Спрут: Калифорнийская история
Chapter VIII
ThecompanysatdowntothefirstcourseofrawBluePointoysters,serveduponlittlepyramidsofshavedice,andthetwobutlersatoncebeganfillingtheglassesoftheguestswithcoolHautSauterne.
Mrs.Gerard,whowasveryproudofherdinners,andneverabletoresistthetemptationofcommentinguponthemtoherguests,leanedacrosstoPresleyandMrs.Cedarquist,murmuring,“Mr.Presley,doyoufindthatSauternetoocold?IalwaysbelieveitissobourgeoistokeepsuchadelicatewineasSauterneontheice,andtoiceBordeauxorBurgundy—oh,itisnothingshortofacrime.”
“Thisisfromyourownvineyard,isitnot?”askedJulianLambert.“IthinkIrecognisethebouquet.”
Hestrovetomaintainanattitudeoffingourmet,unabletorefrainfromcommentuponthecoursesastheysucceededoneanother.
LittleHonoraGerardturnedtoPresley:
“Youknow,”sheexplained,“PapahashisownvineyardsinsouthernFrance.Heissoparticularabouthiswines;turnsuphisnoseatCaliforniawines.AndIamtogotherenextsummer.Ferrieresisthenameoftheplacewhereourvineyardsare,thedearestvillage!”Shewasabeautifullittlegirlofadaintyporcelaintype,hercolouringlowintone.Sheworenojewels,butherlittle,undevelopedneckandshoulders,ofanexquisiteimmaturity,rosefromthetullebodiceofherfirstdecolletegown.
“Yes,”shecontinued;“I’mtogotoEuropeforthefirsttime.Won’titbegay?AndIamtohavemyownbonne,andMammaandIaretotravel—somanyplaces,Baden,Homburg,Spa,theTyrol.
