"Do you know how Cato the Elder used to end his speeches in the Roman Senate? He'd say, 'Delenda est cartaga' 'Carthage must be destroyed.' His wish finally came true. The Circus Maximus was as large as five football fields." He had noted the interest in the boy's eyes. The people had their games, and baths, and chariot racing. Long before Christ was born, it was a great city, the Paris of ancient Africa. "Carthage- that's where I'd like to go on a dig. Thousands of years ago there were people just like you and me dreaming dreams, spinning tales, living out their lives, giving birth to our ancestors." His eyes had taken on a faraway look. "You can read the whole future of mankind in the past," the professor would say. He and Jeff had had long talks, and the professor had imbued Jeff with an enthusiasm for archaeology. One of the carnies had been a professor of archaeology until he was thrown out of college for stealing and selling valuable relics. I'm giving a dinner party tomorrow night. But outside of sex, you have absolutely nothing in common, darling."Ī year later the professor had died of alcoholism, but Jeff had promised himself that one day he would go on a dig. My God, you might as well be marrying a stable hand. "For Christ's sake, Louise, he's a nothing. "I don't believe it's any of your business, Miss Hollander, but the answer is no. "Then if you want to get your money's worth, you'd better let me get on with my work." Jeff moved on to the next stanchion. His school had been Uncle Willie and the carnival. They had come from monied families and had attended the best schools. But Jeff admitted to himself that he was envious of them- their backgrounds, their educations, and their easy manners. In their quarters at night, the crew members disparaged the passengers and made jokes about them.
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