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The Great Gatsby — Chapter 5 — Page 5

Then in a grave murmur: His name is Ferdie. Does the gasoline affect his nose? I dont think so, she said innocently. Why? We went in. To my overwhelming surprise the living-room was deserted. Well, thats funny, I exclaimed. Whats funny? She turned her head as there was a light dignified knocking at the front door. I went out and opened it. Gatsby, pale as death, with his hands plunged like weights in his coat pockets, was standing in a puddle of water glaring tragically into my eyes. With his hands still in his coat pockets he stalked by me into the hall, turned sharply as if he were on a wire, and disappeared into the living-room. It wasnt a bit funny. Aware of the loud beating of my own heart I pulled the door to against the increasing rain. For half a minute there wasnt a sound. Then from the living-room I heard a sort of choking murmur and part of a laugh, followed by Daisys voice on a clear artificial note: I certainly am awfully glad to see you again. A pause; it endured horribly. I had nothing to do in the hall, so I went into the room. Gatsby, his hands still in his pockets, was reclining against the mantelpiece in a strained counterfeit of perfect ease, even of boredom.