The Black Swan

“What do you mean? I only want my rights.”

“Your rights? What is the good of those without affection, without love... ?”

“She was supposed to love me once.”

“She was a child.”

“She’s a selfish little she-devil.”

“Maybe, but she will not love you again. She would always hanker for a life she missed.

You’d be better off without her. You’ll probably find someone... out there ... someone you’ll love. You could have a wonderful family. In fact, I think that is what you will do.”

“Why should you think that?”

“Because you are a sensible, reasonable man... a good man at heart.” He burst out laughing. “You certainly know how to get round a chap. Do you know, I’m getting to like you, Lucie.”

“I’m glad, because I’m getting to like you, too.”

“I reckon you’re a good friend to her.”

“I know her well.”

“Then I’m surprised you’re doing all this for her.”

“There, you see! You’re better off without her.”

“No doubt of that.”

“Well, where’s the sense in coming here like this and trying to take her back with you?”

“Well, she’s Belinda, ain’t she? I don’t know what it is about her. She’s as selfish as they come. She’s no good to a chap like me. Yet I want her back. I do, really.”

“You could forget her.”

“I dunno about that.”

“You would, I’m sure. Suppose there was that nice person... loving, tender. Suppose you married and had a family ... you’d look back on this and tell yourself what a lucky escape you had had, Mr. Farrell.”

“Henry’s more friendly.”

“Well, Henry, consider this. I ask you very sincerely to think about it. There’s the child.”

“Yes,” he said pensively. “There’s the child.”

“Give her a chance. I really think she could be happy. I think she could make a fresh start. I expect she’s told you about her childhood.”

“A few things.”

“It was a strange thing to happen to a child. And she really wasn’t very happy with the man she thought was her father. He seemed to be against her from the first. That was not good for a child and it affected her. Here is a chance for her. Henry, do give it to her.”

He said nothing for a long time.

Then he remarked, “She’s treated me pretty bad. I don’t see why I should go out of my way to please her.”

“You could do it because you’d be happier that way.”

“Without her, you mean?”

I nodded.

“I suppose you’re right.”

“You could have your revenge, of course. But there’s never much to that. If you would let her go... Will you... will you think about it?”

He stretched out his hand suddenly and took mine. “Yes, Lucie,” he said. “To please you, I’ll think about it.”

“Oh, I’m so pleased you agree to that. I’m sure you’ll see it the right way. May I come and see you again when you have made up your mind?” He nodded.

“When... tomorrow?”

“You’re not giving me much time, are you?”

“I should love to know this was settled before I went back to the country.”

“I can’t promise. Just because you’ve been talking to me so easy and friendly ... well, that don’t mean that I ...”

“I know you will agree with me when you think about it.”

“Is there a saying... seem to remember my old Mum talking about... kissing the Blarney Stone?”

“Yes, there is.”

“Does it mean handing out the old flattery?”

“Yes, I suppose so.”

“I reckon you’ve given a good many kisses to that old stone.”

“No. It’s just that I’ve brought you face-to-face with the logical truth.”

He laughed at me. “How are you getting back, Lucie?” he asked.

“I’ll call a cab.”

“I’ll come and get you one.”

And that was what he did.

I rode back in a state of euphoria. I was certain we were going to win.

I went straight to Celeste’s house where Belinda was impatiently waiting for me.

She hurried me up to her bedroom.

“Well?”

“I think he might.”

“Might what?”

“Agree to the annulment ... to be carried out quietly.”

“Really! Oh, Lucie, you’re wonderful. I knew you’d do it. It’s that solemn air of yours... like a nanny or a school mistress.”

“He said I was like a lawyer.”

“Yes, that’s it. What did he say?”

“He said you’d treated him badly, which you have, of course.”

She put out the tip of her tongue-that old habit I remembered so well from her childhood.

“Yes, yes,” she said impatiently.

“I told him about the child.” I looked at her suspiciously. “There is a child, isn’t there?”

“Oh, I’m sure of it. It’s true. You don’t think I would have said so if it wasn’t, do you?”

“Yes,” I answered. “I do.”

“Well, what else?”

“I pointed out to him that if you went back to him, it wouldn’t be much of a life for him... and he agreed.”

“Oh, Lucie, you really are wonderful.”

“I’ve not finished yet. He’s only agreed to think about it.”

“Oh, but he’ll do it. He will. He must. What did you think of him?”

“A bit... rough... but good underneath. A nice man. I thought he didn’t deserve you.”

“No. He didn’t really. Poor old Henry. Do you really think... ?”

“All I can say is he promised to think about it.”

“For how long?”

“I don’t know. But I shall be seeing him tomorrow.”

“Oh good... good! And to think you might have been burned to death!”

“What a calamity-for then I shouldn’t have been able to arrange your affairs!”

“I didn’t mean it that way!”