Faces to Faces

Katherine picks up her book.

Closes it. 

Does not notice that the first half of Proust's longest sentence is missing. 

Arthur looks up at the tree.

Just above head height, a thin curved beak withdraws into a knothole.

Katherine also has seen it.

That was the hihi, says Katherine. Also known as the stitchbird.

Uh-huh, says Arthur.

It's the only bird species that mates face to face, says Katherine.

You don't say, says Arthur.

I do say, says Katherine. Wikipedia.

Must be true then, says Arthur. 

Imagine, says Katherine.

But Arthur doesn't need to imagine.

However, the damage is done.

The hihi and the other hihi both heard it.

The only bird species that mates face to face! So what are the other birds doing?

This merits discussion.

Arthur meanwhile has turned his mind back to the money for wheelsets.

Could you call Margaret for me? asks Arthur. 

I suppose so, says Katherine, but I'd just say you have something to ask her. I'm not asking.

Uh, says Arthur.

What about your rich friend? asks Katherine. The one you called Yaah?

I'm not sure about his existence, says Arthur. He hasn't turned up yet.

Was he coming to the island? asks Katherine.

Don't know, says Arthur. But he would be arriving today, if he is.

With those irritating lobsters, says Katherine. What time is it?

Ten to four, says Arthur.

Let's walk to the landing, on the off-chance that he is arriving, says Katherine. And if he isn't, at least you can pick up your shoes.

They walk to the landing.

No vessels are on the horizon.

But something long has been snagged on a broken stick, in between two grey boulders.

That looks like my scarf! cries Katherine.

She picks her way over the boulders to retrieve it.

She lifts it. 

And comes face to face with Dufresne.