The Mighty and Their Fall Read Online Free PDF

be worse for him, if I had not.”
    â€œHe is too sunk in his own life to remember anything,” said Egbert.
    â€œAnd we are to find that comforting? Suppose we followed his example!”
    â€œThis will pursue us to the end. In old age we shall remember being cast from our place.”
    â€œIn our youth we shall suffer it. And it may lead to things we can foresee.”
    â€œI did not dare to ask Father what she was like,” said Egbert.
    â€œI purposely did not ask him. I did not want to show interest in her. And so showed how much I had.”
    â€œI hope I shall never have the feelings of a normal man,” said Hugo. “I am sure he is more normal than anyone else.”
    â€œMay I clear the table now, sir?” said Ainger, at the door, looking past Lavinia, as though to spare her.
    â€œYes, clear it, of course. Other people will be coming in.”
    â€œSo the news has transpired, sir,” said Ainger, as hepursued the task. “Changes come and carry us with them.”
    â€œThat sounds more comfortable than it is.”
    â€œThis one was a surprise, sir? Those who are nearest! They may be too close to see.”
    â€œThat might be fortunate for them, if the closeness retained its virtue. But it loses it at the critical moment. Do you mean you were prepared?”
    â€œWell, the wind blows, sir. And we know what is said.”
    â€œI suppose it is always doing that,” said Lavinia. “I wonder more does not happen.”
    â€œWell, an amount does, miss. Might I perhaps step to the door? The cloth for the crumbs escaped my memory.”
    â€œOh, come in, Cook. So you were not surprised by the news?”
    â€œWell, it was a matter of intuition, miss. And that has never been my weak side.”
    â€œIt seems it was ours, and that of the whole family.”
    â€œWell, what is under our eyes, miss. And in your case experience was wanting.”
    â€œWell, we have it now. And it is held to be an advantage. Though it can seem an odd view.”
    â€œYou put a face on it, miss,” said Cook, with a sympathy blunter than Ainger’s. “It is what is due. Some must not betray themselves.”
    â€œHow do you feel about having a new mistress?” said Egbert.
    â€œIt is a premature enquiry, sir. We have not dwelt on the matter. We have our occupations.”
    â€œSurely this is one of them,” said Lavinia.
    â€œWell, miss, it remains uncertain. We can only wait.”
    â€œBut all things come when we do that. It will do no good.”
    â€œThe master has his rights, miss. It has to be said.”
    â€œIt seemed it did have to. We all said it. I think he did so the most.”
    â€œWe are all held to have them,” said Ainger. “But I have asked myself what they are in my case.”
    â€œThen you can answer yourself, Ainger,” said Cook. “You do not happen to be the subject.”
    â€œDo you think about yours, Cook?” said Hugo. “It is a thing I have not had to do, as I am without them.”
    â€œIt is not a point to dwell on, sir. I have my place.”
    â€œAnd I have mine,” said Ainger. “And it seems I shall always have it.”
    â€œIf you fill it, Ainger, and with your might,” said Cook. “The question has another side.”
    â€œWell, fate can strike any of our party at any time,” said Ainger, whose speech gained freedom in the absence of Selina and Ninian.
    â€œAnd whom do you include in the term? You are not coupled with those otherwise placed.”
    â€œDestiny is over all of us, high or low.”
    â€œAnd is it for one of the last to express the matter?”
    â€œThe candlesticks tarnish, miss,” said Ainger, polishing one as a pretext for lingering. “And things will have to be in shape. You have not seen the lady, I suppose?”
    â€œDid you not use your ears at luncheon?” said Egbert.
    â€œWell, his place was there,