I can see her pincenez illadjusted on her nose. I can hear her highpitched complaining voice bargaining with me over the cost of inoculating her lawn. The ugly stuff of her tasteless dress is before my eyes. It is so real to me I swear I can see the poor, irregular lines of the weaving.
_Still later_: I have sat here in a dull lethargy, undoubtedly induced by my overwrought state, quite understandable in the light of what is to happen in a few hours, my eyes on the seams of the deck, reviewing all the things I have written in my book, preparing myself, a way, for the glorious and triumphant finish. But I am beset by delusions. A moment ago it was the figure of Mrs d.i.n.kman and now--
And now, by all the horror that has overcome mankind, it is a waving, creeping, insatiable runner of the Gra.s.s.
_Again_: I have made no attempt to pinch off the green stolon. It must be three inches long by now and the slim end is waving in the wind, seeking for a suitable spot to a.s.sure its hold doubly. I touched it with my hand, but I could not bring myself to harm it.
I managed to drag my eyes away from the plant and go below to see Miss Francis. I stood outside the cabin for a long time, listening to the noise and laughter, coupled with a note of triumph I had never heard before and which I"m sure indicates indubitable success. There can be no question of that.
There can be no question of that.
The stolon has pressed itself into another seam.
The blades are very green. They have opened themselves to the sun and are sucking strength for the new shoots. I have put my ma.n.u.script into the casket which floats, leaving it open for this diary if it should be necessary. But of course such a contingency is absurd.
Absolutely absurd.
The Gra.s.s has found another seam in the deck.