VIII. Live! Live the wonderful life that is in you!

[epigrammatical]

[AUDIO, public. The morning after the event ends and Tu Vishan starts moving again.]

I am not alone, I gather, in detecting a change in the air here. It is rather like waking on the very first day of the Season, with all the possibility that lies ahead—or waking the morning after the last day, with the happy knowledge that one need not be at home to anyone that day. We have, I suppose, escaped the fate of Des Esseintes's tortoise.

---

[AUDIO, private to Dorian Gray.]

I have finished Mr Findley's novel, Dorian. A most marvellous book; quite gorgeous and affecting.

But I must ask you, dear boy—is what he writes about Oscar true?

[He's already guessed that it is. This is less a real question than the confirmation of a sense of creeping dread.]

Comments

[video]

[epigrammatical]

He was a man of science who put forth some remarkable and controversial theories about the natural world, and the evolution of animal species. His theories are, I believe, rather in line with your observation on the work of nature.

[OOC: a related thing.]

[video]

[poeticverses]

Oh, science and whatnot is much more in line with Combeferre's interests than mine. I simply observe things. He desires to study them.

[video]

[epigrammatical]

Well then, if one of Mr Darwin's books washes up here, I shall be certain to call it to his attention.

[video]

[poeticverses]

He will no doubt appreciate it. Thank you, Henry.

[video]

[epigrammatical]

Of course. I hope you are well, Jehan.