Спрут: Калифорнийская история
Chapter VII
Herewasthewhiteenamelled“set”ofthebedroomfurniture,thethreechairs,wash-standandbureau,—thebureaudrawersfallingout,spillingtheircontentsintothedust;therewerethewhitewoolrugsofthesitting-room,theflowerstand,withitspotsallbroken,itsflowerswilting;thecrackedgoldfishglobe,thefishesalreadydead;therockingchair,thesewingmachine,thegreatroundtableofyellowoak,thelampwithitsdeepshadeofcrinklyredtissuepaper,theprettytintedphotographsthathadhungonthewall—thechoirboyswithbeautifuleyes,thepensiveyounggirlsinpinkgowns—thepiecesofwoodcarvingthatrepresentedquailsandducks,and,lastofall,itscurtainsofcrisp,cleanmuslin,cruellytornandcrushed—thebed,thewonderfulcanopiedbedsobraveandgay,ofwhichHilmahadbeensoproud,thrustoutthereintothecommonroad,tornfromitsplace,fromthediscreetintimacyofherbridalchamber,violated,profaned,flungoutintothedustandgarishsunshineforallmentostareat,amockeryandashame.
ToHilmaitwasasthoughsomethingofherself,ofherperson,hadbeenthusexposedanddegraded;allthatsheheldsacredpilloried,gibbeted,andexhibitedtotheworld’sderision.Tearsofanguishsprangtohereyes,aredflameofoutragedmodestyoverspreadherface.
“Oh,”shecried,asobcatchingherthroat,“oh,howcouldtheydoit?”Butotherfearsintruded;othergreaterterrorsimpended.
“Goon,”shecriedtoVacca,“goonquickly.”
ButVaccawouldgonofurther.
