Місіс Деллоуей

           John’sWood(theywerealwaysofcattle,standinginsunsetpoolsabsorbingmoisture,orsignifying,forhehadacertainrangeofgesture,bytheraisingofoneforelegandthetossoftheantlers,“theApproachoftheStranger”—allhisactivities,diningout,racing,werefoundedoncattlestandingabsorbingmoistureinsunsetpools).

           “Whatareyoulaughingat?”sheaskedhim.ForWillieTitcombandSirHarryandHerbertAinstywerealllaughing.Butno.SirHarrycouldnottellClarissaDalloway(muchthoughhelikedher;ofhertypehethoughtherperfect,andthreatenedtopainther)hisstoriesofthemusichallstage.Hechaffedheraboutherparty.Hemissedhisbrandy.Thesecircles,hesaid,wereabovehim.Buthelikedher;respectedher,inspiteofherdamnable,difficultupper-classrefinement,whichmadeitimpossibletoaskClarissaDallowaytositonhisknee.Andupcamethatwanderingwill-o’-the-wisp,thatvagulousphosphorescence,oldMrs.Hilbery,stretchingherhandstotheblazeofhislaughter(abouttheDukeandtheLady),which,asshehearditacrosstheroom,seemedtoreassureheronapointwhichsometimesbotheredherifshewokeearlyinthemorninganddidnotliketocallhermaidforacupoftea;howitiscertainwemustdie.

           “Theywon’ttellustheirstories,”saidClarissa.

           “DearClarissa!”exclaimedMrs.Hilbery.Shelookedto-night,shesaid,solikehermotherasshefirstsawherwalkinginagardeninagreyhat.