The Moon and Sixpence - Penn State University

The Moon and Sixpence
he got it. We began to chat about vintages and Mrs. Strickland felt a certain embarrassment
tobacco. The K.C. told us of a case he was en- about him; he was scarcely a credit to a woman
gaged in, and the Colonel talked about polo. I who wanted to make herself a position in the
had nothing to say and so sat silent, trying po- world of art and letters. It was obvious that he
litely to show interest in the conversation; and had no social gifts, but these a man can do with-
because I thought no one was in the least conout; he had no eccentricity even, to take him out
cerned with me, examined Strickland at my ease. of the common run; he was just a good, dull,
He was bigger than I expected: I do not know honest, plain man. One would admire his excel-
why I had imagined him slender and of insignifilent qualities, but avoid his company. He was null.
cant appearance; in point of fact he was broad He was probably a worthy member of society, a
and heavy, with large hands and feet, and he good husband and father, an honest broker; but
wore his evening clothes clumsily. He gave you there was no reason to waste one’s time over
somewhat the idea of a coachman dressed up him.
for the occasion. He was a man of forty, not goodlooking,
and yet not ugly, for his features were
rather good; but they were all a little larger than
life-size, and the effect was ungainly. He was
clean shaven, and his large face looked uncomfortably
naked. His hair was reddish, cut very
short, and his eyes were small, blue or grey. He
looked commonplace. I no longer wondered that
24