"A little," she said.
"Oh you're a lovely girl."
I poured another glass of wine.
"I'm a very simple girl," Catherine said.
"I didn't think so at first.
I thought you were a crazy girl."
"I was a little crazy.
But I wasn't crazy in any complicated manner.
I didn't confuse you did I, darling?"
"Wine is a grand thing," I said. "It makes you forget all the bad."
"It's lovely," said Catherine. "But it's given my father gout very badly."
"Have you a father?"
"Yes," said Catherine. "He has gout.
You won't ever have to meet him.
Haven't you a father?"
"No," I said. "A step-father."
"Will I like him?"
"You won't have to meet him."
"We have such a fine time," Catherine said. "I don't take any interest in anything else any more.
I'm so very happy married to you."
The waiter came and took away the things.
After a while we were very still and we could hear the rain.
Down below on the street a motor car honked.
"'But at my back I always hear Time's winged chariot hurrying near,' " I said.
"I know that poem," Catherine said. "It's by Marvell.
But it's about a girl who wouldn't live with a man."
My head felt very clear and cold and I wanted to talk facts.
"Where will you have the baby?"
"I don't know.
The best place I can find."
"How will you arrange it?"
"The best way I can.
Don't worry, darling.
We may have several babies before the war is over."
"It's nearly time to go."
"I know.
You can make it time if you want."
"No."
"Then don't worry, darling.
You were fine until now and now you're worrying."
"I won't.
How often will you write?"
"Every day.
Do they read your letters?"
"They can't read English enough to hurt any."
"I'll make them very confusing," Catherine said.
"But not too confusing."
"I'll just make them a little confusing."
"I'm afraid we have to start to go."
"All right, darling."