Спрут: Каліфорнійська історія

Chapter VIII

           “Don’tsleepso.I’mfrightenedt.”

           Repeatedlysheshookher;repeatedlyshetriedtoraisetheinerteyelidswiththepointofherfinger.Buthermothernolongerstirred.Thegaunt,leanbody,withitsbonyfaceandsunkeneye-sockets,layback,proneupontheground,thefeetupturnedandshowingtheragged,wornsolesoftheshoes,theforeheadandgreyhairbeadedwithfog,thepoor,fadedbonnetawry,thepoor,fadeddresssoiledandtorn.Hildadrewclosetohermother,kissingherface,twiningherarmsaroundherneck.Foralongtime,shelaythatway,alternatelysobbingandsleeping.Then,afteralongtime,therewasastir.Shewokefromadozetofindapoliceofficerandtwoorthreeothermenbendingoverher.Someonecarriedalantern.Terrified,smittendumb,shewasunabletoanswerthequestionsputtoher.Thenawoman,evidentlyamistressofthehouseonthetopofthehill,arrivedandtookHildainherarmsandcriedoverher.

           “I’lltakethelittlegirl,”shesaidtothepoliceofficer.

           “Butthemother,canyousaveher?Isshetoofargone?”

           “I’vesentforadoctor,”repliedtheother.

           Justbeforetheladiesleftthetable,youngLambertraisedhisglassofMadeira.TurningtowardsthewifeoftheRailroadKing,hesaid:

           “Mybestcomplimentsforadelightfuldinner.”

           ThedoctorwhohadbeenbendingoverMrs.Hooven,rose.

           “It’snouse,”hesaid;“shehasbeendeadsometime—exhaustionfromstarvation.”

           

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