Голод

           Lord!howdeliciousitwastorest!Idriedthesweatoffmyface,anddrewgreatrefreshingbreaths.HowhadInotrun!ButIwasnotsorry;Ihadrichlydeservedit.WhydidIwanttoaskforthatshilling?NowIcouldseetheconsequences,andIbegantotalkmildlytomyself,dealingoutadmonitionsasamothermighthavedone.Igrewmoreandmoremoved,andtiredandweakasIwas,Ifella-crying.Aquiet,heart-feltcry;aninnersobbingwithoutatear.

           Isatforthespaceofaquarterofanhour,ormore,inthesameplace.Peoplecameandwent,andnoonemolestedme.Littlechildrenplayedaboutaroundme,andalittlebirdsangonatreeontheothersideofthestreet.

           Apolicemancametowardsme."Whydoyousithere?"saidhe.

           "WhydoIsithere?"Ireplied;"forpleasure."

           "Ihavebeenwatchingyouforthelasthalf-hour.You’vesatherenowhalf-an-hour."

           "Aboutthat,"Ireplied;"anythingmore?"

           Igotupinatemperandwalkedon.Arrivedatthemarket-place,Istoppedandgazeddownthestreet.Forpleasure.Now,wasthatananswertogive?Forweariness,youshouldhavereplied,andmadeyourvoicewhining.Youareabooby;youwillneverlearntodissemble.Fromexhaustion,andyoushouldhavegaspedlikeahorse.

           WhenIgottothefirelook-out,Ihaltedafresh,seizedbyanewidea.