FOREWORD

I don’t know if there will ever be Vignette #2 or Vignette #3, but if such should arise in my mind I’ll have ready made titles for them.

* * * * * *

At five in the afternoon on this early spring day the sun was already casting shadows. As Connor climbed the steps to the stoop of the red brick row house his whole body was sensitized in anticipation of what would be required of him this day. He had a sense for it because he’d been ordered to take a purgative the day before and restrict himself to clear liquids. He didn’t ring the bell or knock because he was expected at just this time.

He entered the front hall and turned to the right. Through an archway he saw the familiar drawing room. It was elegantly, though sparely furnished. But today there was a new piece of furniture. A wide leather divan was placed in the very center of the room, and on it, lying on his side, his head propped on one hand, was a naked man. He watched Connor expectantly.

“Connor, this is Eric,” said Rachel. She was young middle age, her hair drawn into a chignon, and wearing a plain full skirted, burgundy taffeta dress with matching heels. Her bearing was stately.

“Would you remove all your clothes here, where Eric can watch you?”

Connor moved to the indicated place and hung his suit coat on the back of a nearby chair.