Page 58 - The Great Gatsby

48 The Great Gatsby The truth about Gatsby 49

He told me ali chis much later, but I've put it down here, now, and he wanted to see more of Tom. 'Why don't you - why
with the idea of exploding those first wild stories about his <lon't you stay f o r supper?'
pase, which wcren't even partly true. 'You come to supper with me,' said the lady enthusiasticall y.
For severa! weeks after I had invited Daisy to tea, I didn't 'Both of you.' This included me. Mr Sloane got to his feet.
Mostly I was in New York, going out with Jordan 'Come along,' he said, but to her only.
sec Gatsb y.
and trying to endear myself to her ancient aunt. Finally l went Gatsby looked at me questioningly. He wanted to go bue he
over to his house one Sunday afternoon. I hadn't been there didn't see that Mr Sloane was determined he shouldn't.
two minutes when somebody brought Tom Buchanan in for a 'I'm afraid I won't be able to,' I said.
drink. T h ere were three of them - Tom, a man named Sloane, 'l'll follow you in my car,' said Gatsb y. 'I'll get my coat.'
and a pretty woman who had been there before. The rest of us walked out on che porch, where Sloane and
'l'm delighted to see you,' said Gatsb y. 'Sit right down. Have the lady began an angry conversation.
a cigarette.' He walked round che room quickly, ringing bells. 'My God, l bclieve the man's coming,' Tom said to me.
'1'11 have something to drink fo r you in just a minute.' 'Doesn't he realize she doesn't want him? She's arranged a big
He was uneasy because Tom was there. But he also felt dinner party and he won't know anyone there.' He frowned. 'I
uncomf o rtable until he had given them something, realizing wonder where he met Daisy. By God, my ideas may be a lirrle
that that was ali they carne for . There was a little polite out of date, but I think women run around too much these
conversation; then Gatsby, unable to stop himself, spoke days. They meet ali kinds of crazy fish.'
suddenly to Tom. Suddenly Mr Sloane and the lady walked down che steps.
'I believe we've met somewhere before, Mr Buchanan.' 'Come on,' said Mr Sloane over his shoulder to Tom, 'we'rc
'Oh, yes,' said Tom, obviously not remembering. 'So we did. late.' And then to me, 'Tell hirn we couldn't wait, will you?'
I remember very well.' Tom and I shook hands, and che three of them departed,
'I know your wife,' continued Gatsby, in a challenging way. justas Gatsby, with hat and light overcoat in hand, came out
'Ts that so?' Tom turned to me. 'You live near here, Nick?' of the front door.
'Nexr door.' Tom was obviously concerned about Daisy's running around
Mr Sloane said nothing, and nor did che woman. But after alone, because on che following Saturday night he came with
two cocktails she became more friendly. her to Gatsby's party. Perhaps his presence gave che evcning its
'We'll all come over to your next party, Mr Gatsby,' she peculiarly threatening quality - it stands out in my memory
suggested. 'What do you say?' from Gatsby's other parties that summer. Therc wcrc che same
'Certainl y. I'd be delighted to have you.' people, or at least che same sort of people, the same generous
'We ought to start fo r home,' said Mr Sloane, unsmiling. provision of champagnc, che same colorful confusion, but I felt
'Picase don't hurry,' said Gatsby. He had control of himself an unpleasantness in the air that hadn't been there before. Or