Midnight Mass by Paul Bowles

Author:Paul Bowles
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 0.86001.630.7
Published: 2016-06-21T16:00:00+00:00

XVIII

ONE MORNING F. T. himself drove Malika to his office. Out of respect for him she had dressed with great care in a severe gray silk suit from Balenciaga. Her entrance into the office with F.T. caused a stir of interest. When she sat facing him across his desk in a small inner room, he pulled a sheaf of papers from a drawer. As he leafed through them he began to talk.

Betty tells me you’re worried about money.

Seeing Malika nod, he went on. I take it you haven’t any at all. Is that right?

She felt in her handbag and pulled out a crumpled twenty dollar bill that Tex had given her one day when they were shopping.

Only this, she said, showing him.

F.T. cleared his throat.

Well, I want you to stop worrying. As soon as we get everything cleared up you’ll have a regular income. In the meantime I’ve opened a checking account for you at the bank downstairs in this building.

He saw anxiety flitting across her face, and added hastily: It’s your money. You’re his sole beneficiary. After taxes and all the rest, you’ll still have a substantial capital. And if you’re wise, you’ll leave it all just where it is, in certificates of deposit and treasury notes. So stop worrying.

Yes, she said, understanding nothing.

I never let Tex play with stocks, F.T. went on. He had no head for business.

She was shocked to hear F.T. denigrate poor Tex in this way, but she said: I see.

When we get everything straight and running smoothly, you ought to have around fifty thousand a month. Possibly a little more.

Malika stared at F.T. Is that enough? she asked cautiously.

He shot a quick glance at her over his spectacles. I think you’ll find it’s enough.

I hope so, she said with fervor. You see, I don’t understand money. I never bought anything myself. How much does a thing cost? I don’t know. Only in my own country.

Of course. F.T. pushed a checkbook along the top of the desk toward her. You understand, this is a temporary account for you to draw on now, until all the legal work is finished. I hope you won’t overdraw. But I’m sure you won’t.

He smiled encouragingly at her. Remember, he went on. There are only twenty-five thousand dollars there. So be a good girl and keep track of your checks.

But I can’t do what you tell me! she exclaimed. Please do it for me.

F.T. sighed. Can you write your name? he asked very quietly.

Tex showed me in Lausanne, but I’ve forgotten.

In spite of himself, F.T. raised his arms. But my dear lady, how do you expect to live? You can’t go on this way.

No, she said miserably.

F. T. pushed back his chair and stood up. Well, he said jovially, what you don’t know you can always learn. Why don’t you come up here every morning and study with Miss Galper? She’s as smart as a whip. She’ll teach you everything you need to know. That’s my suggestion for you.

He was not prepared for her vehement response.

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