Портрет художника в юності
Chapter 2
Butwhenautumncamethecowsweredrivenhomefromthegrass:andthefirstsightofthefilthycowyardatStradbrookwithitsfoulgreenpuddlesandclotsofliquiddungandsteamingbrantroughs,sickenedStephen’sheart.Thecattlewhichhadseemedsobeautifulinthecountryonsunnydaysrevoltedhimandhecouldnotevenlookatthemilktheyyielded.
ThecomingofSeptemberdidnottroublehimthisyearforhewasnottobesentbacktoClongowes.ThepracticeintheparkcametoanendwhenMikeFlynnwentintohospital.Aubreywasatschoolandhadonlyanhourortwofreeintheevening.Thegangfellasunderandtherewerenomorenightlyforaysorbattlesontherocks.Stephensometimeswentroundwiththecarwhichdeliveredtheeveningmilkandthesechillydrivesblewawayhismemoryofthefilthofthecowyardandhefeltnorepugnanceatseeingthecowhairsandhayseedsonthemilkman’scoat.Wheneverthecardrewupbeforeahousehewaitedtocatchaglimpseofawellscrubbedkitchenorofasoftlylightedhallandtoseehowtheservantwouldholdthejugandhowshewouldclosethedoor.Hethoughtitshouldbeapleasantlifeenough,drivingalongtheroadseveryeveningtodelivermilk,ifhehadwarmglovesandafatbagofgingernutsinhispockettoeatfrom.
