Ностромо
Chapter 8
CompanyinSulaco,thehostsofthatinformalfunction,withthecaptainoftheshipandsomeminorofficialsfromtheshorearoundhim.Thosecheery,swarthylittlegentlemencastjovialside-glancesatthebottlesofchampagnebeginningtopopbehindtheguests’backsinthehandsoftheship’sstewards.Theamberwinecreameduptotherimsoftheglasses.
CharlesGouldhadhisplacenexttoaforeignenvoy,who,inalistlessundertone,hadbeentalkingtohimfitfullyofhuntingandshooting.Thewell-nourished,paleface,withaneyeglassanddroopingyellowmoustache,madetheSenorAdministradorappearbycontrasttwiceassunbaked,moreflamingred,ahundredtimesmoreintenselyandsilentlyalive.DonJoseAvellanostouchedelbowswiththeotherforeigndiplomat,adarkmanwithaquiet,watchful,self-confidentdemeanour,andatouchofreserve.Alletiquettebeinglaidasideontheoccasion,GeneralMonterowastheonlyonethereinfulluniform,sostiffwithembroideriesinfrontthathisbroadchestseemedprotectedbyacuirassofgold.SirJohnatthebeginninghadgotawayfromhighplacesforthesakeofsittingnearMrs.Gould.
Thegreatfinancierwastryingtoexpresstoherhisgratefulsenseofherhospitalityandofhisobligationtoherhusband’s“enormousinfluenceinthispartofthecountry,”whensheinterruptedhimbyalow“Hush!”ThePresidentwasgoingtomakeaninformalpronouncement.
TheExcellentissimowasonhislegs.
