Hubert gave Charles and Irene a nice baby for Christmas. The baby was a boy and its name aul. Charles and Irene who had not had a baby for many years were delighted. They stood around the crib and looked at Paul; they could not get enough of him. He was a handsome child with dark hair, dark eyes. Where did you get him Hubert? Charles and Irene asked. From the bank, Hubert said. It uzzling answer, Charles and Irene puzzled over it. Everyone drank mulled wine. Paul regarded them from the crib. Hubert leased to have been able to please Charles and Irehey drank more wine.
Eric was born.
Hubert and Irene had a destine affair. It was important they felt that Charles not know. To this end they bought a bed which they installed in another house, a house some distance from the house in which Charles, Irene and Paul lived. The new bed was small but fortable enough. Paul regarded Hubert and Irehoughtfully. The affair lasted for twelve years and was sidered very successful.
Hilda.
Charles watched Hilda growing from his window. To begin with, she was just a baby, then a four-year-old, then twelve years passed and she auls age, sixteen. What a pretty young girl! Charles thought to himself. Paul agreed with Charles; he had already bitteips of Hildas pretty breasts with his teeth. Hilda thought she was too old for most boys Pauls age, but not for Paul.
Huberts son Erited Hilda but could not have her.
In the cellar Paul tinued making his bombs, by cellar-light. The bombs were made from tall Schlitz s and a plastic substance which Paul refused to identify. The bombs were sold to other boys Pauls age to throw at their fathers. The bombs were thten them rather than to harm them. Hilda sold the bombs for Paul, hiding them under her black sweater when she went out oreet.
Hilda cut down a black pear tree in the back yard. Why?
Do you know that Hubert and Irene are having an affair? Hilda asked Paul. He nodded.
Then he said: But I dont care.
In Mohey walked in the green snow, leaving marks like maple leaves. Paul and Hilda thought: What is wonderful? It seemed to Paul and Hilda that this was the question. The people of Montreal were kind to them, and they thought about the question in an ambiance of kindness.
Charles of course had been aware of the affair between Hubert and Irene from the beginning. But Hubert gave us Paul, he thought to himself. He wondered why Hilda had cut down the black pear tree.
Eric sat by himself.
Paul put his hands on Hildas shoulders. She closed her eyes. They held each other with their hands and thought about the question. France!
Irene bought Easter presents for everyone. How do I know which part of the beaarie will be lying upon? she asked herself. In Hildas back yard the skeleton of the black pear tree whitened.
Dialogue between Paul and Ann:
-- You say anything that crawls into your head Paul, Ann objected.
-- Go peddle your hyaths, Hyath Girl.
It is a portrait, Hubert said, posed of all the vices of eion in the fullness of their development.
Erib exploded with a great splash near Hubert. Hubert was frightened. What has been decided? he asked Eric. Eric could not answer.
Irene and Charles talked about Paul. I wonder how he is getting along in France? Charles wondered. I wonder if France likes him. Irene wondered again about Rosemarie. Charles wondered if the bomb that Eric had thrown at Hubert had been manu