when one’s neighbour has a mysterious and clearly painful limp, one ought to have enquired if managing a heavy door would suit. Unless that would wound his pride. Even at the risk of greater injury to his leg. There seemed no way of bringing the matter forward without calling into question his capabilities. Which might result in him calling me out. I would accept, and ask Agnes to be my second. Mr. Pierce and I would duel in the street. I would die. Someone would write a verse commemorating the event.
