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The Great Gatsby - Chapter Seven | Full Audiobook · Chapter by Chapter — The Lost Library

0:00
Welcome back to chapter by chapter, the audiobook
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experience. We're continuing The Great
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Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald. If this is your first time here,
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start from the beginning of this season and follow Nick Carraway
0:14
story from the very start. And if you've been with us since
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Chapter 6, welcome back. The parties are over, the lights
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are out. Gatsby shut it all down the
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moment Daisy walked back into his life because the whole
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spectacle was never for anyone else.
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It was always just a beacon for her.
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But something has shifted. Tom knows the dream Gatsby has
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been building for five years is about to collide with the real
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world at full speed. And in this chapter, someone is
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going to die. Follow the show so you never
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miss a chat and drop a comment with the classic you want us to
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read next. Now sit back and let's continue
0:56
the story. Chapter 7.
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It was when curiosity about Gatsby reached its peak that the
1:03
lights in his house failed to illuminate one Saturday night.
1:08
And as mysteriously as it had begun, his reign as Trimalchio
1:13
came to an end, only gradually did I notice that the cars
1:17
turning expectantly into his driveway lingered for just a
1:21
moment before driving away in disappointment.
1:25
Wondering if he was unwell, I went over to find out.
1:29
A MU Butler with a sinister expression eyed me suspiciously
1:33
from the doorway. Is Mr. Gatsby sick?
1:38
Nope. After a pause, he added Sir in a
1:41
slow, reluctant manner. I hadn't seen him around and I
1:45
was rather worried. Tell him.
1:47
Mr. Caraway stopped by who? He asked, his tone sharp.
1:53
Caraway, Caraway. Fine, I'll let him know.
1:57
With that, he slammed the doors shut.
2:00
My housekeeper informed me that Gatsby had let go of all his
2:04
servants a week prior, replacing them with a handful of new ones.
2:09
These newcomers never ventured into West Egg Village, avoiding
2:13
any chance of being bribed by local tradesmen, instead
2:17
ordering modest supplies Over the phone.
2:20
The grocery delivery boy mentioned that the kitchen was a
2:23
mess, and the general consensus in the village was that these
2:27
new arrivals weren't actual servants.
2:30
The next day, Gatsby called me. Are you leaving town?
2:34
I asked. No old sport.
2:37
I heard you let all your staff go.
2:39
I wanted people who wouldn't spread rumors.
2:42
Daisy visits quite often in the afternoons, so the entire
2:47
operation had crumbled like a House of Cards under her
2:50
disapproving gaze. Their people?
2:53
Wolfsheim wanted to help out. They're all siblings.
2:56
They used to run a small hotel. I see he was calling at Daisy's
3:01
request. Would I join her for lunch at
3:04
her house tomorrow? Miss Baker would be there too.
3:07
Half an hour later, Daisy herself called, sounding
3:11
relieved to hear I was coming. Something was definitely in the
3:15
air. Yet I couldn't imagine they'd
3:17
choose this moment for a confrontation, especially not
3:21
the intense scene Gatsby had described in the garden.
3:25
The next day was scorching, nearly the last and certainly
3:29
the hottest of the summer. As my train emerged from the
3:33
tunnel into the sunlight, only the piercing whistles of the
3:37
National Biscuit Company disturbed the simmering midday
3:40
stillness. The straw seats in the car
3:43
seemed on the brink of ignition. The woman next to me perspired
3:47
delicately into her white blouse, and as her newspaper
3:51
grew damp under her fingers, she surrendered to the oppressive
3:55
heat. With a despairing cry, her purse
3:58
fell to the floor. Oh my, she gasped.
4:01
I bent wearily to pick it up, handing it back to her at arm's
4:05
length, gripping it by the very tips of the corners to show I
4:10
had no ulterior motives. But everyone nearby, including
4:14
the woman, eyed me with suspicion none the less.
4:18
Hot, remarked the conductor to familiar faces.
4:22
What a scorcher. Hot.
4:24
Isn't it hot hot, Is it hot enough for you?
4:27
Is it hot? My commuter ticket was returned
4:31
to me, marked with a dark stain from his sweaty hand.
4:34
In this oppressive heat, who could care whose lips he kissed,
4:39
or whose head left a damp spot on the pocket of his pajamas
4:43
over his heart? A faint breeze drifted through
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the Buchanan's hallway, carrying the distant ring of the
4:49
telephone out to Gatsby and me as we stood by the door.
4:53
The master's body, the Butler bellowed into the receiver.
4:58
I'm sorry, Madam, but we can't provide it.
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It's far too hot to handle at midday.
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What he actually said was yes, yes, I'll see.
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He placed the receiver down and approached us, his skin
5:12
glistening slightly, to collect our stiff straw hats.
5:16
Madame awaits you in the salon. He announced, unnecessarily
5:20
pointing the way. In this heat, every extra
5:23
movement seemed an insult to the shared vitality of life.
5:27
The room, shaded by awnings, was dark and cool.
5:31
Daisy and Jordan reclined on a massive couch like silver idols,
5:35
their white dresses weighted down against the humming breeze
5:39
of the fans. We can't move, they declared in
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unison. Jordan's fingers, dusted with
5:45
white powder against her tan skin, lingered briefly in mine.
5:50
And Mr. Thomas Buchanan, the athlete?
5:52
I asked at the same time I caught the sound of his voice,
5:56
gruff, muffled, and Husky, coming from the hallway
5:59
telephone. Gatsby stood at the center of
6:02
the rich Crimson carpet, his eyes wide with fascination as he
6:06
took in the room. Daisy watched him, her laughter
6:10
sweet and thrilling. A small cloud of powder puffed
6:13
up from her chest into the air. The rumor is.
6:17
Jordan whispered. That's Tom's girl on the phone.
6:21
We fell silent. The voice from the hall rose
6:24
sharp with irritation. Fine, then.
6:27
I won't sell you the car at all. I'm not obligated to you in any
6:31
way. And As for you pestering me
6:33
during lunch, I won't tolerate it holding the receiver.
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Daisy remarked cynically. No, he's not.
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I reassured her. It's a legitimate deal.
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I happen to know about it. Tom burst through the door, his
6:47
solid frame filling the space momentarily before he rushed
6:50
into the room. Mr. Gatsby?
6:53
He extended his broad, flat hand with a well masked dislike.
6:57
I'm glad to see you, Sir Nick, let's have a cold drink.
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Daisy exclaimed as he left the room again.
7:04
Daisy rose and went over to Gatsby, pulling his face down to
7:08
kiss him on the mouth. You know I love you, She
7:11
whispered. Remember, there's a lady
7:13
present. Jordan remarked.
7:15
Daisy glanced around. And certainly then kiss Nick
7:19
too. What a low, vulgar girl.
7:22
I don't care, Daisy shouted and began to dance on the brick
7:25
fireplace. Then, reminded of the heat, she
7:28
sat down guiltily on the couch just as a freshly laundered
7:32
nurse entered, leading a little girl.
7:35
Blessed Precious, she cooed, extending her arms.
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Come to your own mother who loves you.
7:41
The child released by the nurse dashed across the room and
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nestled shyly into her mother's dress.
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The Blessed Precious, did mother get powder on your old yellowy
7:51
hair? Stand up now and say, how'd he
7:54
do? Gatsby and I each leaned down to
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take the small, hesitant hand. Afterwards, he continued to gaze
8:01
at the child in surprise. I don't think he had ever truly
8:04
believed it was real until now. I got dressed before lunch.
8:09
The child announced eagerly to Daisy.
8:11
That's because your mother wanted to show you off.
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Daisy replied, her face folding into the single wrinkle of her
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pale mech. You're a dream, you know.
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An absolute Little Dream. Yes.
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The child agreed serenely. Aunt Jordan is wearing a white
8:27
dress too. How do you like mother's
8:30
friends? Daisy asked, turning the child
8:32
to face Gatsby. Do you think they're pretty?
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Where's Daddy? She doesn't resemble her father.
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Daisy explained. She looks like me.
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She's got my hair and the shape of my face.
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Daisy reclined back on the couch.
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The nurse stepped forward, extending her hand.
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Come along, Pammy. Goodbye, sweetheart.
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With a reluctant glance back, the well mannered child took the
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nurse's hand and was let out the door just as Tom returned,
9:01
ushering in four gin rickeys clinking with ice.
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Gatsby picked up his drink. They definitely have a certain
9:08
allure, he remarked, though tension was etched across his
9:12
face. We drank deeply, almost
9:15
ravenously. I read somewhere that the sun's
9:18
getting hotter every year, Tom said in a friendly manner.
9:22
Apparently soon enough the earth's going to fall into the
9:25
sun. Or wait.
9:27
Maybe it's the other way around. The sun's cooling down each
9:30
year. Come outside.
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He invited Gatsby. I'd like you to see the place.
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I joined them as we stepped out onto the veranda.
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The green sound lay still in the oppressive heat, with a solitary
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sail inching slowly toward the cooler sea.
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Gatsby's gaze lingered on it briefly.
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He gestured across the Bay. I'm right across from you.
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So you are. Our eyes drifted over the Rose
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gardens, the sun scorched lawn, and the ragged remnants of
10:00
summer. Along the shore.
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The boat's white sails moved slowly against the blue cool
10:05
boundary of the sky. Beyond lay the scalloped ocean
10:09
and the abundant blessed Isles. That's the life, Tom said,
10:13
nodding. I'd love to be out there with
10:16
him for an hour or so. We had lunch in the dining room,
10:19
dimmed against the heat, and washed down our nervous cheer
10:23
with cold ale. What are we going to do with
10:26
ourselves this afternoon? Daisy exclaimed.
10:28
And tomorrow, and for the next 30 years, don't be so grim.
10:33
Life begins anew when the air turns crisp in the fall, But
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it's unbearably hot. Daisy insisted, her voice
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quivering with near tears. And everything feels so chaotic.
10:45
Let's all go into town. Her words fought through the
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oppressive heat, shaping its senselessness into something
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tangible. I've heard of converting a
10:54
stable into a garage, but I'm probably the first to turn a
10:58
garage back into a stable. Who wants to go to town?
11:01
Daisy pressed, her insistence unwavering.
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Gatsbys gaze drifted toward her. She exclaimed.
11:09
You look so cool. Their eyes locked, and they were
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momentarily alone in the universe.
11:15
With effort, she glanced down at the table.
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You always look so cool, she repeated.
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In those words, she confessed her love for him and Tom
11:24
Buchanan noticed he was taken aback.
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His mouth fell slightly open as he looked from Gatsby to Daisy,
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as if seeing her anew, like someone he had known long ago.
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You remind me of that ad with the man.
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You know the one. Fine, I'm more than ready to
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head into town. Let's go, everyone, we're going
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to town. He stood up, his gaze darting
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sharply between Gatsby and his wife.
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No one else moved. Come on.
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His patience frayed slightly. What's the hold up?
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If we're going to town, let's get moving.
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His hand, shaking slightly with the strain of maintaining his
12:01
composure, brought the last of his ale to his lips.
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Daisy's voice propelled us to our feet and out onto the
12:07
scorching gravel driveway. Are we just leaving like this?
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Can't we at least have a cigarette first?
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Everyone smoked all through lunch.
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Oh, let's just enjoy ourselves, it's too hot to make a fuss.
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He didn't respond. Fine, have it your way.
12:23
She conceded. Come on, Jordan.
12:26
They headed upstairs to prepare, leaving the three of us men
12:29
standing there, shifting the warm pebbles beneath our feet.
12:33
A sliver of the moon already hung in the western sky.
12:36
Gatsby seemed about to speak, reconsidered, but not before Tom
12:41
turned to him with a look of anticipation.
12:44
Do you have stables here? Gatsby asked, forcing the words
12:47
out. About 1/4 mile down the road.
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Oh. A pause followed.
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I don't see the point of going to town.
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Tom burst out angrily. Women get these ideas.
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Should we bring anything to drink?
13:00
Daisy called from an upstairs window.
13:02
I'll grab some whiskey. Tom replied, heading inside.
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Gatsby turned to me, tense. I can't say anything in his
13:10
house, old sport. Her voice is indiscreet, I
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noted. It's full of I hesitated.
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Her voice is full of money. He interjected suddenly.
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That was it. I had never understood until
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that moment. The air was thick with the scent
13:26
of wealth, an endless allure that ebbed and flowed, the
13:30
clinking melody of coins, the Symphony of symbols.
13:34
Somewhere high in a white palace, the King's daughter, the
13:37
golden girl Tom, emerged from the house, wrapping a quart
13:42
bottle in a towel with Daisy and Jordan trailing behind.
13:45
They wore snug metallic hats and draped light capes over their
13:49
arms. Shall we all take my car?
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Gatsby proposed, feeling the hot green leather of the seat.
13:56
I should have parked it in the shade.
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Is it a standard shift? Tom inquired.
14:00
Yes, Well, why don't you take my coupe and I'll drive your car
14:05
into town? Gatsby found the suggestion
14:07
unappealing. I don't think there's much gas.
14:10
He protested. Plenty of gas.
14:12
Tom replied exuberantly, glancing at the gauge.
14:15
And if it runs out, I can stop at a drugstore.
14:18
You can buy anything at a drugstore these days.
14:21
A pause settled in after this seemingly pointless comment.
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Daisy glanced at Tom with a frown, and an expression crossed
14:28
Gatsby's face, both unfamiliar and yet somehow known as if it
14:32
had only ever been described to me in words.
14:35
Come on, Daisy, Tom urged, nudging her toward Gatsby's car.
14:39
I'll take you in this circus wagon.
14:42
He opened the door, but she slipped away from his arms and
14:44
brace. You take Nick and Jordan, we'll
14:47
follow in the coupe. She walked closely beside
14:50
Gatsby, her hand brushing his coat.
14:53
Jordan, Tom, and I climbed into the front seat of Gatsby's car.
14:57
Tom, unfamiliar with the gears, handled them cautiously.
15:01
And we speed off into the stifling heat, leaving them
15:04
behind. Did you see that?
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Tom demanded. See what?
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He scrutinized me, realizing that Jordan and I had likely
15:12
known all along. You think I'm pretty dumb, don't
15:15
you? He suggested.
15:17
Maybe I am, but I have this almost a sixth sense sometimes
15:21
that guides me. You might not believe it, but
15:23
science? He paused.
15:25
The pressing reality snapped him back from the brink of abstract
15:29
speculation. I've done a bit of digging into
15:31
this guy, he went on. I could have gone further if I'd
15:34
realized. Have you been consulting A
15:37
psychic? Jordan asked with a playful
15:39
grin. What?
15:40
He looked at us bewildered as we chuckled.
15:43
A psychic About Gatsby? About Gatsby?
15:47
No, I haven't, I said. I've been doing some light
15:49
research into his background. And you discovered he was an
15:52
Oxford man? Jordan offered helpfully.
15:55
An Oxford man? He was skeptical.
15:58
No way. He wears a pink suit.
16:00
Regardless, he's an Oxford man. Oxford, New Mexico?
16:04
Tom sneered dismissively. Or something like that.
16:07
Listen, Tom, if you're such a snob, why did you invite him to
16:11
lunch? Jordan demanded irritably.
16:13
Daisy invited him. She knew him before we got
16:16
married, God knows where. We were all feeling irritable as
16:19
the effects of the ale began to fade, and aware of this shared
16:23
mood, we drove in silence for a while.
16:25
As Doctor TJ Eckelberg's faded eyes loomed into view down the
16:29
road, I recalled Gatsby's warning about the gasoline.
16:33
We've got enough to make it to town, Tom declared.
16:35
But there's a garage right here. I don't want to end up stranded
16:38
in this scorching heat. Tom slammed on both brakes with
16:42
impatience, bringing us to a sudden, dusty halt beneath
16:45
Wilson's sign. After a moment, the proprietor
16:48
emerged from the depths of his establishment, his eyes hollow
16:51
as he regarded the car. Let's get some gas, Tom shouted
16:55
gruffly. What do you think we stopped
16:56
for? To admire the scenery?
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I'm sick. Wilson replied without moving.
17:01
Been sick all day. What's wrong?
17:04
I'm completely worn out. Well, should I just help myself?
17:08
Tom demanded. You sounded fine enough on the
17:10
phone. With effort, Wilson stepped out
17:13
from the shade and support of the doorway, breathing heavily
17:16
as he unscrewed the cap of the tank.
17:18
In the sunlight, his face appeared A sickly green.
17:21
I didn't mean to interrupt your lunch, but I really need some
17:24
money and I was wondering what you plan to do with your old
17:26
car. How do you like this one?
17:29
Tom asked, gesturing to his vehicle.
17:31
It's a nice yellow 1. Wilson replied, straining at the
17:34
handle. Interested in buying it?
17:37
Not a chance. Wilson managed to faint smile.
17:40
No, but I could make some money off the other one.
17:43
Why do you need money all of a sudden?
17:45
I've been stuck here too long. I want to leave my wife and I
17:48
want to head W. Your wife does.
17:50
Tom said, surprised. She's been talking about it for
17:54
10 years. Wilson paused, leaning against
17:56
the pump and shading his eyes. And now she's going, whether she
18:00
wants to or not. I'm going to get her out of
18:02
here. The coupe speed past us, kicking
18:05
up a cloud of dust with a hand waving briefly in its wake.
18:09
What do I owe you? Tom demanded, his voice sharp
18:12
and impatient. I've just caught wind of
18:14
something strange these past couple of days.
18:17
That's why I need to get away. That's why I've been pestering
18:20
you about the car. What do I owe you, $1.20?
18:24
The unrelenting heat was starting to muddle my thoughts,
18:27
and for a moment I was thrown off balance until I realized
18:30
that Wilson's suspicions hadn't yet landed on Tom.
18:33
He'd uncovered that Myrtle had a life beyond him in a world he
18:37
wasn't part of, and the revelation had left him
18:40
physically. I'll I looked from him to Tom,
18:42
who had made a similar discovery less than an hour ago, and it
18:46
struck me that no difference between men, whether in
18:49
intellect or race, was as stark as the chasm between the sick
18:52
and the healthy. Wilson appeared so I'll that he
18:56
seemed culpable, unforgivably so, like he'd just gotten some
19:00
poor girl pregnant. I'll let you have that car, Tom
19:03
said. I'll send it over tomorrow
19:05
afternoon. That area always had a vaguely
19:08
unsettling air, even under the harsh light of the afternoon,
19:12
and now I turned my head as if alerted to something lurking
19:15
behind over the ash heaps. The enormous eyes of Doctor TJ
19:19
Eckelberg continued their watchful gaze, but soon I
19:23
noticed another pair of eyes observing us with an intense
19:26
focus from less than 20 feet away in one of the windows above
19:30
the garage. The curtains had been slightly
19:32
drawn back, revealing Myrtle Wilson staring down at the car.
19:36
She was so absorbed that she seemed unaware of being watched,
19:40
and her face shifted through a series of emotions, like images
19:43
slowly emerging in a developing photographed.
19:46
Her expression was oddly familiar, one I'd often seen on
19:49
women's faces. Yet on Myrtle Wilson it appeared
19:52
aimless and baffling, until I realized her eyes, wide with
19:56
jealous fear, were locked not on Tom, but on Jordan Baker, whom
20:01
she mistakenly believed to be his wife.
20:03
There is no confusion quite like that of a simple mind, and as we
20:07
drove away, Tom was gripped by a rising panic.
20:10
His wife and his mistress, once secure and untouchable just an
20:14
hour ago, we're now rapidly slipping from his grasp.
20:18
Instinctively he pressed the accelerator.
20:20
Driven by the dual urge to catch up with Daisy and leave Wilson
20:24
behind, we raced towards Astoria at 50 miles an hour until, among
20:29
the web like girders of the elevated train tracks, we
20:32
spotted the leisurely blue coupe.
20:34
Those big theaters around 50th Street are nice and cool.
20:38
I love New York on summer afternoons when everyone's away.
20:41
There's something very sensual about it, Overripe, as if all
20:45
sorts of strange fruits might just fall into your hands.
20:48
The word sensual only unsettled Tom further, but before he could
20:52
voice an objection, the coupe came to a halt and Daisy
20:56
signaled for us to pull up alongside.
20:58
Where are we headed? How about catching a movie?
21:01
It's unbearably hot, she grumble.
21:03
You go ahead, we'll drive around and catch up with you later.
21:06
With a flicker of humor, she added.
21:08
We'll meet you on some corner. I'll be the one smoking 2
21:11
cigarettes. We can't debate this here, Tom
21:14
said impatiently as a truck blared its horn behind us.
21:18
Follow me to the South side of Central Park, right in front of
21:21
the Plaza. Several times he glanced back to
21:24
check for their car, and if traffic slowed them down, he
21:27
eased up until they reappeared. I think he feared they might
21:31
slip down a side street and vanish from his life forever,
21:35
but they didn't. Instead, we all took the
21:37
inexplicable step of securing the parlor of a suite at the
21:41
Plaza. The long and chaotic argument
21:44
that led us into that room escapes me now, though I vividly
21:47
remember the sensation of my underwear climbing like a damp
21:50
snake around my legs and the intermittent cool beads of sweat
21:54
trickling down my back. The idea was sparked by Daisy
21:57
suggestion that we rent 5 bathrooms and take cold baths,
22:01
which then morphed into the more concrete plan of finding A place
22:05
to have a mint jewel jip. We each repeated that it was a
22:08
crazy idea, all of us talking over one another to a bewildered
22:11
clerk, believing or pretending to believe that we were being
22:15
quite amusing. The room was spacious yet
22:18
suffocating, and though it was already 4:00 in the afternoon,
22:21
opening the windows only let in a wave of hot air from the
22:24
park's shrubbery. Daisy moved to the mirror,
22:27
standing with her back to us, adjusting her hair.
22:30
It's a nice sweet. Jordan whispered with a touch of
22:33
reverence, prompting a round of laughter from the group.
22:36
Open another window. Daisy instructed, not bothering
22:39
to turn around. There aren't any more to open.
22:42
Well, maybe we should call for an axe.
22:45
The best thing is to ignore. Or the heat, Tom said with
22:47
irritation. Complaining just makes it worse.
22:50
He unwrapped a bottle of whiskey from a towel and placed it on
22:53
the table. Why not let her be, old sport?
22:56
You were the one who wanted to come to town.
22:59
A brief silence followed. The telephone books slipped from
23:02
its hook and thudded to the floor, leading Jordan to murmur.
23:05
Excuse me. But this time no one laughed.
23:08
I'll get it, I offered. I've got it, Gatsby said.
23:11
He inspected the broken string, muttered with interest, and
23:15
tossed the book on a chair. That's quite the expression you
23:18
have, isn't it? Tom said sharply.
23:20
What is? What's this old sport stuff?
23:23
Where'd you pick that up? Now listen, Tom.
23:25
Daisy said, turning away from the mirror.
23:27
If you're going to start with personal jabs, I'm leaving right
23:30
now. Why don't you call and order
23:32
some ice for the mint jewel jib? As Tom reached for the phone,
23:36
the suffocating heat seemed to burst into sound, and we were
23:39
suddenly enveloped by the grand, ominous chords of Mendelssohn's
23:43
wedding March drifting up from the ballroom below.
23:46
Can you imagine getting married in this heat?
23:48
Jordan exclaimed gloomily. Well, I did get married in the
23:52
middle of June, Daisy recalled. Louisville.
23:54
In June. Someone fainted.
23:56
Who was it? Tom Biloxi, he replied curtly.
23:59
A man named Biloxi blocks Biloxi, and he actually made
24:03
boxes, it's true. And he was from Biloxi,
24:06
Tennessee. They brought him into my house
24:08
because we lived just two doors from the church, and he stayed
24:11
for three weeks until my father told him he had to leave.
24:15
The day after he left, my father died.
24:17
After a pause, she added, as if to clarify any misunderstanding.
24:21
There was no connection. I once knew a Bill Biloxi from
24:25
Memphis. That was his cousin.
24:26
I learned all about his family. Before he left.
24:29
He gave me an aluminum putter that I still use.
24:32
The music had quieted as the ceremony began, and a long cheer
24:36
drifted in through the window, followed by scattered shouts of
24:39
YEAH and finally a burst of jazz as the dancing began.
24:43
We are getting old, Daisy said. If we were young, we'd be up and
24:47
dancing. Remember Biloxi?
24:49
Jordan cautioned her. Where did you know him, Tom?
24:52
Biloxi. He focused with effort.
24:54
I didn't know him. He was a friend of Daisy's.
24:57
He was not, she refuted. I had never seen him before he
25:01
arrived in the private car. Well, he claimed he knew.
25:04
You said he grew up in Louisville.
25:06
ASA Brood brought him around at the last minute and asked if we
25:09
had space for him. Jordan smiled.
25:11
He was probably hitchhiking back home.
25:13
He mentioned he was the president of your class at Yale.
25:16
Tom and I exchanged puzzled looks.
25:19
Biloxi, first of all, we didn't have a president.
25:22
Gatsby's foot tapped a quick, restless rhythm, and Tom
25:25
suddenly focused on him. By the way, Mr. Gatsby, I hear
25:29
you're an Oxford man. Not exactly.
25:32
Oh, but I heard you went to Oxford.
25:34
Yes, I did go there. A pause, then Tom's voice filled
25:38
with disbelief and a touch of mockery.
25:41
You must have gone there around the same time Biloxi was in New
25:44
Haven. Another pause.
25:46
A waiter entered with crushed mint and ice, but the silence
25:49
was unbroken by his thank you and the gentle closing of the
25:52
door. This significant detail was
25:54
finally about to be clarified. I told you I went there.
25:58
Gatsby said. I heard you, but I'd like to
26:01
know when. It was in 1919, but I only
26:05
stayed for five months. That's why I can't really call
26:08
myself an Oxford man. Tom glanced around, checking if
26:12
we shared his skepticism, but all eyes were fixed on Gatsby.
26:17
It was a chance They offered some officers after the
26:20
Armistice, he went on. We could attend any university
26:24
in England or France. I felt an urge to rise and give
26:28
him a hearty pat on the back. It was one of those moments when
26:31
my faith in him was completely renewed, as it had been before.
26:36
Daisy stood up, a faint smile on her lips, and moved to the
26:40
table. Open the whiskey, Tom.
26:43
She instructed. And I'll make you a mint julep.
26:46
Maybe then you won't feel so foolish.
26:48
Just look at the mint. Hold on a second, Tom snapped.
26:52
I have one more question for Mr. Gatsby.
26:55
Go ahead. Gatsby replied courteously.
26:58
What kind of trouble are you trying to stir up in my house
27:01
anyway? Finally, everything was out in
27:04
the open and Gatsby seemed satisfied.
27:08
He's not causing trouble. Daisy said, looking desperately
27:12
from one to the other. You're the 1 causing trouble.
27:15
Please show a little self-control. self-control?
27:19
Tom repeated, incredulous. I guess the trend now is to just
27:23
sit back and let some nobody from nowhere make a move on your
27:27
wife. Well, if that's the new norm,
27:29
count me out. These days, people start by
27:32
mocking family values and institutions, and soon they'll
27:36
be tossing everything aside, even advocating for interracial
27:40
marriage. Flushed with his fervent
27:43
nonsense, he imagined himself as the last defender of
27:46
civilization. We're all white here, Jordan
27:50
murmured. I know I'm not very popular.
27:53
I don't throw big parties. I suppose you have to turn your
27:56
house into a circus to have any friends in today's world.
28:00
Despite my anger and everyone else's, I was tempted to laugh
28:04
every time he spoke. The shift from libertine to
28:07
moralist was so absolute. I've got something to tell you,
28:11
old sport, Gatsby began, but Daisy anticipated his intent.
28:16
Please don't, she interrupted, almost pleading.
28:20
Let's just all go home. Why don't we all go home?
28:23
That's a good idea, I said, standing up.
28:26
Let's go, Tom, no one wants a drink.
28:29
I want to know what Mr. Gatsby has to tell me.
28:32
Your wife doesn't love you. She never has.
28:35
She loves me. You must be out of your mind,
28:39
Tom exclaimed automatically. Gatsby leapt to his feet,
28:43
charged with excitement. She never loved you, do you
28:46
hear? She only married you because I
28:49
was poor and she got tired of waiting for me.
28:51
It was a terrible mistake, but in her heart, she never loved
28:55
anyone but me. At this point, Jordan and I
28:59
tried to leave, but Tom and Gatsby insisted with a
29:02
competitive determination that we stay, as if neither had
29:06
anything to hide and it would be a privilege for us to witness
29:09
their emotions. Sit down, Daisy.
29:12
Tom's voice struggled to find a paternal tone.
29:15
What's been happening? I want to hear everything I told
29:18
you. What's been happening?
29:20
It's been going on for five years and you had no idea?
29:24
Tom turned sharply to Daisy. You've been seeing this guy for
29:28
five years? Not seeing?
29:30
No, we couldn't meet, but we loved each other all that time.
29:34
Old sport, and you were unaware. I used to laugh sometimes,
29:38
though. His eyes held no laughter,
29:41
thinking You didn't know? Oh, that's all?
29:44
Tom tapped his thick fingers together like a clergyman
29:47
leaning back in his chair. You're crazy.
29:50
He burst out. I can't talk about what happened
29:53
five years ago because I didn't know Daisy then, and I'll be
29:56
damned if I understand how you got anywhere near her unless you
30:00
were delivering groceries to the back door.
30:02
But the rest of that is a damn lie.
30:05
Daisy loved me when she married me, and she loves me now.
30:09
No, Gatsby said, shaking his head.
30:12
She does, though. The problem is she sometimes
30:15
gets foolish ideas and doesn't know what she's doing.
30:18
He nodded wisely. And what's more, I love Daisy
30:21
too. Occasionally I go off on a spree
30:24
and make a fool of myself, but I always come back, and in my
30:28
heart I love her all the time. You're revolting, Daisy said.
30:33
She turned to me, her voice dropping an octave, filling the
30:36
room with thrilling scorn. Do you you know why we left
30:40
Chicago? I'm surprised they didn't regale
30:43
you with the tale of that little escapade.
30:45
Gatsby moved closer, standing beside her.
30:49
Daisy, that's all in the past, he said with deep sincerity.
30:53
It doesn't matter anymore. Just be honest with him, tell
30:57
him you never loved him, and it all disappears forever.
31:01
She looked at him, her eyes unfocused.
31:04
Why? How could I have ever loved him?
31:07
You never loved him? She paused, her gaze drifting to
31:10
Jordan and I, seeking some kind of support, As if she finally
31:14
understood the gravity of her actions, and as if she had never
31:18
truly intended to act at all. But the moment had arrived, it
31:23
was too late. I never loved him.
31:26
She said, her voice tinged with reluctance.
31:29
Not at Kay Palani? Tom demanded abruptly.
31:33
No. From the ballroom below, muted
31:37
and stifling music floated up on the sweltering air.
31:41
Not that day. I carried you down from the
31:44
punch bowl to keep your shoes dry.
31:46
His voice was thick with a tender longing.
31:50
Daisy, please don't. Her voice was icy, but the
31:55
bitterness had drained away. She looked at Gatsby.
31:58
They are, Jay, she said, though her hand shook as she tried to
32:02
light a cigarette. Abruptly, she tossed both the
32:05
cigarette and the lit match onto the carpet.
32:08
Oh, you want too much, She exclaimed to Gatsby.
32:12
I love you now, isn't that enough?
32:14
I can't change the past. She began to sob uncontrollably.
32:19
I did love him once, but I loved you too.
32:24
Gatsby's eyes flickered open and shut.
32:27
You loved me too, He echoed. Even that's a lie.
32:32
Tom interjected harshly. She didn't even know you
32:35
existed. Why?
32:36
There are things between Daisy and me that you'll never
32:39
understand, things neither of us can ever forget.
32:43
The words seem to cut Gatsby's physically.
32:47
I want to speak to Daisy alone. He insisted.
32:51
She's all worked up right now. Even alone, I can't say I'm
32:56
never loved Tom. She confessed in a broken voice.
33:00
It wouldn't be true, Of course it wouldn't.
33:03
Tom concurred. She turned to her husband.
33:07
As if it really matters to you. Of course it matters.
33:11
I'm going to take better care of you from now on.
33:14
You don't get it. Gatsby interjected, a hint of
33:17
panic in his voice. You're not going to be taking
33:20
care of her anymore. I'm not.
33:24
Tom's eyes widened and he laughed, feeling he could afford
33:27
to keep his composure now. And why is that Daisy's leaving
33:32
you? That's ridiculous, but I am.
33:36
She said, mustering visible effort.
33:39
She's not leaving me. Tom's words loomed over Gatsby,
33:43
certainly not for a common swindler who'd have to steal the
33:46
ring he put on her finger. I can't take this, Daisy cried.
33:52
Oh please, let's just leave. Who are you anyway?
33:56
Tom burst out. You're part of that crowd that
33:59
hangs around with Meyer Wolfsheim, that much I do know.
34:03
I've done a little digging into your affairs and I'll dig
34:06
deeper. Tomorrow you can make your own
34:09
decision about that old sport. Gatsby replied with unwavering
34:13
calm. I discovered what your so-called
34:16
drugstores really were. He turned to us, speaking
34:20
quickly. He and this Wolfsheim bought up
34:23
a bunch of small drugstores here and in Chicago, selling grain
34:27
alcohol right over the counter. Just one of his little tricks.
34:31
I pegged him as a bootlegger the moment I laid eyes on him, and I
34:34
wasn't far off. So what?
34:37
Gatsby replied with polite indifference.
34:40
I suppose your friend Walter Chase wasn't too proud to get
34:43
involved. And you left him high and dry,
34:47
didn't you? Let him rot in a New Jersey jail
34:50
for a month? God, you should hear Walter talk
34:53
about you. He came to us flat broke.
34:56
He was more than happy to earn some money.
34:58
Old sport. Don't call me old sport.
35:02
Tom shouted. Gatsby remained silent.
35:05
Walter could nail you on the betting laws too, but Wolfsheim
35:08
scared him from keeping quiet. That strange yet familiar
35:12
expression had returned to Gatsby.
35:15
That drugstore operation was just pocket money.
35:18
Tom continued slowly. But you're involved in something
35:21
now that Walter's too scared to tell me about.
35:25
I glanced at Daisy, who was staring in terror between Gatsby
35:29
and her husband, and at Jordan, who had begun to balance an
35:32
invisible yet captivating object on the tip of her chin.
35:36
Then I turned back to Gatsby and was taken aback by his
35:40
expression. He looked as if he had killed a
35:43
man, and I say this with full disdain for the idle gossip
35:47
surrounding his estate. For a brief moment, his face
35:51
could be described in just that extraordinary way.
35:55
It faded, and he began speaking to Daisy with excitement,
35:59
denying everything, defending his reputation against
36:02
accusations that hadn't been voiced.
36:05
But with each word, she withdrew further into herself.
36:09
So he abandoned that effort, leaving only the lifeless dream
36:14
to persist as the afternoon waned, trying to grasp what was
36:18
no longer within reach, struggling unhappily yet without
36:22
despair toward that lost voice across the room, the voice
36:27
pleaded once more to leave. Please, Tom, I can't endure this
36:32
any longer. Her frightened eyes revealed
36:35
that whatever resolve, whatever bravery she once had was now
36:39
completely gone. You 2 head on home, Daisy, in
36:44
Mr. Gatsby's car. She glanced at Tom, now visibly
36:48
uneasy, but he responded with a kind of generous disdain.
36:52
Go ahead, he won't bother you. I think he understands that his
36:56
bold little flirtation is finished.
37:00
They left without a word, disappearing abruptly, becoming
37:04
accidental, isolated, like spectres, even beyond our
37:08
sympathy. After a moment, Tom stood up and
37:12
began wrapping the unopened bottle of whiskey in a towel.
37:16
Want any of this stuff, Jordan? Nick?
37:20
I didn't respond. Nick.
37:22
He repeated. What?
37:25
Want any? No, I just remembered today's my
37:28
birthday. I was 30.
37:30
Ahead of me lay the ominous, threatening path of a new
37:33
decade. It was 7:00 when we climbed into
37:37
the coupe with him and headed for Long Island.
37:40
Tom talked nonstop, jubilant and laughing, but his voice felt as
37:45
distant to Jordan and me as the foreign clamor on the sidewalk
37:49
or the roar of the elevated train above us.
37:52
Human empathy has its boundaries, and we were content
37:56
to let all their tragic disputes fade with the city lights behind
37:59
US. 30 The promise of a decade of solitude, a dwindling list of
38:05
single men to meet, a dwindling briefcase of enthusiasm.
38:09
Thinning hair. But there was Jordan beside me,
38:13
who, unlike Daisy, was too wise to drag forgotten dreams from
38:17
one era to the next. As we crossed the shadowy
38:20
bridge, her pale face gently leaned against my shoulder, and
38:24
the daunting specter of turning 30 faded away with the
38:28
comforting touch of her hand. So we continued driving toward
38:32
death through the cooling twilight.
38:35
The young Greek Mycalius, who ran the coffee shop next to the
38:39
ash heaps, was the main witness at the inquest.
38:42
He had slept through the afternoon heat until after 5,
38:46
when he wandered over to the garage and found George Wilson
38:49
looking truly ill in his office, pale as his own fair hair and
38:54
trembling all over. Michaelis suggested he go to
38:58
bed, but Wilson refused, insisting he'd lose too much
39:01
business if he did. As his neighbor tried to
39:04
convince him, a loud commotion erupted upstairs.
39:08
I've got my wife locked up there, Wilson explained calmly.
39:12
She's staying there until the day after tomorrow, and then
39:15
we're moving away. Michaelius was taken aback.
39:19
They had been neighbors for four years, and Wilson had never
39:23
seemed remotely capable of such a declaration.
39:26
Typically, he was one of those worn out men.
39:29
When not working, he sat in a chair by the doorway, staring at
39:33
the people and cars passing by. Whenever anyone spoke to him, he
39:37
would invariably laugh in a pleasant, colorless manner.
39:41
He belonged to his wife more than himself, naturally.
39:45
Michaelius tried to uncover what had transpired, but Wilson
39:49
remained silent, casting odd suspicious looks at his guest
39:53
and questioning him about his whereabouts on specific days.
39:57
As Michaelius began to feel uneasy, a group of workmen
40:00
passed by on their way to his restaurant, giving him a chance
40:03
to leave with plans to return later.
40:06
But he never did. He assumed he simply forgot.
40:09
When he stepped outside again a little after 7, the earlier
40:13
conversation came back to him as he heard Mrs. Wilson's voice,
40:17
loud and scolding, echoing from the garage below.
40:21
Beat me, she shouted. Throw me down and beat me, you
40:25
cowardly little man. Moments later, she burst into
40:28
the twilight, waving her arms and yelling.
40:31
Before Michaelius could react, it was all over.
40:35
The death car, as the newspapers would call it, didn't stop.
40:39
It emerged from the encroaching darkness, hesitated tragically
40:43
for an instant, and then vanished around the bend.
40:46
Michaelius wasn't even sure of its color.
40:49
He told the first policeman it was light green.
40:52
The other car heading toward New York came to a halt 100 yards
40:56
away, and it's driver rushed back to where Myrtle Wilson lay,
41:00
her life violently snuffed out, kneeling in the road as her
41:04
thick, dark blood mingled with the dust.
41:07
Mycalius and the driver reached her first, but when they tore
41:11
open her shirtwaist, still damp with sweat, they saw her left
41:15
breast hanging loose like a flap, and there was no need to
41:18
check, for the heartbeat beneath.
41:21
Her mouth was wide open, torn slightly at the corners, as if
41:25
she had struggled to release the immense vitality she had held
41:28
onto for so long. We noticed the cluster of three
41:32
or four cars and the gathering crowd when we were still some
41:36
distance away. An accident, Tom remarked.
41:39
Well, at least Wilson will finally have some business.
41:42
He slowed the car, though he had no real intention of stopping.
41:46
But as we drew closer, the somber, focused expressions of
41:50
the people at the garage door made him instinctively hit the
41:53
brakes. Let's take a look, he said
41:56
uncertainly. Just a quick look.
41:59
I then became aware of a hollow wailing sound emanating
42:03
continuously from the garage as we stepped out of the coupe and
42:07
approached the door. The sound resolved into the
42:10
repeated gasping cry of Oh my God, there's serious trouble
42:15
here. Tom said, his voice charged with
42:17
excitement. He stood on tiptoe, peering over
42:21
the heads of the crowd into the dimly lit garage where a yellow
42:24
light swung in a metal basket overhead.
42:27
He made a harsh noise in his throat and with a forceful
42:31
thrust of his strong arms, pushed his way through.
42:34
The circle of people closed again with murmurs of protest.
42:38
It took a moment before I could see anything.
42:41
Then, as more people arrived and disrupted the line, Jordan and I
42:45
were suddenly swept inside. Myrtle Wilson's body lay wrapped
42:49
in layers of blankets on a work table against the wall, as if
42:53
she were cold on this sweltering night.
42:56
Tom stood over her, his back to us, unmoving.
43:00
Beside him, a motorcycle policeman was sweating profusely
43:03
as he painstakingly recorded names in a small notebook.
43:07
Initially, I couldn't locate the source of the high pitched,
43:10
mournful cries that reverberated through the Stark garage.
43:15
Then I noticed Wilson swaying on the raised threshold of his
43:18
office, clutching the door posts with both hands.
43:22
A man was speaking to him softly, occasionally trying to
43:25
touch his shoulder, but Wilson seemed oblivious, neither
43:29
hearing nor seeing. His eyes drifted slowly from the
43:32
swinging light to the table, burdened with his wife's body,
43:36
then snapped back to the light as he continued his relentless,
43:40
anguished wail. Oh my God, Oh my God, oh God, Oh
43:45
my God. Eventually, Tom jerked his head
43:49
up and after scanning the garage with vacant eyes, mumbled
43:53
something incoherent to the policeman.
43:56
Mav, the policeman was saying. Oh no, Rah, the man corrected.
44:02
Mavro, listen to me, Tom muttered fiercely.
44:07
Rah, said the policeman. Oh G.
44:13
He looked up as Tom's large hand landed firmly on his shoulder.
44:17
What do you want, man? I want to know what happened.
44:22
A car hit her, killed her instantly.
44:25
Instantly killed. Tom echoed, staring blankly.
44:30
She ran into the road. The bastard didn't even stop his
44:33
car. There were two cars.
44:36
Michaelis interjected. 1 coming, 1 going.
44:39
You see? Going where?
44:41
The policeman asked sharply. One was going each way.
44:46
Well, She. His hand lifted toward the
44:48
blankets but halted halfway, dropping back to his side.
44:53
She ran out there and the one coming from New York hit her
44:56
going 30 or 40 miles an hour. What's the name of this place?
45:01
The officer demanded. It doesn't have a name.
45:04
A pale, well dressed black man stepped forward.
45:08
It was a yellow car. A big yellow car, brand new.
45:12
Did you see the accident? The officer asked.
45:16
No, but the car passed me down the road, going faster than 40,
45:20
more like 50-60. Come over here and tell me your
45:24
name. Be careful now.
45:26
I need to get his name. Somehow.
45:28
These words must have reached Wilson, who was swaying in the
45:32
office doorway, because suddenly his cries took on a new urgency.
45:37
You don't need to tell me what kind of car it was.
45:40
I already know what kind of car it was.
45:43
Watching Tom, I noticed the muscles in his shoulder tense
45:47
beneath his coat. He moved swiftly over to Wilson
45:51
and standing directly in front of him, gripped his upper arms
45:54
firmly. You need to get a hold of
45:57
yourself. Tom said with a gruff yet
46:00
calming tone. Wilson's eyes locked onto Tom.
46:03
He rose onto his tip toes and would have crumpled to the
46:07
ground if Tom hadn't kept him upright.
46:10
Listen. Tom said, giving him a slight
46:12
shake. I just got here from New York a
46:15
moment ago. I was bringing you that coupe we
46:18
talked about. That yellow car I was driving
46:20
earlier wasn't mine, do you understand?
46:23
I haven't seen it all afternoon. Only the black man and I were
46:28
close enough to catch what he said.
46:30
But the policeman sensed something in Tom's tone and
46:33
looked over with a challenging stare.
46:35
What's going on here? He demanded.
46:38
I'm a friend of his. He says he knows the car that
46:41
hit him. It was yellow.
46:43
A vague suspicion flickered across the policeman's face as
46:47
he eyed Tom. And what color is your car?
46:51
It's blue. A coupe.
46:53
We just came straight from New York, I added.
46:56
Someone who was driving a bit behind us vouched for this, and
47:00
the policeman turned his attention elsewhere.
47:02
Now if you could give me that name again correctly.
47:06
Tom lifted Wilson as if he weighed nothing, carried him
47:10
into the office, placed him in a chair and returned.
47:13
Someone needs to stay with him. He commanded sharply.
47:16
The two men closest exchanged reluctant glances before
47:20
stepping into the room. Tom closed the door behind them
47:23
and descended the single step, avoiding looking at the table.
47:27
As he passed me, he whispered. Let's go.
47:31
With a self-conscious urgency, Tom LED us through the crowd
47:34
that continued to gather his presence, parting the way.
47:38
We passed a doctor rushing with his case summoned in a desperate
47:42
hope half an hour earlier. Tom drove slowly until we
47:46
rounded the bend. Then he floored it, the coupe
47:50
tearing through the night. After a while, I heard a low,
47:54
rough SOB and saw tears streaming down his face.
47:58
The damn coward. He didn't even stop his car.
48:02
The Buchanan's house emerged suddenly through the dark,
48:05
whispering trees. Tom halted beside the porch,
48:09
gazing up at the 2nd floor, where 2 windows glowed warmly
48:13
amidst the vines. Daisy's home.
48:16
He remarked as we stepped out of the car.
48:18
He glanced at me with a slight frown.
48:21
I should have dropped you off in Westagnik.
48:24
There's nothing we can do tonight.
48:26
A shift had come over him. He spoke with a new found
48:29
gravity and resolve. As we crossed the moonlit gravel
48:33
to the porch. He addressed the situation with
48:36
a few decisive words. I'll call for a taxi to take you
48:39
home, and while you're waiting, you and Jordan should head to
48:42
the kitchen and get some supper if you're hungry.
48:45
He opened the door. Come in.
48:48
No thanks, but I'd appreciate it if you'd order the taxi for me.
48:52
I'll wait outside. Jordan placed her hand on my
48:55
arm. Won't you come in, Nick?
48:57
No thanks. I felt a bit queasy and craved
49:01
solitude, yet Jordan lingered a moment longer.
49:05
It's only 9:30, she remarked. There was no way I was going
49:10
back in. I'd had my fill of everyone for
49:13
the day, and suddenly that included Jordan too.
49:17
She must have caught a glimpse of this in my expression, for
49:20
she abruptly turned and hurried up the porch steps into the
49:23
house. I sat for a few minutes with my
49:26
head in my hands until I heard the phone being picked up inside
49:30
and the Butler's voice summoning a taxi.
49:33
Then I slowly walked down the drive, intending to wait by the
49:37
gate. I hadn't gone 20 yards when I
49:40
heard my name, and Gatsby emerged from between two bushes
49:44
onto the path. I must have been feeling quite
49:47
strange by then, because all I could focus on was the glow of
49:51
his pink suit under the moonlight.
49:53
What are you doing? I asked.
49:55
Just standing here, old sport. Somehow that seemed like a
50:00
pitiful way to pass the time. For all I knew, he was about to
50:03
rob the house. I wouldn't have been shocked to
50:06
see sinister faces, the faces of Wolfsheim's people lurking
50:10
behind him in the shadowy shrubbery.
50:13
Did you encounter any trouble on the road?
50:15
He asked after a moment. Yes.
50:18
He paused. Was she killed?
50:21
Yes, I suspected as much. I told Daisy I thought so.
50:26
It's better for the shock to hit all at once.
50:28
She handled it fairly well. He spoke as if Daisy's reaction
50:33
was the only thing that mattered.
50:35
I reached West Egg by taking a side road and left the car in my
50:39
garage. I don't think anyone saw us, but
50:43
of course I can't be sure. By this point, my dislike for
50:47
him was so strong that I didn't bother to correct him.
50:51
Who was the woman? He asked.
50:53
Her name was Wilson. Her husband owns the garage.
50:57
How on earth did it happen? Well, I tried to turn the wheel.
51:01
He stopped abruptly, and suddenly I realized the truth.
51:06
Was Daisy driving? Yes, he admitted after a moment.
51:10
But naturally I'll say it was me.
51:12
You see, when we left New York, she was very anxious and thought
51:16
driving might calm her, and this woman rushed out at us just as
51:20
we were passing another car. It all happened so quickly, but
51:24
it seemed to me she wanted to speak to us, thought we were
51:27
someone she knew. First Daisy turned away from the
51:31
woman, headed toward the other car, But then she faltered and
51:34
turned back. The moment my hand touched the
51:37
wheel, I felt the impact. It must have killed her
51:40
instantly. It tore her apart.
51:43
Don't tell me, old sport. He flinched anyway.
51:47
Daisy floored it. I tried to get her to stop, but
51:50
she couldn't, so I yanked the emergency brake.
51:53
Then she collapsed into my lap and I kept driving.
51:56
She'll be fine by tomorrow, he said after a moment.
51:59
I'm just going to stay here and see if he tries to hassle her
52:03
about that unpleasantness this afternoon.
52:06
She's locked herself in her room and if he gets rough, she'll
52:09
flick the light on and off. He won't lay a finger on her, I
52:13
assured him. He's not even thinking about
52:15
her. I don't trust him, old sport.
52:19
How long will you wait? All night if I have to, at least
52:23
until they all go to bed. A new thought struck me.
52:26
What if Daisy discovered that Daisy had been the one driving?
52:30
He might convince himself he saw a connection.
52:33
He could think anything, really. I glanced at the house.
52:37
A few windows downstairs glowed brightly, and a soft pink light
52:41
emanated from Daisy's room on the ground floor.
52:44
Stay here, I instructed him. I'll check if there's any sign
52:48
of trouble. I retraced my steps along the
52:51
lawn's edge, quietly crossed the gravel, and crept up the veranda
52:55
steps. The drawing room curtains were
52:58
open, revealing an empty room. Passing the porch where we had
53:02
dined that June night three months earlier, I approached a
53:05
small rectangle of light I assumed was the pantry window.
53:10
The blind was down, but I found a gap at the sill.
53:13
Daisy and Tom sat across from each other at the kitchen table,
53:17
a plate of cold fried chicken between them and 2 bottles of
53:21
ale. He was speaking earnestly to
53:23
her, his hand resting over hers in a gesture of intensity.
53:27
Occasionally she looked up and nodded in agreement.
53:31
They didn't seem happy, yet they weren't unhappy either.
53:35
There was an undeniable sense of natural intimacy in the scene,
53:39
and anyone observing might have thought they were plotting
53:42
together. As I quietly left the porch, I
53:46
heard my taxi cautiously making its way down the dark Rd. toward
53:49
the house. Gatsby was waiting where I had
53:52
left him in the drive. Is everything quiet up there?
53:55
He asked, his voice tinged with worry.
53:58
Yes, it's all quiet. I replied, though I hesitated.
54:03
You should come home and get some rest.
54:05
He shook his head. I want to stay here until Daisy
54:09
goes to bed. Good night, old sport.
54:11
He slipped his hands into his coat pockets and turned back
54:15
eagerly to watch the house, as if my presence disrupted the
54:19
sanctity of his vigil. So I walked away, leaving him
54:23
standing there in the moonlight, guarding over nothing.
54:27
And that brings us to the close of Chapter 7 of The Great Gatsby
54:32
by F Scott Fitzgerald. This was the chapter where
54:37
everything broke at once. In a sweltering suite at the
54:42
Plaza Hotel, Gatsby finally said the words out loud.
54:46
Your wife doesn't love you. She never has.
54:49
She loves me. And for one suspended moment, it
54:54
almost worked. But Daisy couldn't give him what
54:57
he needed. She loved him, yes, but she had
55:00
loved Tom, too, and that admission was enough to let all
55:04
the air out of the dream. You could almost hear it go.
55:09
Then came the drive home. The yellow car, Myrtle Wilson
55:13
running into the road, arms outstretched toward the wrong
55:17
people, gone before anyone could stop it.
55:21
And then the last image of this chapter, the one that stays with
55:26
you, Gatsby standing alone in the dark outside the Buchanan
55:30
house, watching a light in Daisy's window, convinced he's
55:34
protecting her. While inside, Daisy and Tom sit
55:38
together at the kitchen table over cold chicken and ale, hands
55:42
touching, already moving on, already closing ranks.
55:47
Nick walks away and leaves Gatsby there in the moonlight,
55:51
guarding over nothing. Thank you for listening to
55:57
chapter by chapter the audiobook experience.
56:01
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56:05
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