Літо
VIII
Ageseemedtohavecomedownonhimaswintercomesonthehillsafterastorm.Atlengthhelookedup.
“Charity,yousayyoudon’tcare;butyou’retheproudestgirlIknow,andthelasttowantpeopletotalkagainstyou.Youknowthere’salwayseyeswatchingyou:you’rehandsomerandsmarterthantherest,andthat’senough.Buttilllatelyyou’venevergiventhemachance.Nowthey’vegotit,andthey’regoingtouseit.Ibelievewhatyousay,buttheywon’t....ItwasMrs.TomFryseenyougoingin...andtwoorthreeofthemwatchedforyoutocomeoutagain....You’vebeenwiththefellowalldaylongeverydaysincehecomehere...andI’malawyer,andIknowhowhardslanderdies.”Hepaused,butshestoodmotionless,withoutgivinghimanysignofacquiescenceorevenofattention.“He’sapleasantfellowtotalkto—Ilikedhavinghimheremyself.Theyoungmenuphereain’thadhischances.Butthere’sonethingasoldasthehillsandasplainasdaylight:ifhe’dwantedyoutherightwayhe’dhavesaidso.”
Charitydidnotspeak.Itseemedtoherthatnothingcouldexceedthebitternessofhearingsuchwordsfromsuchlips.
Mr.Royallrosefromhisseat.“Seehere,CharityRoyall:Ihadashamefulthoughtonce,andyou’vemademepayforit.Isn’tthatscoreprettynearwipedout?...There’sastreakinmeIain’talwaysmasterof;butI’vealwaysactedstraighttoyoubutthatonce.Andyou’veknownIwould—you’vetrustedme.Forallyoursneersandyourmockeryyou’vealwaysknownIlovedyouthewayamanlovesadecentwoman.
