Of Human Bondage

The Project Gutenberg EBook of Of Human Bondage, by W. Somerset MaughamThis eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it,give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online atwww.gutenberg.netTitle: Of Human BondageAuthor: W. Somerset MaughamRelease Date: May 6, 2008 [EBook #351]Language: English*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OF HUMAN BONDAGE ***OF HUMAN BONDAGEBYW. SOMERSET MAUGHAMIThe day broke gray and dull. The clouds hung heavily, and there was a rawness in the air that suggested snow. Awoman servant came into a room in which a child was sleeping and drew the curtains. She glanced mechanically atthe house opposite, a stucco house with a portico, and went to the child's bed."Wake up, Philip," she said.She pulled down the bed-clothes, took him in her arms, and carried him downstairs. He was only half awake."Your mother wants you," she said.She opened the door of a room on the floor below and took the child over to a bed in which a woman was lying. Itwas his mother. She stretched out her arms, and the child nestled by her side. He did not ask why he had beenawakened. The woman kissed his eyes, and with thin, small hands felt the warm body through his white flannelnightgown. She pressed him closer to herself."Are you sleepy, darling?" she said.Her voice was so weak that it seemed to come already from a great ...