By James Metcalf
He went to parties where he saw his brothers and parents, and although he spoke to them with the somewhat supercilious air that he now affected with any and all human contact, he was a little surprised to discover that the circle of people which surrounded him was much larger than that of Michael or Matthew, despite their apparent social advantages. Yet, in accordance with the new rules that governed his life, Charles maintained indifference to this, as in all things, encouraging an even greater throng of followers who longed to hear a droll or witty, self-deprecating comment from the clever mouth of Charles Lescaux.
It may have been the temperament of the time, but this did not last. As the years passed, Charles began to notice his social circle begin to diminish, until, in extreme old age, it was down to the two or three friends he had had since his time at university.
Now in his advanced years, Charles saw no point in pretending not to care any longer, and cried for the popularity he once had, but was too blind to enjoy.
A product of his childhood, he had become a selfish and bitter man, without a nice word to say to anyone, and this haughty sense of self-worth, while at first attracting a great many admirers, eventually spread virulently to those who flocked to him and caused their swift departure, lest they end up twisted and malign like him. It was not long before Charles was dying, and it was with his last breaths that he apologised to his family for his cruelty towards them, yet they did not hear his cries, for he was alone, and forever would be. No-one attended the funeral or lavish memorial service held in the honour of the life of Charles Lescaux, because it was a life no-one believed in, not even Charles himself.
Concluded.
The post The affected disaffections of Charles Lescaux appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.