Mood Indigo by Boris Vian Page A

it’s wrong to keep me with him because he hasn’t got the money to look after me properly, and yet he’s ashamed of not marrying me.’
    â€˜I’m a bastard,’ said Chick.
    â€˜I don’t know what to say to you,’ said Colin.
    He was so happy that this grieved him more than it would have done at any other time.
    â€˜It certainly isn’t the money,’ said Chick. ‘It’s Alyssum’s parents who don’t want me to marry her – and they’llget their way. There’s a story like that in one of Heartre’s books.’
    â€˜It’s a fabulous book,’ said Alyssum. ‘Have you read it, Colin?’
    â€˜Isn’t that just like you!’ said Colin. ‘That’s where the real trouble is. I’m sure all your money still goes on old Heartre.’
    Chick and Alyssum let their noses dangle in shame.
    â€˜Only mine,’ said Chick. ‘Alyssum doesn’t spend anything on Heartre any more. She hardly gives him a thought now that’s she’s living with me.’
    There was a certain element of reproach in his tone.
    â€˜I like you better than Heartre,’ said Alyssum.
    She was nearly in tears.
    â€˜You’re sweet,’ said Chick, ‘and I don’t deserve you. But collecting Heartre is my only vice – and, as an engineer, unfortunately I can’t afford to have more than one.’
    â€˜You’re breaking my heart,’ said Colin. ‘Let’s hope all your worries will sort themselves out. Undo your serviettes.’
    Under Chick’s there was a copy of
Vomition
bound in polecat and skunk, and under Alyssum’s a wide gold ring in the shape of a nausea.
    â€˜Oh! …’ gasped Alyssum.
    She put her arms round Colin’s neck and kissed him.
    â€˜You’re a pal,’ said Chick. ‘I don’t know how I can say thanks. Anyway, you know perfectly well that I can’t possibly thank you in the way I’d like …’
    Colin was beginning to feel slightly better. And Alyssum was really beautiful that evening.
    â€˜What perfume are you wearing?’ he said. ‘Chloe uses one made from essence of double-distilled orchids.’
    â€˜None at all,’ said Alyssum.
    â€˜It’s natural,’ said Chick.
    â€˜It’s terrific! …’ said Colin. ‘It’s like the breeze in a forest – a forest filled with streams and squirrels and strange playful little animals.’
    â€˜Talk to us about Chloe! …’ said Alyssum, flattered.
    Nicholas brought in the hors d’oeuvres.
    â€˜Hallo, Nicholas,’ said Alyssum. ‘How are you?’
    â€˜Fine,’ said Nicholas.
    He put the plate on the table.
    â€˜Aren’t you going to kiss me?’ said Alyssum.
    â€˜Be my guest, Nicholas,’ said Colin. ‘You’d make me very happy if you’d come and have dinner with us …’
    â€˜Oh! Do …’ said Alyssum. ‘Come and eat with us.’
    â€˜Mr Colin plunges me into confusion, sir,’ said Nicholas. ‘I can hardly sit down at Mr Colin’s table in these clothes …’
    â€˜Listen, Nicholas,’ said Colin. ‘Hurry off and change if you must – but I’m giving you orders to come and have dinner with us.’
    â€˜Thank you, Mr Colin, sir,’ said Nicholas. ‘I’ll go and change then.’
    He left the plate on the table and went out. ‘Now,’ said Alyssum, ‘tell us about Chloe …’
    â€˜Help yourselves,’ said Colin. ‘I don’t know what it is, but it’s bound to be good.’
    â€˜Tell us about Chloe! …’ screamed Chick. ‘Our tongues are hanging out!’
    â€˜I’m going to marry Chloe in a month from today,’ said Colin. ‘And, oh, I wish it were going to be tomorrow! …’
    â€˜You’re so lucky!’ said Alyssum.
    Colin felt happy that he was so