Різдвяна історія
Chapter 3
ThenuproseMrsCratchit,Cratchit’swife,dressedoutbutpoorlyinatwice-turnedgown,butbraveinribbons,whicharecheapandmakeagoodlyshowforsixpence;andshelaidthecloth,assistedbyBelindaCratchit,secondofherdaughters,alsobraveinribbons;whileMasterPeterCratchitplungedaforkintothesaucepanofpotatoes,andgettingthecornersofhismonstrousshirtcollar(Bob’sprivateproperty,conferreduponhissonandheirinhonouroftheday)intohismouth,rejoicedtofindhimselfsogallantlyattired,andyearnedtoshowhislineninthefashionableParks.AndnowtwosmallerCratchits,boyandgirl,cametearingin,screamingthatoutsidethebaker’stheyhadsmeltthegoose,andknownitfortheirown;andbaskinginluxuriousthoughtsofsageandonion,theseyoungCratchitsdancedaboutthetable,andexaltedMasterPeterCratchittotheskies,whilehe(notproud,althoughhiscollarsnearlychokedhim)blewthefire,untiltheslowpotatoesbubblingup,knockedloudlyatthesaucepan-lidtobeletoutandpeeled.
‘Whathasevergotyourpreciousfatherthen?’saidMrsCratchit.‘Andyourbrother,TinyTim.AndMarthawarn’taslatelastChristmasDaybyhalf-an-hour.’
‘Here’sMartha,mother,’saidagirl,appearingasshespoke.
‘Here’sMartha,mother!’criedthetwoyoungCratchits.‘Hurrah!There’ssuchagoose,Martha!’
‘Why,blessyourheartalive,mydear,howlateyouare!’saidMrsCratchit,kissingheradozentimes,andtakingoffhershawlandbonnetforherwithofficiouszeal.
