30 лучших рассказов британских писателей / 30 Best British Short Stories

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�Yes, sir; but you see, she is so delicate–’

�Delicate! I forbid your speaking to me on unpleasant topics.’

�Yes, sir; begging your pardon.’

It was characteristic of William to beg my pardon and withdraw his wife, like some unsuccessful dish, as if its taste would not remain in the mouth. I shall be chided for questioning him further about his wife, but, though doubtless an unusual step, it was only bad form superficially, for my motive was irreproachable. I inquired for his wife, not because I was interested in her welfare, but in the hope of allaying my irritation.

I desired to be told by William that the girl’s signals meant his wife’s recovery to health. He should have seen that such was my wish and answered accordingly. But, with the brutal inconsiderateness of his class, he said:

�She has had a good day; but the doctor, he – the doctor is afeard she is dying.

Already I repented my questions. William and his wife seemed in league against me, when they might so easily have chosen some other member.

�Pooh! the doctor,’ I said.

�Yes, sir,’ he answered.

�Have you been married long, William?’

�Eight years, sir. Eight years ago she was – I – I mind her when… and now the doctor says–’

The fellow gaped at me. �More coffee, sir?’ he asked.

�What is her ailment?’

�She was always one of the delicate kind, but full of spirit, and – and you see, she has had a baby lately–’

�William!’

�And she – I – the doctor is afeard she’s not picking up.

�I feel sure she will pick up.’

�Yes, sir?’

It must have been the wine I had drunk that made me tell him:

�I was once married, William. My wife – it was just such a case as yours.’

�She did not get better, sir?’

�No.’

After a pause he said, �Thank you, sir,’ meaning for the sympathy that made me tell him that.

�That little girl comes here with a message from your wife?’

�Yes; if she nods three times it means my wife is a little better.’

�She nodded thrice to-day.’

�But she is told to do that to relieve me, and maybe those nods don’t tell the truth.’

�Is she your girl?’

�No; we have none but the baby. She is a neighbour’s; she comes twice a day.