The Second Coming

but which I won’t use. I’m not sure what I’ll do with it—figure out what Marion would want—something. Therefore, I shall be working. You own valuable property. I propose that for the present we rent or buy a garden home. They are somewhat like motels but not unpleasantly so. You need to get out of that greenhouse and eat better. Garden homes are convenient and have pleasant views. We shall need a place to live until we build a house. I’ll look up the Associate at Emerald Isles and give him a job making home loans. He’ll be sick of isometrics and TV.”
    â€œWhat’s wrong with staying here?”
    â€œNothing. But we might need more than one room eventually.”
    â€œThat’s true. Let’s come back here every weekend.”
    â€œOkay. Now you might wish to finish your greenhouse and develop your property here or on the island—perhaps build log cabins on ten- or twelve-acre plots. I have two friends, one a contractor, the other a cabin notcher, who though old and maimed can still do excellent work, I think. It would be a pleasant business.”
    â€œYes. I think I want to finish my greenhouse and perhaps build others against the same ridge and make use of the same warm cave air.”
    â€œA good idea. It could be an excellent business.”
    â€œIf I could find enough men to work for me, any men who are willing, old men. But that’s impossible.”
    â€œNo, I know some good men. Old men but good.”
    â€œDo you know what a head of lettuce costs at the A & P?” she asked him.
    â€œNo.”
    â€œA dollar and fifty cents.”
    â€œIs that a lot?”
    She looked at him. “Yes, and three small tomatoes cost a dollar. I could make money.”
    â€œYes. I also have another friend who is an excellent gardener but has nothing to do but water pine trees.”
    â€œHire him. I have a friend at Valleyhead I would like to get out. She would be glad to work for someone who can tell her what to do. She needs that. Moreover, she’s a good bookkeeper.”
    â€œCan you tell her what to do?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œOkay. As for myself, I think I’ll resume the practice of law in a small way if my health will permit it. I have an incurable mental condition but it can be controlled as long as my pH is okay.”
    â€œHow is your pH now?”
    â€œFine.”
    Actually, his pH was up again. Fewer hydrogen ions were zipping around the heavy alkaline molecules sweet with memory and desire. Perhaps a slight case of Hausmann’s Syndrome was better than none at all.
    â€œI am sure of it. There is nothing serious wrong with you.” Frowning, she leaned over and took hold of his flank in her rough holster’s hand. It was odd how she was like and unlike Kitty. “Our cases are similar. Nowadays many psychosomatic conditions can be cured. I was reading in the National Observer at the A & P about the supremacy of mental attitude over physical conditions.”
    â€œYes. Whatever it is, I think it is under control. I can feel it going away.”
    He did feel good. The twisting in his head now felt like a scar contracting. Did he imagine it, or wasn’t his brain lesion shriveling like a crab in acid? There was a feint smell of smoke high in his nostrils and the sinuses in front of his brain.
    â€œAnother thing,” he said. “What do you think of our having a child and enrolling him or her in the Linwood elementary school?”
    â€œI think well of that.”
    â€œI could drive him to school every morning and he could ride the school bus home.”
    â€œOr she, as the case may be. I thought you wanted two.”
    â€œOh yes. I had forgotten. Could it be that now you’re doing the remembering?”
    â€œCould be.”
    â€œNow let’s go to town and do some shopping. You need some clothes. I have to go to St. Mark’s.”
    â€œTo get your stuff?”
    â€œYes. Then we’ll find a villa or condo or a garden home. And I need to talk to someone.”
    â€œAll right. I’m going back to the greenhouse.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œI have to get my dog.”
    â€œVery well. I think it’s safe. I don’t think they will be looking for you now. We’ve been here for two days, haven’t we?”
    â€œOr one long night. Or both. I’m not sure.”
    â€œVery well. But don’t stay long.”
    â€œAll right.”
    She wet