Веснянки
Chapter XI
HemustseetheBirdWoman,andseeheratonce.Heleanedhiswheelinsidethefenceandwalkedupthebroadfrontentrance.Ashenearedthesteps,hesawthattheplacewasswarmingwithyoungpeople,andtheAngel,withanexcusetoagroupthatsurroundedher,camehurryingtohim.
“OhFreckles!”shecrieddelightedly.“Soyoucouldcome?Weweresoafraidyoucouldnot!I’masgladasIcanbe!”
“Idon’tunderstand,”saidFreckles.“Wereyouexpectingme?”
“Whyofcourse!”exclaimedtheAngel.“Haven’tyoucometomyparty?Didn’tyougetmyinvitation?Isentyouone.”
“Bymail?”askedFreckles.
“Yes,”saidtheAngel.“Ihadtohelpwiththepreparations,andIcouldn’tfindtimetodriveout;butIwroteyoualetter,andtoldyouthattheBirdWomanwasgivingapartyforme,andwewantedyoutocome,surely.ItoldthemattheofficetoputitwithMr.Duncan’smail.”
“Thenthat’slikelywhereitisatpresent,”saidFreckles.“Duncancomestotownonlyonceaweek,andattimesnotthat.He’shometonightforthefirstinaweek.He’swatchinganhourformeuntilIcometotheBirdWomanwithabitofworkIthoughtshe’dbecaringtohearaboutbad.IsshewhereIcanseeher?”
TheAngel’sfaceclouded.
“Whatadisappointment!”shecried.“Ididsowantallmyfriendstoknowyou.Can’tyoustayanyway?”
Frecklesglancedfromhiswading-bootstothepatentleathersofsomeoftheAngel’sfriends,andsmiledwhimsically,buttherewasnodangerofhisevermisjudgingheragain.
“YouknowIcannot,Angel,”hesaid.
