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Back The Memorial
Chapters (26)
  1. Cover
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright Notice
  4. Dedication
  5. Book One
  6. Chapter I
  7. Chapter II
  8. Chapter III
  9. Chapter IV
  10. Chapter V
  11. Book Two
  12. Chapter I
  13. Chapter II
  14. Chapter III
  15. Chapter IV
  16. Book Three
  17. Chapter I
  18. Chapter II
  19. Chapter III
  20. Book Four
  21. Chapter I
  22. Chapter II
  23. Chapter III
  24. Chapter IV
  25. Chapter V
  26. Also by Christopher Isherwood

“Very well,” said Mary, smiling; “since you’re all so kind. But this is really and truly the very, very last performance on any stage.”

“Liar!” Maurice shouted.

Chapter V

V

EDWARD sat at the table by the window of his room, overlooking the trees and the black canal and the trams clanging round the great cold fountain in the Lützowplatz. It was quite dark already. The reading-lamp lit up the gleaming white tiles of the stove, on top of which was perched a metal angel holding a wreath. Edward lit a cigarette and opened the two letters which had arrived by the afternoon post.

He read Margaret’s first:

“I could think of no ‘subtle’ reason, so finally ended by telling Mary all, without disguise. It worked much better than I expected. In fact, I don’t think she was at all seriously aggrieved. I remarked: You know what Edward is, and she agreed that we all knew what you were. You may be thankful, my dear, that we don’t.

“Well, the Festival seems to be upon us and this shall be my Christmas letter. I am feeling Christmassy this evening, in spite of a wretched drizzle. And so let me wish you (and myself too) the very best of the Season, and may we both enjoy ourselves according to our own tastes and in our own ways.

“My dear, I feel as though I were very near to you to-night. And I’m curiously happy. (The truth is, I was at a cocktail tea at Bill’s studio. But let that pass.) Somehow, I feel awfully secure. About us two, I mean. All our little escapades and adventures suddenly seem so completely trivial beside the fact that we’ve got each other. Yes, Edward, whatever happens, that stands firm. And it’s all that matters. And now I am quite certain that as we get older this will grow stronger and stronger between us and the other thing become less and less important. When I look back over the last year, I see how this has been happening. And, believe me, it will go on happening.

“A merry Xmas, with my dear love, and goodnight, my dear.”

Edward picked up the other letter:

“DEAR EDWARD,

“This is to thank you for your most handsome subscription to the Club. I wish you could be here in person to help us with our Christmas Party. I think it will be a success.