Чума
Part IV
AsforGrand,theholidayperiodwasnottobeasuccessfuloneforhim.
ChristmasthatyearwasmoretheFeastofHellthanofthecomingofChrist.Empty,unlitshops,withfakechocolatesoremptyboxesinthewindows,andpassingtramsloadedwithdarkfigures:nothingtorecallChristmasinthepast.Atthistime,whenonceeverybodyrichandpoorhadjoinedtogether,therewasnoplacenowexceptforthesolitary,shamefulcelebrationsinsomedingyback-roomthattheprivilegedfewboughtforthemselvesathugeexpense.Thechurcheswerefilledwithwailingandsobbingratherthanthanksgiving.Inthissombre,icytownafewchildrenranabout,stillignorantofwhatawaitedthem.ButnoonedaredtellthemabouttheGodofformertimes,ladenwithofferings,asoldashumansuffering,yetasnewasthefreshesthope.Therewasnolongeraplaceinone’sheartexceptforasingleveryoldandverysadhope,thesameonethatpreventsmenfromgivingwaytodeathandwhichisnomorethanasimple,obstinatedeterminationtolive.
OnthepreviousdayGrandhadnotcomeforhisusualappointment.Rieuxwasworriedandwentroundtohishouseinthemiddleofthemorning.Hewasnotthere.Everyonewasinformed.Atabouteleveno’clockRambertcametothehospitaltotellthedoctorthathehadseenGrandwanderingaroundthestreetswithastrangelookonhisface.Thenhevanishedfromsight.ThedoctorandTarrousetoffbycartolookforhim.
