MD3PAD 229-231

[Toby G Levy]

        The tavern operator mentions his regret at spending sixpence for
having Emerson do his horoscope and Fr Maire registers surprise at the
size of the fee.

        Dixon says he finds The Cudgel and Throck depressing and
Emerson disparages Dixon's favorite pub, the Jolly Pitman. Dixon says
there is music at the Jolly Pittman, and Mr. Brain says he can provide
music and takes out a hurdy gurdy and makes noise with it although he
does not know how to play it. A dog named Goblin howls along.

        Maire tells Dixon that owing to the cult of Feng Shui, there are
no 360 degree circles to be found in China. This is the first of many
mentions of Feng Shui in the novel. Maire and Emerson seem to be
equating China with America in their conversation with Dixon. Why?

vw#62: Cilice - Jesuit chastity belt, a wire girdle with sharp metallic
points to irritate the skin; from Latin (cilicia: course garment made
from haircloth).

        Dixon perceives that Maire wants Dixon to represent Jesuit
interests in America and Dixon refuses. Dixon says maybe the astronomer
Lalande might be more agreeable.  Lalande was mentioned a few pages back
by Maskelynes brother.

        Emerson said that he bet Maire that Dixon would not take the
assignment, but Maire is unwilling to concede.

        Walking into the pub, a Mr Whike overhears the three talking
about Jesuits and launches into a diatribe against the Jesuits. Emerson
knows that Whike is Lud Oafrey's friend and asks why Lud has been
looking for him.