The Pragmatic Theory of Explanation

During my travels along the SaGne and RhGne last year, I spent a day and night at the ancestral home of the Chevalier de St. X . . ., an old friend of my father's. The Chevalier had in fact been the French liaison officer attached to my father's brigade in the first war, which had-if their reminiscences are to be trusted-played a not insignificant part in the battles of the Somrne and Marne. The old gentleman always had tht a L'Anglaise on the terrace at five o'clock in the evening, he told me. It was at this meal that a strange incident occurred; though its ramifications were of course not yet perceptible when I heard the Chevalier give his simple explanation of the length of the shadow which encroached upon us there on the terrace. I had just eaten my fifth piece of bread and butter and had begun my third cup of tea when I chanced to look up. In the dying light of that late afternoon, his profile was sharply etched against the granite background of the wall behind him, the great aquiline nose thrust forward and his eyes fixed on some point behind my left shoulder. Not understanding the situation at first, I must admit that to begin with, I was merely fascinated by the sight of that great hooked nose, recalling my father's claim that this had once served as an effective weapon in close combat with a German grenadier. But I was roused from this brown study by the Chevalier's voice. 'The shadow of the tower will soon reach us, and the terrace will turn chilly. I suggest we finish our tea and go inside." I looked around, and the shadow of the rather curious tower I had earlier noticed in the grounds, had indeed approached to within a yard from my chair. The news rather displeased me, for it was a fine evening; I wished to remonstrate but did not well know how, without overstepping the bounds of hospitality. I exclaimed, 'Why must that tower have such a long shadow? This terrace is so pleasant!" His eyes turned to rest on me. My question had been rhetorical, but he did not take it so.