Маленький лорд Фаунтлерой

           Theladiespettedhimandaskedhimquestions,andthemenaskedhimquestionstoo,andjokedwithhim,asthemenonthesteamerhaddonewhenhecrossedtheAtlantic.Fauntleroydidnotquiteunderstandwhytheylaughedsosometimeswhenheansweredthem,buthewassousedtoseeingpeopleamusedwhenhewasquiteserious,thathedidnotmind.Hethoughtthewholeeveningdelightful.Themagnificentroomsweresobrilliantwithlights,thereweresomanyflowers,thegentlemenseemedsogay,andtheladiesworesuchbeautiful,wonderfuldresses,andsuchsparklingornamentsintheirhairandontheirnecks.Therewasoneyoungladywho,heheardthemsay,hadjustcomedownfromLondon,whereshehadspentthe“season”;andshewassocharmingthathecouldnotkeephiseyesfromher.Shewasarathertallyoungladywithaproudlittlehead,andverysoftdarkhair,andlargeeyesthecolorofpurplepansies,andthecoloronhercheeksandlipswaslikethatofarose.Shewasdressedinabeautifulwhitedress,andhadpearlsaroundherthroat.Therewasonestrangethingaboutthisyounglady.Somanygentlemenstoodnearher,andseemedanxioustopleaseher,thatFauntleroythoughtshemustbesomethinglikeaprincess.Hewassomuchinterestedinherthatwithoutknowingithedrewnearerandnearertoher,andatlastsheturnedandspoketohim.

           “Comehere,LordFauntleroy,”shesaid,smiling;“andtellmewhyyoulookatmeso.”

           “Iwasthinkinghowbeautifulyouare,”hisyounglordshipreplied.