Доводы рассудка
Chapter 17
”
“Yes,”saidMrsSmithmoredoubtingly,“sometimesitmay,thoughIfearitslessonsarenotoftenintheelevatedstyleyoudescribe.Hereandthere,humannaturemaybegreatintimesoftrial;butgenerallyspeaking,itisitsweaknessandnotitsstrengththatappearsinasickchamber:itisselfishnessandimpatienceratherthangenerosityandfortitude,thatonehearsof.Thereissolittlerealfriendshipintheworld!andunfortunately”(speakinglowandtremulously)“therearesomanywhoforgettothinkseriouslytillitisalmosttoolate.”
Annesawthemiseryofsuchfeelings.Thehusbandhadnotbeenwhatheought,andthewifehadbeenledamongthatpartofmankindwhichmadeherthinkworseoftheworldthanshehopeditdeserved.ItwasbutapassingemotionhoweverwithMrsSmith;sheshookitoff,andsoonaddedinadifferenttone—
“IdonotsupposethesituationmyfriendMrsRookeisinatpresent,willfurnishmucheithertointerestoredifyme.SheisonlynursingMrsWallisofMarlboroughBuildings;amerepretty,silly,expensive,fashionablewoman,Ibelieve;andofcoursewillhavenothingtoreportbutoflaceandfinery.ImeantomakemyprofitofMrsWallis,however.Shehasplentyofmoney,andIintendsheshallbuyallthehigh-pricedthingsIhaveinhandnow.”
Annehadcalledseveraltimesonherfriend,beforetheexistenceofsuchapersonwasknowninCamdenPlace.Atlast,itbecamenecessarytospeakofher.
