Лето
XIV
Royallclosedthedoor-latchandadvancedafewsteps.
Charityjumpedtoherfeet.“Whathaveyoucomefor?”shestammered.
Thelastglareofthesunsetwasonherguardian’sface,whichlookedash-colouredintheyellowradiance.
“BecauseIknewyouwerehere,”heansweredsimply.
Shehadbecomeconsciousofthehairhanginglooseacrossherbreast,anditseemedasthoughshecouldnotspeaktohimtillshehadsetherselfinorder.Shegropedforhercomb,andtriedtofastenupthecoil.Mr.Royallsilentlywatchedher.
“Charity,”hesaid,“he’llbehereinaminute.Letmetalktoyoufirst.”
“You’vegotnorighttotalktome.IcandowhatIplease.”
“Yes.Whatisityoumeantodo?”
“Ineedn’tanswerthat,oranythingelse.”
Hehadglancedaway,andstoodlookingcuriouslyabouttheilluminatedroom.Purpleastersandredmaple-leavesfilledthejaronthetable;onashelfagainstthewallstoodalamp,thekettle,alittlepileofcupsandsaucers.Thecanvaschairsweregroupedaboutthetable.
“Sothisiswhereyoumeet,”hesaid.
Histonewasquietandcontrolled,andthefactdisconcertedher.Shehadbeenreadytogivehimviolenceforviolence,butthiscalmacceptanceofthingsastheywereleftherwithoutaweapon.
“Seehere,Charity—you’realwaystellingmeI’vegotnorightsoveryou.Theremightbetwowaysoflookingatthat—butIain’tgoingtoargueit.AllIknowisIraisedyouasgoodasIcould,andmeantfairlybyyoualwaysexceptonce,forabadhalf-hour.There’snojusticeinweighingthathalf-houragainsttherest,andyouknowit.
