The Coachman Rat

by David Henry Wilson


I danced with a serving-girl. We had our arms round each other and were laughing for no reason other than enjoyment. She had none of the sweet gentleness of Amadea, and none of the loving peace of the woman of light who had transformed me into a human coachman, but I had an affinity with her. How can I describe it? As if we were from the same world. The music stopped briefly, and she raised her face up close to mine. Our lips met, and I closed my eyes to feel her the more intensely. Such softness, roundness, ripeness. Like this, one could float into another being. The music started again, and we danced again. 'Go easy, Robert!' called big Jack. 'Take the girls' feet and take their lips, but leave them their hearts!' There was more laughter, and I laughed too and held the girl even closer. I had found the world I wanted. And then the bell struck midnight...


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