Заборонений ліс
XIII. White Magic
BeforetheduskfellhewasontheroadtoCalidon.
Hehadexpectedtofindahousegarrisonedanddragooned,andhadinventedanerrandofministerialdutytoexplainhispresence.HefoundinsteadanormalCalidon--theeveningbustleaboutthegates,anopendoor,andKatrineherselftakingtheairinthepleasancebesidethedovecot.Shecametowardshimwithbrightinquiringeyes.
"Youhavesoldiershere?"heaskedbreathlessly.
Shenoddedtoacornerofthehouse,whichhadbeentheshelloftheoldpeeltower.
"Theyarethere--threeofthem--sincelastnight.Theyarriveddrunk--withtwowretchedwomentiedtotheirstirrups....Weweremostcourteoustothem,andtheywerenotcourteoustous.SoJockDoddswiledthemintotheplacewecalltheHowlet’sNestandgavethemusquebaghandstrongaletilltheydroppedonthefloor.Theyareprisonersandwokeupanhourago,buttheymayroarlongandloudbeforeacheepisheardoutsidetheHowlet’sNest,andthedoorisstoutenoughtodefyanarmy."
"ButLesliehimselfwillbehere.Othersoldierswillcome,andhowwillyouexplainyourprisoners?"
Thegirllaughedmerrily."TrustAuntGrizel.Twolonewomen--violentanddrunkenbanditti--lockingthemuptheonlyway--andthenaspateoftextsandafinepassageaboutsoldiersofthegoodcausesettinganensample.IwillwagermybesthawkthatAuntGrizelwilltalkdownGeneralLeslieandeveryministerinhistrain....Thewomenaresafeinthegarret,lesshurtthanfrightened.ThepoorthingstalkonlytheErse,andthere’snoneaboutthetowntocrackwiththem.