第26章

ce,toMr.Lorry,asthey beganascendingthestairs. “Ishealone?”thelatterwhispered. “Alone!Godhelphim,whoshouldbewithhim!”saidtheother, inthesamelowvoice. “Ishealwaysalone,then?” “Yes.” “Ofhisowndesire?” “Ofhisownnecessity.Ashewas,whenIfirstsawhimafter theyfoundmeanddemandedtoknowifIwouldtakehim,and,at myperilbediscreetashewasthen,soheisnow.” “Heisgreatlychanged?” “Changed!” Thekeeperofthewine-shopstoppedtostrikethewallwithhis hand,andmutteratremendouscurse.Nodirectanswercould havebeenhalfsoforcible.Mr.Lorry’sspiritsgrewheavierand heavier,asheandhistwocompanionsascendedhigherand higher. Suchastaircase,withitsaccessories,intheolderandmore crowdedpartsofParis,wouldbebadenoughnowbut,atthat time,itwasvileindeedtounaccustomedandunharden