Риф, или Там, где разбивается счастье

           “Youdolikehim,don’tyou,dear?”

           “Oh,mostawfully,dearest,”Effie,againstherbreast,leanedbacktoassureherwithalimpidlook.“AndsodoGrannyandOwen—andIdothinkSophydoestoo,”sheadded,afteramoment’searnestpondering.

           “Ihopeso,”Annalaughed.Shecheckedtheimpulsetocontinue:“Hasshetalkedtoyouabouthim,thatyou’resosure?”Shedidnotknowwhathadmadethequestionspringtoherlips,butshewasgladshehadclosedthembeforepronouncingit.Nothingcouldhavebeenmoredistastefultoherthantoclearupsuchobscuritiesbyturningonthemthetinyflameofherdaughter’sobservation.Andwhat,afterall,nowthatOwen’shappinesswassecured,diditmatteriftherewerecertainreservesinDarrow’sapprovalofhismarriage?

           AknockonthedoormadeAnnaglanceattheclock.“There’sNursetocarryyouoff.”

           “It’sSophy’sknock,”thelittlegirlanswered,jumpingdowntoopenthedoor;andMissVinerinfactstoodonthethreshold.

           “Comein,”Annasaidwithasmile,instantlyremarkinghowpaleshelooked.

           “MayEffiegooutforaturnwithNurse?”thegirlasked.“Ishouldliketospeaktoyouamoment.”

           “Ofcourse.Thisoughttobeyourholiday,asyesterdaywasEffie’s.Runoff,dear,”sheadded,stoopingtokissthelittlegirl.

           WhenthedoorhadclosedsheturnedbacktoSophyVinerwithalookthatsoughtherconfidence.“I’msogladyoucame,mydear.We’vegotsomanythingstotalkabout,justyouandItogether.