Ностромо
Chapter 13
Shemurmured—
“Giveupthepalazzo,Giovanni,andthevineyardonthehills,forwhichwearestarvingourlove.”
Sheceased,seeingLindastandingsilentatthecornerofthehouse.
Nostromoturnedtohisaffiancedwifewithagreeting,andwasamazedathersunkeneyes,atherhollowcheeks,attheairofillnessandanguishinherface.
“Haveyoubeenill?”heasked,tryingtoputsomeconcernintothisquestion.
Herblackeyesblazedathim.“AmIthinner?”sheasked.
“Yes—perhaps—alittle.”
“Andolder?”
“Everydaycounts—forallofus.”
“Ishallgogrey,Ifear,beforetheringisonmyfinger,”shesaid,slowly,keepinghergazefasteneduponhim.
Shewaitedforwhathewouldsay,rollingdownherturned-upsleeves.
“Nofearofthat,”hesaid,absently.
Sheturnedawayasifithadbeensomethingfinal,andbusiedherselfwithhouseholdcareswhileNostromotalkedwithherfather.ConversationwiththeoldGaribaldinowasnoteasy.Agehadlefthisfacultiesunimpaired,onlytheyseemedtohavewithdrawnsomewheredeepwithinhim.Hisanswerswereslowincoming,withaneffectofaugustgravity.Butthatdayhewasmoreanimated,quicker;thereseemedtobemorelifeintheoldlion.Hewasuneasyfortheintegrityofhishonour.
