AN UNCOUNTED HOUR

In “An Uncounted Hour” from *Dolly Dialogues*, we find ourselves in a scene rich with casual yet revealing banter, surrounded by the elegant landscape of The Towers. The morning unfolds with Lady Mickleham and the narrator, identified only as Mr. Carter, indulging in an almost whimsical conversation. Set against the backdrop of feeding a retriever pâté de foie gras—much to the dowager’s chagrin—the dialogue swings between topics of extravagance, economy, and personal revelations. Lady Mickleham, in a flourish of ease and privileged candor, discusses the impacts of agricultural depression on their wealth, casting doubt on the merits of frugality with a light-hearted, yet insightful observation. Economy, as Carter describes, is painted as a pre-emptive sacrifice for uncertain future desires.

As the dialogue continues, it veers into a more personal terrain, touching upon age, jealousy, and the inevitable passage of time. The discovery that Carter is growing middle-aged and his playful yet pointed commentary on aging strikes a chord of introspection and denial within the exchange. The interaction is not just a mere exchange of words; it’s an intricate dance around deeper themes of change, acceptance, and the subtle undertones of relationships—underscored by Dolly’s complex feelings towards Mrs. Hilary.

The narrative pivots around two mottoes inscribed on a sundial, each offering a lens through which to view life. The first, “Pereunt et imputantur,” speaks to the fleeting nature of time and the societal expectation of accounting for one’s pleasures. The second, “Horas non numero nisi serenas,” reflects a philosophy of cherishing only the sunniest hours, metaphorically living only for joyous moments. Through these, the dialogue explores the balance between responsibility and the pursuit of happiness, with Dolly reveling in the latter’s optimistic outlook.

Their reflection is interrupted by Archie, Lady Mickleham’s husband, whose pragmatic interruption about rainfall measurement brings the conversation back to earth. Yet, Archie’s literal interpretation of the sundial’s Latin proverb and his interaction with Dolly bring a moment of domestic intimacy into the picture, revealing the layered dynamics of their relationship.

The chapter concludes on a contemplative note with another inscription, further emphasizing the narrative’s focus on the subjective experience of time and relationships. Through this engaging exchange between the characters, the reader is invited to reflect on the personal meanings of maturity, love, and the selective memory of time’s passage, making “An Uncounted Hour” a richly layered dialogue that extends beyond its lighthearted surface.