Ностромо
Chapter 3
“Howfunny!”commentedMartin’ssisterandconfidante;towhichthebrother,withanairofbestParisianblague,hadretorted:
“It’simmense!TheideaofthatChiefoftheStateengaged,withthehelpofprivatecitizens,indiggingamineunderhisownindispensableWarMinister.No!Weareunapproachable!”Andhelaughedimmoderately.
Afterwardshissisterwassurprisedattheearnestnessandabilityhedisplayedincarryingouthismission,whichcircumstancesmadedelicate,andhiswantofspecialknowledgerendereddifficult.ShehadneverseenMartintakesomuchtroubleaboutanythinginhiswholelife.
“Itamusesme,”hehadexplained,briefly.“Iambesetbyalotofswindlerstryingtosellallsortsofgaspipeweapons.Theyarecharming;theyinvitemetoexpensiveluncheons;Ikeepuptheirhopes;it’sextremelyentertaining.Meanwhile,therealaffairisbeingcarriedthroughinquiteanotherquarter.”
WhenthebusinesswasconcludedhedeclaredsuddenlyhisintentionofseeingthepreciousconsignmentdeliveredsafelyinSulaco.Thewholeburlesquebusiness,hethought,wasworthfollowinguptotheend.Hemumbledhisexcuses,tuggingathisgoldenbeard,beforetheacuteyoungladywho(afterthefirstwidestareofastonishment)lookedathimwithnarrowedeyes,andpronouncedslowly—
“IbelieveyouwanttoseeAntonia.
