Спрут: Каліфорнійська історія

           AnAscotscarf—agreatpuffofheavyblacksilk—wasathisneck,theknottransfixedbyatinygoldenpinsetoffwithanopalandfoursmalldiamonds.

           Atoneendoftheroomweretwogreatwindowsofplateglass,andpausingatlengthbeforeoneofthese,Lymanselectedacigarettefromhiscurvedboxofoxydizedsilver,lititandstoodlookingdownandout,willingtobeidleforamoment,amusedandinterestedintheview.

           HisofficewasonthetenthflooroftheEXCHANGEBUILDING,abeautiful,tower-likeaffairofwhitestone,thatstoodonthecornerofMarketStreetnearitsintersectionwithKearney,themostimposingofficebuildingofthecity.

           Belowhimthecityswarmedtumultuousthroughitsgrooves,thecable-carsstartingandstoppingwithagayjanglingofbellsandastridentwhirringofjostledglasswindows.Draysandcartsclatteredoverthecobbles,andanincessantshufflingofthousandsoffeetrosefromthepavement.AroundLotta’sfountainthebasketsoftheflowersellers,crammedwithchrysanthemums,violets,pinks,roses,lilies,hyacinths,setabrisknoteofcolourinthegreyofthestreet.

           ButtoLyman’snotionthegeneralimpressionofthiscentreofthecity’slifewasnotoneofstrenuousbusinessactivity.