—Of whom are you speaking? Stephen asked at length.
Cranly did not answer.
* * * * *
March 20. Long talk with Cranly on the subject of my revolt.
He had his grand manner on. I supple and suave.Attacked me on the score of love for one's mother.Tried to imagine his mother: cannot. Told me once, in a moment of thoughtlessness, his father was sixtyone when he was born. Can see him. Strong farmer type.Pepper and salt suit. Square feet. Unkempt, grizzled beard. Probably attends coursing matches. Pays his dues regularly but not plentifully to Father Dwyer of Larras. Sometimes talks to girls after nightfall. But his mother? Very young or very old? Hardly the first. If so, Cranly would not have spoken as he did. Old then.Probably, and neglected. Hence Cranly's despair of soul: the child of exhausted loins.