Эпоха невинности

           Archerdrewherembroideryoutofthebasketintowhichshehadnervouslytumbledit,andNewland,leaningagainstthechimney-placeandtwistingahumming-bird-featherscreeninhishand,sawJaney’sgapingcountenancelitupbythecomingofthesecondlamp."Thefactis,"Mr.vanderLuydencontinued,strokinghislonggreylegwithabloodlesshandweigheddownbythePatroon’sgreatsignet-ring,"thefactis,Idroppedintothankherfortheveryprettynoteshewrotemeaboutmyflowers;andalso—butthisisbetweenourselves,ofcourse—togiveherafriendlywarningaboutallowingtheDuketocarryherofftopartieswithhim.Idon’tknowifyou’veheard—"Mrs.Archerproducedanindulgentsmile."HastheDukebeencarryingherofftoparties?""YouknowwhattheseEnglishgrandeesare.They’reallalike.LouisaandIareveryfondofourcousin—butit’shopelesstoexpectpeoplewhoareaccustomedtotheEuropeancourtstotroublethemselvesaboutourlittlerepublicandistinctions.TheDukegoeswherehe’samused."Mr.vanderLuydenpaused,butnoonespoke."Yes—itseemshetookherwithhimlastnighttoMrs.LemuelStruthers’s.SillertonJacksonhasjustbeentouswiththefoolishstory,andLouisawasrathertroubled.SoIthoughttheshortestwaywastogostraighttoCountessOlenskaandexplain—bythemeresthint,youknow—howwefeelinNewYorkaboutcertainthings.IfeltImight,withoutindelicacy,becausetheeveningshedinedwithussherathersuggested...ratherletmeseethatshewouldbegratefulforguidance.AndsheWAS."Mr