The only thing is, but, said Brinsley, it will be some time before I am qualified and get my parchment.

  Never mind, said my uncle, it is always well to be early. First come, first called.

  At this point he assembled his features into an expression of extreme secrecy and responsibility:

  The Order, of course, is always on the look-out for boys of education and character. Tell me this, Mr Brinsley, have you ever ...

  I never thought of that, said Brinsley in surprise.

  Do you think would the religious life appeal to you?

  I'm afraid I never thought much about it.

  Brinsley's tone was of a forced gesture as if he were labouring in the stress of some emotion.

  It is a good healthy life and a special crown at the end of it, said my uncle. Every boy should consider it very carefully before he decides to remain out in the world. He should pry to God for a vocation.

  Not everybody is called, I ventured from the bed.

  Not everybody is called, agreed my uncle, perfectly true. Only a small and select band.

  I want you to make me a promise, Mr Brinsley, he said. Will you promise me that you will think about it?

  I will certainly, said Brinsley.

  My uncle smiled warmly and held out a hand.

  Good, he said. God bless you.

  In a moment he was gone, this time without return. Brinsley, a shadow by the window, performed perfunctorily the movements of a mime, making at the same time a pious ejaculation.

  I hope, said Brinsley, that Trellis is not a replica of the uncle.

  I did not answer but reached a hand to the mantelpiece and took down the twenty-first volume of my Conspectus of the Arts and Natural Sciences. Opening it, I read a passage which I subsequently embodied in my manuscript as being suitable for my purpose. The passage had in fact reference to Doctor Beatty (now with God) but boldly I took it for my own.

END OF THE HYPERTEXT VERSION OF At Swim-Two-Birds

PAGES  1    2    3   4   5   6  7   8    9   10   ANALYSIS