Atdtda36: One morning, 1027-1028

[Paul Nightingale]

The previous section ends by reminding us that dates can be misleading. The
new (and brief) section then offers a flashback to 'something called an
armistice' (1028). The wording reminds us that significance is imposed by
the writing of history. As elsewhere, this event is offered obliquely:
Randolph's reference to 'Martinmas, I think' emphasises the individual's
subjective take on the 'supernatural hush'.  It is only later, '[t]oward
noon' that historical significance kicks in. If the 'strangely circumspect
light' (1027) and discretion on the part of birds, steamers and trams
(1027-1028) are to be considered prophetic, meaning dependent on the
backward glance, we might recall the opening of the chapter on 1018, with
nature's response to events. 

Further, this section offers the minutiae of interaction, the (accidental)
meeting of Padzhitnoff and Randolph: the triviality of the event ('happened
to cross paths', 1027) in stark contrast to both 'something called an
armistice' and the narrative sweep of the previous section's discussion of
the war years.