Спрут: Калифорнийская история

           ItwasaGothicwindowofstainedglass,verylarge,thecentrefiguresbeingarmedwarriors,ParsifalandLohengrin;theonewithabanner,theotherwithaswan.Theeffectwasexquisite,thewindowaveritablemasterpiece,glowing,flaming,andburningwithahundredtintsandcolours—opalescent,purple,wine-red,cloudedpinks,royalblues,saffrons,violetssodarkastobealmostblack.

           Underfoot,thecarpethadallthesoftnessoftextureofgrass;skins(oneofthemofanenormouspolarbear)andrugsofsilkvelvetwerespreaduponthefloor.ARenaissancecabinetofebony,manyfeettallerthanPresley’shead,andinlaidwithivoryandsilver,occupiedonecorneroftheroom,whileinitscentrestoodavasttableofFlemishoak,black,heavyasiron,massive.Afaintodourofsandalwoodpervadedtheair.Fromtheconservatorynear-by,camethesplashingofafountain.Arowofelectricbulbsletintothefriezeofthewallsbetweenthegoldencapitals,andburningdimlybehindhemispheresofcloudedglass,threwasubduedlightoverthewholescene.

           Mrs.Gerardcameforward.

           “ThisisMr.Presley,ofcourse,ournewpoetofwhomweareallsoproud.Iwassoafraidyouwouldbeunabletocome.Youhavegivenmearealpleasureinallowingmetowelcomeyouhere.”

           Thefootmanappearedatherelbow.

           “Dinnerisserved,madame,”heannounced.

           WhenMrs.Hoovenhadlefttheboarding-houseonCastroStreet,shehadtakenupapositiononaneighbouringcorner,towaitforMinna’sreappearance.LittleHilda,atthistimehardlymorethansixyearsofage,waswithher,holdingtoherhand.

           Mrs.