Риф, или Там, где разбивается счастье

XXXIX

           HespokeinasmoothdenationalizedEnglish,which,likethelookinhislong-lashedeyesandthepromptnessofhischarmingsmile,suggestedalongtraininginalltheartsofexpediency.Havingfinallydiscoveredamatch-boxonthefloorbesidethesofa,helithiscigaretteanddroppedbackamongthecushions;andonAnna’sremarkingthatshewassorrytodisturbMrs.Birchherepliedthatthatwasallright,andthatshealwayskepteverybodywaiting.

           Afterthis,throughthehazeofhisperpetuallyrenewedcigarettes,theycontinuedtochatforsometimeofindifferenttopics;butwhenatlastAnnaagainsuggestedthepossibilityofherseeingMrs.Birchherosefromhiscornerwithaslightshrug,andmurmuring:“She’sperfectlyhopeless,”loungedoffthroughaninnerdoor.

           Annawasstillwonderingwhenandinwhatconjunctionofcircumstancesthemuch-marriedLaurahadacquiredapartnersoconspicuousforhispersonalcharms,whentheyoungmanreturnedtoannounce:“Shesaysit’sallright,ifyoudon’tmindseeingherinbed.”

           HedrewasidetoletAnnapass,andshefoundherselfinadimuntidyscentedroom,withapinkcurtainpinnedacrossitssinglewindow,andaladywithagreatdealoffairhairanduncoverednecksmilingatherfromapinkbedonwhichanimmensepowder-pufftrailed.

           “Youdon’tmind,doyou?HecostssuchafrightfullotthatIcan’taffordtosendhimoff,”Mrs.Birchexplained,extendingathickly-ringedhandtoAnna,andleavingherindoubtastowhetherthepersonalludedtowerehermasseurorherhusband.

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