Спрут: Каліфорнійська історія
Chapter IV
ShepackedafewclothesofherownandSidney’sinalittletrunk,Hilmahelpingher,andAnnixterstowedthetrunkunderthecarry-all’sbackseat.Mrs.DyketurnedthekeyinthedoorofthehouseandAnnixterhelpedhertoherseatbesidehiswife.Theydrovethroughthesear,brownhopvines.AttheangleoftheroadMrs.Dyketurnedaroundandlookedbackattheruinofthehopranch,theroofofthehousejustshowingabovethetrees.Sheneversawitagain.
AssoonasAnnixterandHilmawerealone,aftertheirreturntoQuienSabe—Mrs.DykeandSidneyhavingbeeninstalledintheTrees’oldhouse—Hilmathrewherarmsaroundherhusband’sneck.
“Fine,”sheexclaimed,“oh,itwasfineofyou,deartothinkofthemandtobesogoodtothem.MyhusbandissuchaGOODman.Sounselfish.Youwouldn’thavethoughtofbeingkindtoMrs.DykeandSidneyalittlewhileago.Youwouldn’thavethoughtofthematall.Butyoudidnow,andit’sjustbecauseyoulovemetrue,isn’tit?Isn’tit?Andbecauseit’smadeyouabetterman.I’msoproudandgladtothinkit’sso.Itisso,isn’tit?Justbecauseyoulovemetrue.”
“Youbetitis,Hilma,”hetoldher.
AsHilmaandAnnixterweresittingdowntothesupperwhichtheyfoundwaitingforthem,LouisaVaccacametothedoorofthedining-roomtosaythatHarranDerrickhadtelephonedoverfromLosMuertosforAnnixter,andhadleftwordforhimtoringupLosMuertosassoonashecamein.
“Hesaiditwasimportant,”addedLouisaVacca.
“MaybetheyhavenewsfromWashington,”suggestedHilma.
