.»
«Rachel, now do try to be mqre precise. Does Arnold really believe that I'm just pestering you against your will? Or did he invent that to smooth things over?»
