FICTION
Doris Lessing
THE REAL THING
The first time it was Jody who rang Sebastian, and the
conversation went like this. "Sebastian? Is that Sebastian? I am
Jody.
Jody!
Don't you know who I am?"
A pause. "Yes, I think so . You're Henry's new.
"Hardly new, surely?"
A pause. "Ah." A pause.
"When did you hear about me?"
"Well ... I've only just heard, actually."
"
The effect was of an explosion at the other end of the line, but a
silent one. "You've only just heard about me? But ... For Christ's
sake I've been with Henry for over two years now."
"I have to say that surprises me."
"Does it? Nobody told you? Angela didn't say?"
A pause. "No. . . look here . . . I'm not . . . I don't feel .
I'm sorry.... "
"Don't get all English with me, that's all I need."
"What do you want?"
"That's better." The voice was American-naturally, since that
was what she was -loud, insistent, and tears or laughter were latent
in it. "I just wanted to talk, that's all.
Don't hang up on me."
"I hadn't intended to ."
"I am going to marry Henry, and you are going to marry
Angela. The way I see it, stupid of me, I'm sure, that's enough of a
bond for a short chat."
"Look," he began again, allowing it to be heard that his affabil–
ity was at risk, "I'm perfectly willing to talk about anything you like,
but you come as a bit of a surprise ."
"You say Angela has never mentioned me?"
"No, nor Henry."
"Henry
!
You mean, you see Henry?"
"Well, yes, sometimes. Civilized you know-all that."
"Don't mention that word civilized to me," she said violently.
"I'm sorry, but that word is
out."
