Риф, або Там, де розбивається щастя

XXIX

           ToliveatDarrow’ssideinseemingintimacyandharmonyforanothertwenty-fourhoursseemedharderthantolivewithouthimforalltherestofherdays.Herstrengthfailedher,andshethrewherselfdownandburiedhersobsinthecushionswhereshehadsooftenhiddenafaceaglowwithhappiness.

           “Anna——”Hisvoicewasclosetoher.“Letmetalktoyouquietly.It’snotworthyofeitherofustobeafraid.”

           Wordsofendearmentwouldhaveoffendedher;butherheartroseatthecalltohercourage.

           “I’venodefensetomake,”hewenton.“Thefactsaremiserableenough;butatleastIwantyoutoseethemastheyare.Aboveall,IwantyoutoknowthetruthaboutMissViner——”

           ThenamesentthebloodtoAnna’sforehead.Sheraisedherheadandfacedhim.“WhyshouldIknowmoreofherthanwhatshe’stoldme?Ineverwishtohearhernameagain!”

           “It’sbecauseyoufeelaboutherinthatwaythatIaskyou—inthenameofcommoncharity—toletmegiveyouthefactsastheyare,andnotasyou’veprobablyimaginedthem.”

           “I’vetoldyouIdon’tthinkuncharitablyofher.Idon’twanttothinkofheratall!”

           “That’swhyItellyouyou’reafraid.”

           “Afraid?”

           “Yes.You’vealwayssaidyouwanted,aboveall,tolookatlife,atthehumanproblem,asitis,withoutfearandwithouthypocrisy;andit’snotalwaysapleasantthingtolookat.”Hebrokeoff,andthenbeganagain:“Don’tthinkthisapleaformyself!Idon’twanttosayawordtolessenmyoffense.Idon’twanttotalkofmyselfatall.

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