A Maggot - John Fowles Read Online Free PDF Page A

can allow that.'
    'And would not he, if he were Christian and kind -
and mark you, even if his prophetick science foretold the very
opposite, that this corrupt and cruel world should one day live in
eternal peace and plenty - would not he still most wisely keep his
secret to himself? If all were one day assured of paradise, who would
any longer trouble to stir himself to virtue or merit?'
    'I take your general argument, sir. But not why you
should speak so in present circumstance.'
    'This, Lacy. Suppose you were he that can read this
most awful decree upon what shall come. Is it not best that you
should accept to be its only victim? Might not a most condign divine
anger at such blasphemous breaking of the seals of time be assuaged
at the price of your silence - nay, your own life?'
    'I cannot answer that. You touch upon matters ... it
is not for us to trespass upon the privilege of our Creator alone.'
    The younger man, his eyes still lost in the fire,
bows his head a little in acquiescence.
    'I but put a case. I mean no blasphemy.'
    Then he falls silent, as if he regrets having opened
the subject at all. It is clear that this does not satisfy the actor,
for now he rises, and in his turn slowly goes to the window, his
hands behind his back. He stands there a moment before the shutters,
then suddenly clasps his hands more firmly, and turns and addresses
the back of the bald head that sits silhouetted between him and the
fire.
    'I must speak frankly, Mr Bartholomew, since we part
tomorrow. One learns in my profession to read men by their
physiognomies. By their looks, their gait, their cast of countenance.
I have ventured to form an opinion of you. It is highly favourable,
sir. Behind the subterfuges we are presently reduced to, I believe
you an honest and honourable gentleman. I trust you know me well
enough by now to permit me to say that I should never have entered
upon this enterprise were I not persuaded that you had justice upon
your side.'
    The younger man does not turn, and there is a tinge
of dryness in his voice.
    'But?'
    'I can forgive you, sir, for hiding some
circumstances in this our present business. I apprehend there is
necessity and good sense in that. To use such necessity to deceive me
as to the very business itself, that I could not forgive. I won't
conceal it, sir. You may speak of fancies, but what am I to make -'
    Suddenly the younger man stands, it seems almost in a
rage, so abrupt is the movement. Yet he merely turns towards the
actor with another of his direct looks.
    'I give you my word, Lacy. You know I am a
disobedient son, you know I have not told you all. If such be sins, I
confess to 'em. You have my word that what I do breaks no law of this
land.' He comes forward and reaches out a hand. 'I would have you
believe that.'
    The actor hesitates, then takes the hand. The younger
man fixes him with his eyes.
    'Upon my honour, Lacy. You have not misjudged me
there. And I pray you to remember this, whatever lies ahead.' He
drops the hand and turns away to the fire again, but looks back at
the actor standing by the chair. 'I have deceived you in much. I beg
you to believe that it is to spare you much, also. No one shall ever
find in you any but an innocent instrument. Should it come to that.'
    The older man's eyes are stern.
    'None the less, something other than what you have
led me to believe is afoot?'
    The younger man looks back down to the fire.
    'I seek a meeting with someone. That much is true.'
    'But not of the kind you have given me to suppose?'
Mr
    Bartholomew is silent. 'An affair of honour?'
    Mr Bartholomew smiles faintly. 'I should not be here
without a friend, if that were the case. Nor ride so many miles to do
what may be done far closer London.'
    The actor opens his mouth to speak, in vain. There is
the sound of a footstep outside the door, then a knock. The younger
man calls. The landlord Puddicombe appears, and addresses the
supposed uncle.
    'Mr Brown, there be a gentleman below.