Paul had been listening to this conversation. "
You'll find you're always falling over the things you've put behind you”, he said, and left to find Edgar again. He felt he had been clever and was proud of himself. He whistled as he went.
A little later Miriam came to ask if he would go with her and Clara for a walk. Clara walked in front by herself for part of the way, her head bent. Paul was curious about her. He forgot Miriam, who was walking beside him. talking to him. She looked at him, finding he did not answer her. His eyes were fixed in front on Clara.
“Do you still think she is unpleasant?” she asked
“Something's the matter with her”, he said.