Спрут: Калифорнийская история

           ShepackedafewclothesofherownandSidney’sinalittletrunk,Hilmahelpingher,andAnnixterstowedthetrunkunderthecarry-all’sbackseat.Mrs.DyketurnedthekeyinthedoorofthehouseandAnnixterhelpedhertoherseatbesidehiswife.Theydrovethroughthesear,brownhopvines.AttheangleoftheroadMrs.Dyketurnedaroundandlookedbackattheruinofthehopranch,theroofofthehousejustshowingabovethetrees.Sheneversawitagain.

           AssoonasAnnixterandHilmawerealone,aftertheirreturntoQuienSabe—Mrs.DykeandSidneyhavingbeeninstalledintheTrees’oldhouse—Hilmathrewherarmsaroundherhusband’sneck.

           “Fine,”sheexclaimed,“oh,itwasfineofyou,deartothinkofthemandtobesogoodtothem.MyhusbandissuchaGOODman.Sounselfish.Youwouldn’thavethoughtofbeingkindtoMrs.DykeandSidneyalittlewhileago.Youwouldn’thavethoughtofthematall.Butyoudidnow,andit’sjustbecauseyoulovemetrue,isn’tit?Isn’tit?Andbecauseit’smadeyouabetterman.I’msoproudandgladtothinkit’sso.Itisso,isn’tit?Justbecauseyoulovemetrue.”

           “Youbetitis,Hilma,”hetoldher.

           AsHilmaandAnnixterweresittingdowntothesupperwhichtheyfoundwaitingforthem,LouisaVaccacametothedoorofthedining-roomtosaythatHarranDerrickhadtelephonedoverfromLosMuertosforAnnixter,andhadleftwordforhimtoringupLosMuertosassoonashecamein.

           “Hesaiditwasimportant,”addedLouisaVacca.

           “MaybetheyhavenewsfromWashington,”suggestedHilma.