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The Business of Life
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Год написания книги
2017
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If it had any significance other than its apparent purport, he grimly refused to consider even such a possibility. And, deadly weary at last, he fell asleep and slept until late in the morning.
It was snowing hard when he awoke. His ablutions ended, he rang for breakfast. On his tray was a note from the girl in blue; he read it and dropped it into his pocket, remembering the fireplace sacrifice of a few days ago at Silverwood, and realising that such frivolous souvenirs were beginning to accumulate again.
He breakfasted without interest, unfolded the morning paper, glanced over the headlines, and saw that there was a little more murder, divorce, and boot-licking than he cared for, laid it aside, and lighted a cigarette. As he dropped the burnt match on the tray, he noticed under it another letter which he had overlooked among the bills and advertisements composing the bulk of the morning mail.
For a little while he held the envelope in his hand, not looking at it; then, with careless deliberation, he cut it open, using a paper knife, and drew out the letter. As he slowly opened it his hands shook in spite of him.
"My Dear Mr. Desboro: I telephoned Mrs. Quant last night and learned that she had given you my message over the wire only a few minutes before; and that you had sent word you could not come to Silverwood, but that I might communicate with you by letter.
"This is what I had to say to you: There is a suit of armour here which is in a very bad condition. It will be expensive to have it repaired by a good armourer. Did you wish to include it in the sale as it is, or have it repaired? It is No. 41 in the old list; No. 69 in my catalogue, now almost completed and ready for the printer. It is that rather unusual suit of black plate-mail, called 'Brigandine Armour,' a XV century suit from Aragon; and the quilted under-jacket has been ruined by moths and has gone completely to pieces. It is a very valuable suit.
"Would you tell me what to do?
"Very sincerely yours,
"Jacqueline Nevers."
An hour later he still sat there with the letter in his hand, gazing at nothing. And until the telephone beside him rang twice he had not stirred.
"Who is it?" he asked finally.
At the reply his face altered subtly, and he bowed his head to listen.
The distant voice spoke again, and:
"Silverwood?" he asked.
"Yes, here's your party."
An interval filled with a vague whirring, then:
"Mr. Desboro?"
"Yes. Good-morning, Miss Nevers."
"Good-morning. Have you a note from me?"
"Yes, thank you. It came this morning. I was just reading it – again."
"I thought I ought to consult you in such a matter."
"Certainly."
"Then – what are your wishes?"
"My wishes are yours."
"I cannot decide such a matter. It will be very expensive – "
"If it is worth the cost to you, it is worth it to me."
"I don't know what you mean. The burden of decision lies with you this time, doesn't it?"
"With us both. Unless you wish me to assume it."
"But it is yours to assume!"
"If you wish, then. But I may ask your opinion, may I not?"
There was a silence, then:
"Whatever you do I approve. I have no – opinion."
"You do not approve all I do."
The rejoinder came faintly: "How do you know?"
"I – wrote to you. Do you approve my writing to you?"
"Yes. If you do."
"And do you approve of what I wrote?"
"Not of all that you wrote."
"I wrote that I would not see you again."
"Yes."
"Do you think that is best?"
"I – do not think about it."
He said: "That, also, is best. Don't think of it at all. And about the armour, do exactly what you would do if you were in my place. Good-bye."
"Mr. Desboro – "
"Yes."
"Could you wait a moment? I am trying to think – "
"Don't try, Jacqueline!"
"Please wait – for me!"
There was a silence; a tiny spot of blood reddened his bitten lip before she spoke again; then:
"I wished to tell you something. I knew why you wrote. Is it right for me to tell you that I understood you? I wanted to write and say so, and – say something else – about how I felt – but it seems I can't. Only – we could be friends more easily now – if you wish."
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Книга дельная. Без воды, приводятся реальные кейсы и способы их разрешения. Много практичных полезных советов и методик. Кое-что уже испробовала в дел...
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