TO THE LIGHTHOUSE

space, thinking what an old maid William was
becoming. Conscious of his treachery, conscious
of her wish to talk about something more intimate,
yet out of mood for it at present, he felt come
over him the disagreeableness of life, sitting there,
waiting. Perhaps the others were saying some-
thing interesting? What were they saying?

That the fishing season was bad; that the men
were emigrating. They were talking about wages
and unemployment. The young man was abusing
the government. William Bankes, thinking what
a relief it was to catch on to something of this
sort when private life was disagreeable, heard him
say something about " one of the most scandalous
acts of the present government." Lily was listen-
ing; Mrs. Ramsay was listening; they were all
listening. But already bored, Lily felt that some-
thing was lacking; Mr. Bankes felt that some-
thing was lacking. Pulling her shawl round her,
Mrs. Ramsay felt that something was lacking.
All of them bending themselves to listen thought,
, " Pray heaven that the inside of my mind may not
,be exposed," for each thought, "The others are
feeling this. They are outraged and indignant
with the government about the fishermen.
Whereas, I feel nothing at all." But perhaps,
thought Mr. Bankes, as he looked at Mr. Tansley,
here is the man. One was always waiting for
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