I
It was very curious to feel that he had lived with himself, in a
condition of rather close intimacy, all these years without realizing
that he was capable of supreme emotions. Jerome didn’t feel entirely at
home with himself any more. No, to tell the truth he felt on terms of
slight formality.
There was, of course, no mirror in the supply closet, and, since he
had never before faced the obligation of dressing without the aid of
a mirror, Jerome spent an anxious thought on the possibility of being
unable to negotiate his cravat. The absence of his own familiar looking
glass reminded him, over again, of the vertiginous fact that he had said
good-bye, though so informally, to all that had gone to compose his
erstwhile existence. Could he manage to reorganize his entire life in
an instant? And how could he spend his days if not behind the counters
of Oaks, Ferguson & Whitley’s? But then the more back-patting problem
presented itself: How could they ever manage without him? Yes, this bore
earmarks of a supreme emotion.
Carefully attaching the clip to the ends of his tie, he snipped its
pincher against the edge of his bargain counter shirt. It signified that
he was now ready for whatever the day might hold.
* * * * *
Gradually the members of Mr. Curry’s little troupe came straggling
up into the welcome sunshine, wearing an aspect of determined
cheerfulness—which was, indeed, beginning to grow a bit seaworthy.
“Everybody happy, no bones broken,” the comedian estimated in his
twinkling way, as he went about slapping people on the back irrespective
of sex. Curiously enough—even somewhat bafflingly—this was a comedian a
great deal funnier off the stage than on.
“Ah, there, Mr. Stewart!” He approached and shook hands with tremendous
respect.
And Jerome amazed everybody by turning, even as he acknowledged the sober
salutation, and winking broadly at the singers who stood looking on with
an edge of amusement. The wink seemed to warn them they would have to be
guarded from now on if they were to have fun at his expense.
Jerome was making progress.