Our true-love should be treated as we treat the Elements, as we treat the Inanimate; that is to say, we should turn upon the tragic mystery of his -of her- identity that calm, deliberate, ecstatic contemplation that outlasts all passion.
(A Philosophy of Solitude)
THE "WEEPING WOMAN"
The perturbed man now crossed the road and leaving the old King's statue behind him plunged into the town. He strode so fast along the outside edge of the pavement of St Mary's Street, passing the Parish church and the Guildhall, and, to make quicker progress, stepping frequently into the road to avoid the crowd, that he had scarce time to beat down the image of Perdita before he came among the dark warehouses and narrow alleys and reached the Tap Entrance of the Weeping Woman.
He was warmly welcomed by Miss Guppy, the barmaid, who paused in her service of other clients to mix his gin and bitters; and he was soon ensconced in his favourite seat at the end of the counter...
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