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“There’s no one else! Don’t turn it down so quickly Most men would die to inherit—”

“Die, is right I’d be dead in a , and dead”

“You don’t understand You’re the only son I have”

“I’m sorry that’s true Why me?”

“Because you’re a real honest-to-God idiot savant A real fool, not a fake one Someone who talks too ht You can’t help yourself The good things come out of your hand into words”

“Yes, but I haven’t leaned against the mirror and listened to you for years, like Manny”

“He talks but his words don’t ”

“But he’s learned He s by now Let me work for him!”

“Last chance? Last offer?” His voice was fading

“And give upand my life?”

“Ah,” whispered the voice And a final “Yes …” Adding: “Now, at last Bless me, father, for I have truly sinned”

“I can’t”

“Yes, you can And forgive That’s a priest’s job Forgive me and bless me In ahell!”

I shut ive you, though, God, I don’t understand you!”

“Who ever did?” he gasped “Not ainst the panel “Much thanks” His eyes closed in outer space where there is no sound I addedon oblivion, to shut