The Moon and Sixpence

t would have thought well of me if I had been able to report my stout refusal to sit at the same table with a man of such character. But the fear of not being able to carry it through effe

asphalt pavement in the confident antici

ed and gay, where we dined with pleasure. I had the appetite of youth and he o

sy thing to do, for Strickland was not a fluent talker. He seemed to express himself with difficulty, as though words were not the medium with which his mind worked; and you had to guess the intentions of his soul by hackneyed phrases, slang, and vague, unfinished gestures. But though he said nothing of any consequence, there was something in his personality which prevented him from being dull. Perhaps it was sincerity. He did not seem to care much about the Paris h

e returned and, passing our table, very politely asked us to buy her something to drink. She sat down and I began to chat with her; but, it was plain that her interest was in Strickland. I explained that he knew no more than two words of French. She tried to talk to him, partly by signs, partly in pidgin French,

e made a conqu

ot fla

yes and a most charming mouth. She was young. I wondered what she found so attract

ou to go hom

king any,"

o me a little ungracious to decline an invitation of t

she said. "Tell

Strickland shrugged hi

o go to hel

l threw back her head with a sudden gesture. Perhap

est pas poli

f the inn. I was

t I can see," I said. "After all, it was

ng makes me sick,

ce, and yet it was the face of a coarse and sensual man. I sup

omen I wanted in London. I