Останній лист

           Andthen,withthecomingofthenightthenorthwindwasagainloosed,whiletherainstillbeatagainstthewindowsandpattereddownfromthelowDutcheaves. 

           WhenitwaslightenoughJohnsy,themerciless,commandedthattheshadeberaised. 

           Theivyleafwasstillthere. 

           Johnsylayforalongtimelookingatit. AndthenshecalledtoSue,whowasstirringherchickenbrothoverthegasstove. 

           "I’vebeenabadgirl,Sudie,"saidJohnsy. "SomethinghasmadethatlastleafstaytheretoshowmehowwickedIwas. Itisasintowanttodie. Youmaybringmealittlebrothnow,andsomemilkwithalittleportinit,and—no; bringmeahand-mirrorfirst,andthenpacksomepillowsaboutme,andIwillsitupandwatchyoucook." 

           Anhourlatershesaid. 

           "Sudie,somedayIhopetopainttheBayofNaples." 

           Thedoctorcameintheafternoon,andSuehadanexcusetogointothehallwayasheleft. 

           "Evenchances,"saidthedoctor,takingSue’sthin,shakinghandinhis. "Withgoodnursingyou’llwin. AndnowImustseeanothercaseIhavedownstairs. Behrman,hisnameis—somekindofanartist,Ibelieve.