Кентервильское привидение
Chapter 3
Athalf-pasttenheheardthefamilygoingtobed. Forsometimehewasdisturbedbywildshrieksoflaughterfromthetwins, who,withthelightheartedgaietyofschoolboys,wereevidentlyamusingthemselvesbeforetheyretiredtorest, butataquarterpastelevenallwasstill,and,asmidnightsounded,hesalliedforth. Theowlbeatagainstthewindow-panes,theravencroakedfromtheoldyewtree,andthewindwanderedmoaningroundthehouselikealostsoul; buttheOtisfamilysleptunconsciousoftheirdoom, andhighabovetherainandstormhecouldhearthesteadysnoringoftheMinisterfortheUnitedStates. Hesteppedstealthilyoutofthewainscoting,withanevilsmileonhiscruel,wrinkledmouth, andthemoonhidherfaceinacloudashestolepastthegreatorielwindow, wherehisownarmsandthoseofhismurderedwifewereblazonedinazureandgold. Onandonheglided,likeanevilshadow,theverydarknessseemingtoloathehimashepassed. Oncehethoughtheheardsomethingcall,andstopped; butitwasonlythebayingofadogfromtheRedFarm, andhewenton,mutteringstrangesixteenth-centurycurses, andeverandanonbrandishingtherustydaggerinthemidnightair. FinallyhereachedthecornerofthepassagethatledtolucklessWashington’sroom. Foramomenthepausedthere,thewindblowinghislonggreylocksabouthishead, andtwistingintogrotesqueandfantasticfoldsthenamelesshorrorofthedeadman’sshroud. Thentheclockstruckthequarter,andhefeltthetimewascome. Hechuckledtohimself,andturnedthecorner; butnosoonerhadhedonesothan,withapiteouswailofterror,hefellback, andhidhisblanchedfaceinhislong,bonyhands. Rightinfrontofhimwasstandingahorriblespectre, motionlessasacarvenimage,andmonstrousasamadman’sdream! Itsheadwasbaldandburnished;itsfaceround,andfat,andwhite; andhideouslaughterseemedtohavewritheditsfeaturesintoaneternalgrin.
