Read Online Mood Indigo by Boris Vian - Free Book Online Page B

Unisexton Bedull and Father Phigga.
    Above them the pillars rose and rose and appeared to join together far, far away. The matt stone, a lovely creamy white in colour, was bathed in a calm, clear light reflected from the soft, sweet burst of day that caressed the church. At the very top everything was peacock-blue and turquoise.
    â€˜We’ll have to polish up the mikes,’ said Father Phigga to the Husher.
    â€˜I’m just unwinding my last chain!’ said the Husher, ‘then I’ll get on with it.’
    He took a red woollen duster out of his satchel and energetically began to rub the first microphone stand. There were four mikes, set out in a straight line at the front of the Minstrels’ gallery and rigged up so that every time there was a peal of bells outside the church, a tune would be played inside.
    â€˜Hurry up, Aubrey,’ said Father Phigga. ‘Jeremiah and myself have finished.’
    â€˜Wait for me then,’ said the Husher, ‘I’ve got five minutes’ grace.’
    Adam Browbeadle and Father Phigga put the lids back on the boxes of decorations and stacked them in a corner of the gallery where they could easily be found again after the wedding.
    â€˜I’m ready,’ said the Husher.
    All three buckled the belts of their parachutes and leapt gracefully out into space. With a silky splash the three big rainbow-coloured flowers burst open and, some time later, they made perfect landings on the polished paving of the nave.

19
    â€˜Am I pretty?’
    Chloe was looking at herself in the flecked silver bowl where an uninhibited goldfish was playfully performing. On her shoulder the grey mouse with the black whiskers scratched its nose with its paw and looked at the rippling reflections.
    Chloe had put on her stockings – the same colour as her blonde skin, and as fine as the fumes of incense – and her high-heeled shoes of white leather. The rest of her was naked, except for a wide bangle of blue gold which made her delicate wrist seem even more slender.
    â€˜Do you think I should get dressed? …’
    The mouse slid round Chloe’s round neck and settled on one of her breasts. It looked up at her from below – and seemed to think that she should.
    â€˜In that case, I’ll have to put you down!’ said Chloe. ‘You know you’re going back to Colin’s tonight. But don’t forget to say good-bye to the others here! …’
    She put the mouse down on the carpet, looked out of the window, let the curtain fall back and went over to her bed. Her white dress was all laid out on it, with Isis and Alyssum’s water-clear dresses on either side.
    â€˜Are you two ready yet?’
    In the bathroom, Alyssum was helping Isis do her hair. They too were already wearing their shoes and stockings.
    â€˜None of us is getting ready very quickly – either in there or out here,’ said Chloe, pretending to be angry. ‘Do you children realize that I’m getting married this morning?’
    â€˜You’ve still got a whole hour left!’ said Alyssum.
    â€˜And that’s plenty!’ said Isis. ‘Your hair’s done already!’ Chloe laughed, tossing her curls. It was warm in the steam-filled bathroom, and Alyssum’s back was so appetizing that Chloe softly caressed it with the flat of her palms. Isis, sitting in front of the glass, let her supple scalp succumb to Alyssum’s scientific manipulation.
    â€˜You’re tickling!’ said Alyssum, beginning to laugh.
    Chloe touched her deliberately where she was most ticklish – under the arms right down to the hips. Alyssum’s skin was warm and tingling.
    â€˜And what about me?’ said Isis, who was doing her nails until they had finished.
    â€˜You’re both so lovely,’ said Chloe. ‘It’s a pity you can’t come as you are. I wish you could both stay in just your shoes and stockings.’
    â€˜Go and get