The Wonderful Wizard of Oz / Волшебник из страны Оз. Книга для чтения на английском языке

�Just the same ugly old mansion,’ he remarked. �Still standing, though, that’s the main thing. How’s my father, Tressilian?’

�He’s somewhat of an invalid, sir. Keeps his room[74 - Keeps his room – (разг.) Придерживается домашнего режима (не выходит)], and can’t get about much. But he’s wonderfully well, considering.’

�The old sinner!’

Harry Lee came inside, let Tressilian remove his scarf and take the somewhat theatrical hat.

�How’s my dear brother Alfred, Tressilian?’

�He’s very well, sir.

Harry grinned. �Looking forward to seeing me? Eh?’

�I expect so, sir.’

�I don’t! Quite the contrary. I bet it’s given him a nasty jolt, my turning up! Alfred and I never did get on. Ever read your Bible, Tressilian?’

�Why, yes, sir, sometimes, sir.’

�Remember the tale of the prodigal’s return? The good brother didn’t like it, remember? Didn’t like it at all! Good old stay-at-home Alfred doesn’t like it either, I bet.

Tressilian remained silent looking down his nose[75 - looking down his nose – (разг.) выражая явное неодобрение]. His stiffened back expressed protest. Harry clapped him on the shoulder. �Lead on, old son,’ he said. �The fatted calf awaits me! Lead me right to it.’

Tressilian murmured: �If you will come this way into the drawing-room, sir. I am not quite sure where everyone is… They were unable to send to meet you, sir, not knowing the time of your arrival.

Harry nodded. He followed Tressilian along the hall, turning his head to look about him as he went.

�All the old exhibits in their place, I see,’ he remarked. �I don’t believe anything has changed since I went away twenty years ago.’

He followed Tressilian into the drawing-room.

The old man murmured: �I will see if I can find Mr or Mrs Alfred,’ and hurried out.

Harry Lee had marched into the room and had then stopped, staring at the figure who was seated on one of the window-sills.

�Good Lord!’ he said. �Are you my father’s seventh and most beautiful wife?’

Pilar slipped down and came towards him. �I am Pilar Estravados,’ she announced. �And you must be my Uncle Harry, my mother’s brother.’

Harry said, staring: �So that’s who you are! Jenny’s daughter.