«Who? What?»
«The blackbirds.»
Several blackbirds were walking jerkily about like little woundup toys upon the clipped grass path.
«Just like us.»
«What are you talking about, Bradley?»
«Mechanical. Just like us.»
«Have some more milk chocolate.»
«Francis likes milk chocolate.»
«I feel sorry for Francis, but I do see Christian's point.»
«All this intimate friendly talk about 'Christian' makes me feel ill.»
«You mustn't mind so much. It's all in your head.»
«Well, I live in my head. I wish she was dead. I wish she'd died in America. I bet she killed her husband.»
«Bradley. You know I didn't mean any of those violent things I said about Arnold the other day.»
«Yes, I know.»
«In marriage one says things which are, yes, mechanical, but it doesn't affect the heart.»
«The what?»
«Bradley, don't be so-«How heavy mine is, like a great stone in my breast. Sometimes one feels suddenly doomed by fate.»
«Oh brace up, for God's sake!»
«You don't hate me for having seen-you know, you and Arnold, the other day?»
«No. It just makes you seem closer.»
«I wish, I wish she hadn't met Arnold.»
«You're very attached to Arnold, aren't you?»
«Yes.»
«It's not just that you care what he thinks?»
«No.»
«It's odd. He's awkward with you. I know he often hurts you. But he cares very much for you, very much.»
«Do you mind if we change the subject a bit?»
«You're such a funny fellow, Bradley. You're so unphysical. And you're as shy as a schoolboy.»
«That woman coming back bang into the middle of everything has been such a bloody shock. And she's got her claws into Arnold already. And Priscilla.»
«She's beautiful, you know.»
«And you.»
«No. But I appreciate her. You never described her properly.»
«She's changed.»
«Arnold thinks you're still in love with her.»
«If he thinks that it must be because he's in love with her himself.»
«Are you in love with her?»
«Rachel, do you want me to scream and scream and scream?»
«You are a schoolboy!»
«Only because of her I understand hatred.»
«Are you a masochist, Bradley?»
«Don't be daft.»
«I sometimes thought you enjoyed it when Arnold went for you.»
«Is Arnold in love with her?»
«Where do you suppose he went to when he left us today?»
«To the-Oh, you mean he went back to her?»
«Of course.»
«Hell. He's only met her twice, three times-«Don't you believe in love at first sight?»
«So you think he is-?»
«He had a pretty long session with her in that pub. And again last night when-«Don't tell me. Is he?»