Незнакомка из Уайлдфелл-Холла. Уровень 2 / The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

”

“Did you see anything in her manner?”

“No, certainly; but then, you know, I always said there was something strange about her.”

That evening I went to Wildfell Hall. By this time, you see, I was in love with her. I took from the book-case an old volume to offer her, and hastened away.

Arthur was playing with his frolicsome little dog in the garden. I looked over the gate and called him to me.

“Arthur, tell your mother I want to speak to her.”

He ran to perform my bidding, and quickly returned with his mother.

“Well, Mr. Markham, what is it?” said the young mother.

“I want you to look at this book, and, if you please, to take it, and peruse it at your leisure.”

“Tell him to come in, mamma,” said Arthur.

And we sauntered through the garden, and talked of the flowers, the trees, and the book, and then of other things. The evening was kind and genial, and so was my companion. We passed a rose-tree. She plucked a beautiful half-open bud and bade me give it to Rose.

“May I not keep it myself?” I asked.

“No; but here is another for you.”

I took the hand that offered it, and looked into her face.

“Mr. Markham,” said she, with desperate calmness, “I must tell you something. I like your company, because I am alone here, and your conversation pleases me more than that of any other person. But if you cannot regard me as a friend – a plain, cold, motherly, or sisterly friend – I must beg you to leave me now, and let me alone hereafter.

“I will, then – be your friend, or brother, or anything you wish. But tell me why I cannot be anything more?”

There was a perplexed and thoughtful pause.

“Is it in consequence of some rash vow?”

“It is something of the kind,” she answered. “Some day I may tell you, but at present please leave me, Gilbert.”

How sweet, how musical my own name sounded in her mouth!

“May I come to see you now and then[13 - now and then – иногда]?”

“Perhaps – occasionally.

“And will you always call me Gilbert? It sounds more sisterly.”

She smiled and re-entered the house and I went down the hill. But suddenly the tramp of horses' hoofs fell on my ear, and broke the stillness of the dewy evening. I saw a solitary equestrian. I knew him at a glance: it was Mr. Lawrence on his grey pony.