16/29 His conversation and agreement with Carrie had raised his spirits until he was in the frame of mind of one who sings joyously. He was proud of himself, proud of his success, proud of Carrie. He could have been genial to all the world, and he bore no grudge against his wife. He meant to be pleasant, to forget her presence, to live in the atmosphere of youth and pleasure which had been restored to him. In the hall he found an evening paper, laid there by the maid and forgotten by Mrs.Hurstwood.In the dining-room the table was clean laid with linen and napery and shiny with glasses and decorated china. |