Terribly ill, he looked, I thought.
So strained and worn.
It gave me quite a pang.
I dont know what there was about Mr Carey it wasnt what he said because he hardly said anything and that of the most ordinary nature, and it wasnt what he did, for that didnt amount to much either and yet you just couldnt help noticing him, and everything about him seemed to matter more than it would have about anyone else.
He just counted, if you know what I mean.
He turned his head and saw me.
He removed his pipe from his mouth and said: Well, nurse, back from Hassanieh?
Yes, Mr Carey.
Youre up working late.
Everybody else seems to have gone to bed.
I thought I might as well get on with things, he said.
I was a bit behind-hand.
And I shall be out on the dig all tomorrow.
Were starting digging again.
Already?
I asked, shocked.
He looked at me rather queerly.
Its the best thing, I think.
I put it up to Leidner.
Hell be in Hassanieh most of tomorrow seeing to things.
But the rest of us will carry on here.
You know its not too easy all sitting round and looking at each other as things are.
He was right there, of course.
Especially in the nervy, jumpy state everyone was in.
Well, of course youre right in a way, I said.
It takes ones mind off if ones got something to do.
The funeral, I knew, was to be the day after tomorrow.
He had bent over his plan again.
I dont know why, but my heart just ached for him.
I felt certain that he wasnt going to get any sleep.
If youd like a sleeping draught, Mr Carey? I said hesitatingly.
He shook his head with a smile.
Ill carry on, nurse.
Bad habit, sleeping draughts.
Well, good night, Mr Carey, I said.
If theres anything I can do
Dont think so, thank you, nurse.
Good night.
Im terribly sorry, I said, rather too impulsively I suppose.
Sorry?
He looked surprised.
For for everybody.
Its all so dreadful. But especially for you.
For me?
Why for me?
Well, youre such an old friend of them both.
Im an old friend of Leidners.
I wasnt a friend of hers particularly.
He spoke as though he had actually disliked her.
Really, I wished Miss Reilly could have heard him!