Прокляття мумії, або Камінь Семи Зірок

           "Whynotnow?"Helookedatme,astoafellowmanofbusiness,andstammeredout:

           "Wearenotalone."

           "IhavebroughtMr.Rosshereonpurpose,"sheanswered."Heknowssomuchatpresent,thatIwanthimtoknowmore."Thesolicitorwasalittledisconcerted,athingwhichthoseknowinghimonlyincourtswouldhardlyhavebelieved.Heanswered,however,withsomehesitation:

           "But,mydearyounglady—YourFather’swishes!—Confidencebetweenfatherandchild—"

           Heresheinterruptedhim;therewasatingeofredinherpalecheeksasshedidso:

           "Doyoureallythinkthatappliestothepresentcircumstances,Mr.Marvin?MyFathernevertoldmeanythingofhisaffairs;andIcannow,inthissadextremity,onlylearnhiswishesthroughagentlemanwhoisastrangertomeandofwhomIneverevenheardtillIgotmyFather’sletter,writtentobeshowntomeonlyinextremity.Mr.Rossisanewfriend;buthehasallmyconfidence,andIshouldlikehimtobepresent.Unless,ofcourse,"sheadded,"suchathingisforbiddenbymyFather.Oh!forgiveme,Mr.Marvin,ifIseemrude;butIhavebeeninsuchdreadfultroubleandanxietylately,thatIhavehardlycommandofmyself."Shecoveredhereyeswithherhandforafewseconds;wetwomenlookedateachotherandwaited,tryingtoappearunmoved.Shewentonmorefirmly;shehadrecoveredherself:

           "Please!pleasedonotthinkIamungratefultoyouforyourkindnessincominghereandsoquickly.