Chapter 14. Book I: The Dream. A Memoir of the Future

‘Well, who asked you to come to Munden in the first place anyhow?’ said Roland. ‘You know damned well why I came. I wanted to be near, near someone I loved, but who did not love me. And she loved you, who did not and never have loved her and yet married her, you swine.’ ‘Blast! That ruddy bullet has spattered glass all over and into me by the look of it.’ Roland wiped his hand over his face. ‘Blood everywhere’, he muttered and then continued aloud, ‘You mean the bloody bitch Alice? You have to be married to her if you want real romance. It's fine for you – wandering around with your tongue hanging out, nursing your marvellous “heart ever faithful” act. I'm married to her. I know – you don't – what it's like to get a good fuck once in a blue moon and spend the rest of the time trying to think up a reply to “darling!” when you are worried to death about some firm trying to dun you for a harvester you have had to buy!’ ‘It's become very quiet. I held out my hand to see if it's still raining and – no bullets, no sniping, nothing! Do you think the war's over?’ Roland stood up. Robin tried to pull him down. ‘Don't be a bloody fool! You'll get killed – I only had my hand out. I didn't suggest you stood up. Get down you fool! You have all the luck. I get shot at; I get killed; only I don't die. You stand up, you aren't hurt – you collect all the praise for being so erect, so honourable, are called love, a mischievous sprite! Such a charming rogue. Even I smile at your antics sometimes.’ ‘Do you by Job! I've never noticed it. Unless. … Yes, of course! That ghastly expression! Grinning like a Cheshire cat. It must be your smile! Excuse me! I never knew. Of course! Of course – it's Alice's very own pussy. It must have been smiling. And I thought you were showing your teeth. Allow me to introduce – the right honourable; this is my dear old friend. Excuse me – can you tell me how we got here?’