Necessary Doubt (Valancourt 20th Century Classics) by Colin Wilson

Author:Colin Wilson [Wilson, Colin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Valancourt Books
Published: 2014-07-26T00:00:00+00:00

‘Are you trying to suggest. . . .’

‘I am suggesting nothing. No doubt you will develop a sincere platonic friendship. She will adore you. She will make sure that you are the guest of honour at all her dinner parties. She will read all your books and recommend them to her friends. But do you suppose she will understand a word you write?’

Zweig knew he should be angry, but it was impossible; he wanted to believe everything Neumann said. He shrugged.

‘Very well. Supposing that is true. What has that to do with my ideas? I am an old man . . . and sometimes I feel as if I have not even started to work. Everything I have written seems a mere preparation for the real work. If Mrs Gardner is willing to offer me friendship, why should I reject it?’

‘And her husband?’

‘What are you talking about?’ This time he allowed his irritation to appear.

‘Her husband is Joseph Atholl Gardner, is he not? The author of The True Story of Atlantis and various other curious works.’

‘I have no idea. I have not read them.’

‘He is very popular in Germany. As you know, the Germans love strange ideas . . . Perhaps the two of you could write a book in collaboration. It would be a great success.’

Zweig said: ‘If I wanted to, I would not ask your opinion.’

‘I am sure.’ Neumann began to stand up. Zweig said:

‘Have you nothing else to say to me?’

‘Nothing that would not increase your annoyance, Professor. But I will tell you one thing.’ He paused, looking down at Zweig. ‘Gerhardt Seyfert was suffering from a cancer of the stomach when he committed suicide.’ He picked up his bill and slipped it into his pocket. ‘I will now wish you good afternoon.’ He bowed slightly, and walked away. Zweig stared after him, tempted to catch him up and ask another question. He was deterred by the curious stare of the waiter. When he saw Neumann walk into the revolving door of the hotel, he stood up and went out.

He knocked on Natasha Gardner’s door. When there was no reply, he walked in. She was sitting by the window, looking into the street. When she turned, he saw that she no longer wore any make-up. The corners of her eyes looked red.

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