2: Fells
FELLS sat in the twelfth row of the orchestra stalls at the Palladium. His eyes were on the stage and were aware of the presence of Mr. Tommy Trinder, but if they realised Mr. Trinder's presence only vaguely, it was because, hovering about the scene, were shadows not included in the cast—shadows and figures and scenes which existed only for Fells.
Now he knew that the experiment of coming to the Palladium had failed. The business of being amused did not exist— not for him. Hearing the laughter that came from all around him at Mr. Trinder's cracks, Fells told himself that there must be something wrong with him; began to think that he could take an interest only in practical, exciting things— things which demanded so much of his nervous system that his brain must perforce concentr
