Мхи старой усадьбы
Rappaccini's Daughter
Therewassurpriseinherface,butbrightenedbyasimpleandkindexpressionofpleasure.
"Youareaconnoisseurinflowers,signor,"saidBeatrice,withasmile,alludingtothebouquetwhichhehadflungherfromthewindow."Itisnomarvel,therefore,ifthesightofmyfather’srarecollectionhastemptedyoutotakeanearerview.Ifhewerehere,hecouldtellyoumanystrangeandinterestingfactsastothenatureandhabitsoftheseshrubs;forhehasspentalifetimeinsuchstudies,andthisgardenishisworld."
"Andyourself,lady,"observedGiovanni,"iffamesaystrue,—youlikewisearedeeplyskilledinthevirtuesindicatedbytheserichblossomsandthesespicyperfumes.Wouldyoudeigntobemyinstructress,IshouldproveanapterscholarthaniftaughtbySignorRappaccinihimself."
"Aretheresuchidlerumors?"askedBeatrice,withthemusicofapleasantlaugh."DopeoplesaythatIamskilledinmyfather’sscienceofplants?Whatajestisthere!No;thoughIhavegrownupamongtheseflowers,Iknownomoreofthemthantheirhuesandperfume;andsometimesmethinksIwouldfainridmyselfofeventhatsmallknowledge.Therearemanyflowershere,andthosenottheleastbrilliant,thatshockandoffendmewhentheymeetmyeye.Butpray,signor,donotbelievethesestoriesaboutmyscience.Believenothingofmesavewhatyouseewithyourowneyes."
"AndmustIbelieveallthatIhaveseenwithmyowneyes?"askedGiovanni,pointedly,whiletherecollectionofformerscenesmadehimshrink."No,signora;youdemandtoolittleofme.
