PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
I. Reproduce the following situations. Make sure that you use the active vocabulary:
I
1. It so happened that the cook of the schooner Curlew wai taken ill. The captain had no time to look for a good cook and he was obliged to take on the first man who offered him his services with-
"out even making inquiries about him.
The man turned out to be none other than Mr. Letts, a former carpenter. Mr. Letts had very little experience in cooking, but he hoped to be able to manage the job.
His first efforts were not very successful, but the captain did not pay attention to the crew's complaints. Soon, however, Mr. Letts' experiments began to tell on the sailors' health, and the captain had no choice but to sack the unfortunate cook.
2. Thus Mr. Letts found himself in an unknown town, without work or friends. He sat down on a bench overlooking the sea and began to think of the future. He must have dozed off because when he opened his eyes he saw a middle-aged woman sitting at the other end of the bench. She was looking him over carefully.
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"Excuse me for disturbing you," she said, "but you look exactly like my son, whom I lost nine years ago ..." and tears filled her eyes.
Mr. Letts had a kind heart and could not help sympathizing with her. He cleared his throat.
"Don't give way to despair. He may turn up yet. You should not lose hope."
The woman shook her head.
"It's very nice of you to say so, but that is impossible, he was drowned ..."
3. There was a silence, then she continued.
"My second husband is treating me and my daughter badly. He must have married me only for my money. If my son were alive, things would be different." Suddenly she said: "Would you help me take the better of my husband for his cruel treatment of me? His name is Green. Suppose you come round and pretend to be my son?"
Mr. Letts stared at her in amazement, and then began to laugh.
"You don't run any risk. Nobody will know you," continued the woman quickly. "We only came to this place just before my son sailed, and his sister was only ten at the time. She doesn't remember clearly what her brother looked like."
"I doubt very much whether that will help you in the long run," said Mr. Letts after a moment's hesitation, "I'd rather not do it. I'm sure nothing good will come of it. Besides, I have no experience in acting and I'd give myself away at once."
4. He was about to say something more, but at that moment they saw a young girl coming towards them. Mrs. Green gave a startled cry and the next minute was heartily embracing the young man.
Mr. Letts had not recovered from his astonishment when Mrs. Green exclaimed:
"Here comes your sister, Betty! I want you to like her!" '
5. On seeing the'pretty girl Mr. Letts' heart softened. Now it did not take Mrs. Green long to persuade him to agree to her plan.
If Mrs. Green had known what joke Ш. Letts would play on her, she would never have talked to him.
II
1. Miss Posie Carrington was the star, of the theatre. She was a gifted actress but a very difficult person to deal with.
And now Mr. Goldstein, manager of the theatre, found himself in a difficult position. He had just offered Miss Posie the leading part in a new play about country life but she had turned down the proposal saying that none of the actors in his company would be able to play the part of a country fellow.
Mr. Goldstein tried to convince her that she was wrong, and that there were many talented actors in his theatre, but his efforts were in vain.
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"The person you choose will have to convince me of his ability to play the part," she repeated. "Then I will consent to have him as my partner."
Mr. Goldstein gave in. He felt that if he continued arguing it would make things worse. He would have liked to give her notice there and then, but he realized that it would be madness to lose her.
2. That evening he was sitting in his office reading the evening newspaper when there was a knock at the door. His secretary showed in a tall, handsome young man of about 25. Mr. Goldstein looked up.
"Good-evening, Mr. Goldstein,", said the young man. "My name is Highsmith. I hear you need actors. I would like to work for you very much. Though I am a beginner and I have very little experience in acting, I would do my best to add to the popularity of your theatre ..."
When Mr. Goldstein saw the young man, it struck him that Miss Posie might like the handsome young actor.
"Sit down, please. Tell me about yourself," said the manager.
3. When Mr. Goldstein offered to introduce the young man to Miss Posie, the latter said:
"I'd better do it myself."
"What do you mean?"
"I've heard a lot about Miss Posie and first of all I must convince her that I'm able to play the role of a country fellow."
"What do you suggest?" the manager asked, brightening.
"A brilliant idea has occurred to me," answered the young man. "I hope you will agree to let me try it," and the young man told Mr. Goldstein in detail everything he intended to do.
Having heard the young man, the manager said:
"The plan is original, but I very much doubt whether it will work. But you can try it. I wish you good luck."
4. Miss Posie Carrington was having supper in a restaurant in the company of Mr. Goldstein and some actors when everybody's attention was attracted by an awkward young country fellow. He had entered the hall a few minutes before and was now standing in the middle of the hall gazing around as if he did not notice that he was being looked at.
"Evidently he has never been to a restaurant," said someone jokingly.
"I wish he would come nearer, he looks so funny," said another actor.
Suddenly the fellow made for their table, as- if he had heard the actor's word.
"You're Miss Carrington," said the fellow pointing at her.
"1 wonder how he knows my name," flashed through her mind. "Somebody must have sent him to rne."
"What can I do to help you?"
"My name is Bill. Don't you remember me? We come from the same village ..." and he drew a pathetic picture of the village, Posie's
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former friends and her parents. "I was at your people's home just two or three days ago ... I have been asked to tell you that your mother is longing for you to return. Every evening she sits at the window and stares down the road you went away on ..."
Miss Posie was gripped by a strange feeling. The colour left her face. She felt giddy. With an effort she pulled herself together and smiled at Bill. "Thank you very much for coming. I shall go back home at once."
III
1. In the evening Mark Twain and his companion arrived at Salamanca, a small station, where they were to change for the New York train. Mark Twain was astonished to see crowds of people at the station and on the platform. The whole town seemed to be movirtg off somewhere. Soon they learned that there was no room left in the sleepers, so Mark Twain's companion suggested spending the night at a hotel in Salamanca. "In the morning we are sure to get tickets for the next train," he said, trying to persuade Mark Twain to give up the idea of going by the evening train. But the latter seemed to be annoyed at the suggestion. He said he was sure that as soon as he told them who he was they would give him tickets.
"I have grave doubts about it," his companion said. "I bet you a hundred dollars that your plan will not work. We've1 got to think of something-else." - "All right. You stay here on the platform and think of something else, and I'll go to the booking-office and get the tickets," Mark Twain said and left.
2. "I'm Mark Twain, could you give me two tickets for a sleeping car on the New York train," Mark Twain said cheerfully when he came to the booking-office. The next minute he was unpleasantly surprised. His name did not seem to have made any impression on the clerk in the booking-office. The latter looked at Mark Twain indifferently and said: "All the tickets have been sold."
Mark Twain went to another booking-office, hoping that he would be recognized there, but he was not successful there either. His surprise gave way to anger. "I'll get even with them as soon as I get to New York. I'll find a way to do it," Mark Twain kept saying to himself as he walked back to the platform where he had left his companion.
3. Meanwhile his companion stood thinking hard of what to do. Suddenly an idea struck him. Without losing a moment he went over to the conductor of the sleeper and got into conversation with him. Nobody heard what they were talking about. But when Mark Twain came back, his companion was standing on the platform with a blank expression on his face as if nothing had happened.
4. "What can I do for you?" the conductor asked Mark Twain when the latter appeared on the platform. - "Have you got any vacant berths on your sleeper?" Mark Twain asked. - "Certainly.
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There's a vacant family compartment in the car. I'm sure you'll like it. This way, please," said the conductor.
Mark Twain's anger gave way to utter surprise. "No doubt he's recognized me," said Mark Twain, getting into the carriage. "It's a pity I didn't turn to the conductor sooner. To tell you the truth, I would have been hurt if nobody had recognized me." His companion made no answer, but a knowing smile appeared on his face.
5. As soon as Mark Twain made himself comfortable in the compartment, he said: "You've lost the bet. You owe me a hundred dollars." - "On the contrary. I'm the one who's won the bet; I am sure the conductor has taken you for somebody else." - "Impossible! He can't have taken me for anyone other than Mark Twain." - "Let's find out."
Mark Twain called the conductor and asked him whether he had read any of his books. To his surprise the conductor answered: "I know you're the Mayor of New York, and this year I have not missed any of your speeches ..." Mark Twain's companion could not help bursting into laughter.
"It serves you right for being so conceited," he said.
II. Fill in prepositions and postpositives:
1. Mrs. Packletide gave a lunch ... her friend's honour ... her house ... Curzon street. 2. Driven ... old age the tiger had to give up killing wild beasts and confined his appetite ... the smaller domestic animals. 3. The villagers feared lest the tiger should die ... old age before the day appointed ... the shooting party. 4. A convenient platform was constructed ... a large tree. 5. She was annoyed... her friend's remark. 6. She never confided her troubles ... anybody. 7. She always accused Gordon ... being scared ... his father. 8. She felt somebody pulling ... her arm. She looked up. 9. Towards evening she became restless, pacing ... and ... the shop ... her excitement, and serving the customers ... an absent-minded way. 10. She was surprised ... what she had done, but she hoped it might bring Gordon ... his senses. 11. She was startled ... a knocking ... the door. 12. He felt ... his pocket ... money to pay ... the book. 13. He was accustomed ... giving his children good presents ... their birthdays. 14. There were a lot of people in the shop and they got ... each other's way. 15. She always turned .... her nose ... her husband's friends. 16. As they walked ... the sunlight he was groping ... words to describe his feelings... her. 17. The talk turned... those who were absent. 18. They were convinced ... Johnny's-existence. 19. The enemy was driven ....... the place ... good. 20. He had a frank pleasant face and I took ... him immediately. 21. I grew accustomed ... the clothes I was wearing. 22. "Don't go......your way to annoy me," Nan said. 23. This man saved my life ... the risk ... his own. 24. We were caught ... a snowstorm ... our way home. 25. After the unpleasant scene he did not dare to look her ... the face. 26. The idea was absurd ... the face ... it. 27. I advise you to confide your difficulties ... your teacher. 28. Can I confide ... you? 29. We must confine ourselves
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at the moment merely ... a discussion of the programme of our work. 30. How could you have taken the girl ... your confidence? 31. He made ...... the damage by paying for the repairs. 32. The fuel was running ... and they knew they would not reach the airdrome. 33. I can't make ... this inscription. 34. She stood ... her husband through thick and thin. 35. He stood by the book-stall turning ... the book. 36. Don't sit ...... me. I expect to come home very late. 37. I told you I would come ... sure. 38. He came ... this book ... chance. 39. She was so naive that she was quite taken ... ... his words. 40. He was accustomed ... sitting ... late. 41. When he retired he took ... gardening. 42. He took ... coming every evening ... our cottage. 43. What you say comes ... this: we'll have to give ... our trip ... the seaside. 44. Don't throw that plastic bag ...; it may come ... handy. 45. What will come ... all this? 46. Simon looked up and his eyes were now a little more accustomed ... the bright light. 47. "Don't give way ... despair," he said.
III. Point out the structural patterns and explain their use. Translate the sentences into Russian:
1. Enid looked up to find her husband still standing in the doorway. 2. Ben had started another cigarette and was coughing to show how much he disliked it. 3. Grace hurried indoors, even before the young man had time to turn round. 4. "I don't much like the prospect of getting involved in all this," thought Peter Donnelly. 5. "Mr. Day has just phoned," said the station master. "He suggests, you should go to the hotel. He'll get in touch with you." 6. They hadn't been out of Simon's bedroom five minutes before the door bell rang. 7. After Mrs. Milburn had gone, Merry Ann changed - she was no longer the "lovely" girl, a model of the younger generation. 8. "Oh, that boy," Sladen's mother used to say, "he will refuse to wash his face unless he is forcibly led to the bathroom." 9. All Erik had had as an undergraduate were the usual courses in mechanics, light, thermodynamics and electricity.
IV. Revise the texts included in Units Seven-Thirteen. Get ready to answer the following questions:
1. What memories (and emotions) would the words "big game shooting in India" arouse in Mrs. Packletide? 2. Who do you think is the main character of the story "Mrs. Packletide's Tiger"? 3. What did Enid mean when she sard that Gordon had been "captured by the place" like the other inhabitants, like his father? Why did she fear that this might happen to her too? 4. Did she return to the village with old Day, do you think? What was her life like after that (if she returned with him or if she didn't)? 5. What made John Har-court call Grace a snob? 6. Why did the Resistance leaders disagree as to what had happened to Spitfire Johnny? 7. What strikes you most in Mozart's life? 8. What do you think was the predominant feature in Rodin's character?
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У. Write an outline of the following story. Make a list of the words for each point of the outline. Retell the story following your points:
THE BOATSWAIN'S MATE
By W. W. Jacobs
Mr. George Benn, retired boatswain, sighed noisily, and with a despondent gesture, turned to the door and stood with the handle in his hand; Mrs. Waters, sitting behind the tiny bar, eyed him with some heat.
"My feelings' Il never change," said the boatswain.
"Nor mine either," said the landlady, sharply.' "It's a strange thing, Mr. Benn, but you always ask me to marry you after the third mug."
"It's only to get my courage up," pleaded the boatswain. "Next time I'll do it before I've had a drop; that'll prove to you I'm in earnest."
He stepped outside and closed the door before the lady could make a selection from the many retorts that crowded to her lips.
The boatswain walked for two miles deep in thought, and then, coming to a shady bank, took a seat upon an inviting piece of turf and lit his pipe. The heat and the drowsy hum of bees made him nod; his pipe hung from the corner of his mouth, and his eyes closed. He opened them at the sound of approaching footsteps, and, feeling in his pocket for matches, gazed lazily at the intruder. He saw a tall man carrying a small bundle over his shoulder, and in the erect carriage, the keen eyes, and bronzed face had little difficulty in detecting the old soldier.
"Got a pipe o'baccy, mate?" he inquired.
The boatswain handed him the small metal box in which he kept that luxury.
The old soldier thanked him, and with the air of one disposed to conversation, dropped his bundle and took a seat beside the boatswain.
"I've got plenty of time," he remarked.
Mr. Benn nodded, and for a while smoked on in silence. A dim idea which had been in his mind for some time began to clarify. He stole a glance at his companion - a man of about thirty-eight, clear eyes, with humorous wrinkles at the corners, a heavy moustache, and a cheerful expression.
"What's your name?" asked the boatswain.
"Ned Travers."
"And mine's Benn. Would you like a job?"
"What job?"
"Now listen," said the boatswain, lighting his pipe again. "Two miles from here, where I live, there's a little public-house called the Beehive, kept by a lady what I've got my eye on. She's a lone widow, and the Beehive is in a lonely place." - "Silly place for a pub," commented Mr. Travers.
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"I've been telling her how unsafe it is," said the boatswain. "I've been telling her that she wants a man to protect her, and she only laughs at me. My idea is," continued the boatswain, slightly raising his voice, "to kill two birds with one stone - prove to her that she does want being protected, and that I'm the man to protect her. My opinion is that she loves me without knowing it. Do you understand what I'm driving at?"
"Go on," said Mr. Travers, "I'm listening."
The boatswain gazed at him fixedly. "You meet me here in this spot at eleven o'clock tonight," he said solemnly, "and I'll take you to her house and put you through a little window I know of. You go' upstairs and alarm her, and she screams for help. I'm watching the house, faithful-like and hearing her scream, I dash in at the window, knock you down, and rescue her. In her gratitude, and, proud of my strength and pluck, she marries me ..."
"And I get a five years' honeymoon," said the soldier.
He rose to his feet and stretched himself. "Time I was toddling," he said, with a yawn. "Thanks for amusing me, mate."
"You won't do it?" said the boatswain, eyeing him with much concern. "I - I'll pay," said the boatswain, trembling with eagerness. "I've taken a fancy to you; you're just the man for the job."
The soldier adjusted the bundle, glanced at him over his shoulder. "Thankee," he said, with mock gratitude.
"Look here," said the boatswain, springing up and catching him by the sleeve, "I'll give it to you in writing. Come, you aren't fainthearted."
Mr. Travers hesitated, then he seated himself again and let his bundle fall to the ground. "Go on," he said, slowly. "Write it out fair and square and sign it, and I'm your man."
The document was finished after several failures, and the boatswain heaved a sigh of relief, and handing it over to the soldier leaned back with a complacent air while he read it.
"Seems all right," said the soldier, folding it up and putting it in his waistcoat pocket. "I'll be here at eleven tonight."
"Eleven it is," said the boatswain, briskly, "and here's half a dollar to go on with."
At eleven o'clock Mr. Travers greeted the boatswain cheerfully and, honestly attributing the fact to the good food and a couple of pints of beer he had had since he left the boatswain, said that he was ready for anything.
Soon they came to a small inn standing just off the road. "How do you feel?" said Mr. Travers. "I feel as if I've been burgling all my life. How do you feel?"
"Nervous," said Mr. Benn, pausing under a small window at the rear of the house. "This is the one."
Mr. Travers slipped inside and, following the instructions of Mr. Benn, made his way to the stairs and mounted noiselessly.
He pushed the door open slowly and started as it creaked. Nothing happening, he pushed again, and standing just inside, he saw that
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he was in a bedroom. He listened for the sound of breathing, but in vain. "Quiet sleeper," he reflected, "or perhaps it is an empty room. J wonder ..."
The sound of an opening door made him start violently, and he stood still, scarcely breathing, with ears on the alert. A light shone on the landing, and peeping round the door he saw a woman coming along the corridor - a younger and better looking woman than he had expected to see. In one hand she held a candle, in the other she bore a double-barrelled gun. Mr. Travers withdrew into the room and, as the light came nearer, slipped into a big cupboard by the side of the fireplace and, standing bolt upright, waited. The light came into the room.
"Must have been my fancy," said a pleasant voice.
His trained ear recognized the sound of cocking triggers, the next moment a heavy body bumped against the door of the cupboard and the key turned in the lock.
"Got you!" said the voice, triumphantly. "Keep still; if you try and break out I shall shoot you."
"All right," said Mr. Travers, hastily; "I won't move." He began to think it was time for the boatswain to appear on the scene.
"Why don't you call for help? I'll go like a lamb."
"I don't want your advice," was the reply. "I know what to do. Now, don't you try and break out. I'm going to fire one barrel out of the window, but I've got the other one for you if you move."
"Stop!" he said earnestly. "Don't do any thing rash. I'm not a burglar. I'm doing this for a friend of yours - Mr. Benn."
"What?" said an amazed voice.
"True as I stand here," asserted Mr. Travers. "Here's my instructions."'He rustled the paper under the door and it was at once snatched from his fingers ... He stood listening to the startled and indignant exclamations of his goaler as she read the boatswain's permit: "This is to give notice that I, George Benn, being of sound mind and body, have told 'Ned Travers to pretend to be a burglar at Mrs. Waters's. He ain't a burglar, and I shall be outside all the time." (signed) George Benn.
"Where is her
"Out at the back," replied Mr. Travers. "If you go to the window you can see him."
A board creaked. He waited for what seemed a long time, and then the board creaked again.
"Did you see him?" he inquired.
"I did," was the sharp reply. "You both ought to be ashamed of yourselves. You ought to be punished."
"What are you going to do?" said Mr. Travers, somewhat uneasily. "You look too nice to do anything hard; leastways, so far as I can see through this crack."
"Mfrid your own business," said the voice, sharply. "Now, if I let you out, will you promise to do exactly as I tell you? I'm going to give Mr. Benn a lesson he won't forget," proceeded the woman, grimly.
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"I'm going to fire off this gun, and then run down and tell him I've killed you."
Mr. Travers burst into laughter.
"Hush! Stop that laughing!" commanded the voice. "He'll hear you. Be quiet."
The key turned in the lock, and Mr. Travers, stepping forth, clapped his hand over his mouth and endeavoured to obey.
She fired the gun into the hearth-rug, the walls shook with the explosion, and, with a shriek that set Mr. Travers's teeth on edge, she rushed downstairs and, drawing back the bolts found herself in the arms of the agitated boatswain.
"Oh! Oh! Oh!" she cried.
"What's the matter?" gasped the boatswain.
The widow struggled in his arms. "A burglar," she said, in a tense whisper. "But it's all right; I've killed him."
"Kill ─ ─ " stuttered the poor boatswain. "Kill - killed him?"
"First shot," she said with a satisfied air. "Now, you stay where you are," commanded Mrs. Waters. "I don't want any witnesses. I don't want this house to have a bad name. The first thing to do is to get rid of the body. I'll bury him in the garden, I think. There's a spade in the tool-house."
The boatswain reeled and then fumbled with trembling fingers at his collar. Like a man in a dream he stood watching as she ran to the tool-house and returned with a spade and a pick; like a man in a dream he followed her into the garden.
"Be careful," she said sharply. "You're treading down my potatoes."
The boatswain stopped dead and stared at her. Apparently unconscious of his gaze, she began to pace out the measurements and then placing the tools in his hands, urged him to lose no time.
"I'll bring him down when you're gone," she said, looking towards the house.
She re-entered the house and leaning out of the back window watched with simple pleasure the efforts of the amateur sexton. Mr. Benn was digging like one possessed, only pausing at intervals to straighten his back and to cast a fearsome glance about him.
At about two o'clock Benn was through with his job.
"That will do, I think," said Mrs. Waters, stepping up to the hole and regarding it critically. "Now you'd better go straight off home, and, mind, not a word to a soul about thi's."
She put her hand on his shoulder and noting with pleasure that he shuddered at her touch led the way to the gate. The boatswain paused for a moment, as though about to speak, and then, apparently thinking better of it, bade her good-bye in a hoarse voice and walked feebly up the road. Mrs. Waters stood watching until his steps died away in the distance, and then, returning to the garden, took up the spade, regarding with some dismay the mountainous result of his industry, began to fill up the hole.
Mr. Travers joined her. "Let me," he said gallantly.
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Day was breaking as he finished his task. The clean sweet air and the exercise had given him an appetite to which the smell of cooking bacon and hot coffee that came from the house had set a sharper edge. He took his coat and put it on. Mrs. Waters appeared at the door.
"You'd better come in and have some breakfast before you go," she said; "there's no more sleep for me now."
Mr. Travers obeyed with alacrity, and after a satisfying wash in the scullery, came into the big kitchen with his face shining and took a seat at the table. The cloth was neatly laid, and Mrs. Waters, fresh and cool, with a pleasant smile upon her pleasant face, sat behind the tray. -She looked at her guest curiously.
"Why don't you get some settled work?" she inquired with gentle severity, as he imparted snatches of his history between bites.
"Easier said than done," said Mr. Travers, serenely. "There's only one job that-I'm really fit for, now that I'm too old for the Army," he said confidentially.
"Playing at burglars?" hazarded Mrs. Waters.
"Landlord of a little country public-house," said Mr. Travers, simply.
Mrs. Waters fell back and regarded-him with open-eyed amazement.
"Good morning," she said, as soon as she could trust her voice.
"Good-bye," said Mr. Travers, reluctantly. "I should like to hear how old Benn takes this joke, though."
"If you're passing this way again and like to look in - I'll tell you," she said, after a long pause. "Good-bye."
"I'll look in in a week's time," said Mr. Travers.
He took the proffered hand and shook it warmly. "It would be the best joke of all," he said, turning away.
"What would?"
The soldier confronted her again.
"For old Benn to come round here one evening and find me landlord. Think it over." :
Mrs. Waters met his gaze soberly.
"I'll think it over when you have gone," she said, softly. "Now go."
(Abridged)
VI. Choose any 10 word combinations out of the following list and "rite sentences (or short situations) in Russian based on the story "The Boatswain's Mate". Discuss the sentences in class:
on the outskirts of; to catch sight of smb; to be annoyed at smth; to be carried away; to give a sigh of relief; after a long argument he gave in; to give smb a piece of one's mind; to give rise to; to give way to utter surprise; to give way to despair; it's not much of a risk; to do smth at one's own risk; to run the risk of; to be caught red-handed; on the face of it; to confide one's troubles to smb; to take srnb into one's confidence; to run a pub; to go out of the way to do smth; a cold shiver ran down his spine; to run errands for smb; to succeed
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in the long run; smb's patience was running out; to make things worse; to draw the line somewhere; to make for the door; to make out; to make the most of the situation; to feel like doing; to make sense; to talk sense; to stand by through thick and thin; as things stand now; to grope one's way in the dark; to catch one's breath; to make sure that ...; not to turn a hair; to come to an agreement; no good will come of it; to come in handy; on seeing; the right man for; didn't have to; should have done; face to face
VII. Make up dialogues on the following topics:
- Your likes and dislikes.
- A quarrel and reconciliation.
- Sympathy and consolation.
VIII. Translate the following situations in written form:
I
1. Наконец все трое поднялись и направились к дому мистера Грина. Мистер Лете чувствовал себя очень неловко. Теперь он сомневался, стоило ли ему вообще соглашаться с планом миссис Грин. "Да, хотелось бы знать, что мне делать и как вести себя", - думал он.
"Я так рада, что мой брат нашелся, -сказала Бетти со счастливой улыбкой. - Теперь у меня есть, с кем поделиться своими горестями". - "Да, - сказала миссис Грин со вздохом облегчения, - теперь у нас есть человек, который всегда нам будет верным другом". Она поймала взгляд мистера Летса, и тот сразу сказал: "Не беспокойся, мама, теперь, когда я возвратился домой, все будет по-другому. Я всегда поддержу вас в трудную минуту. Какой стыд, что Грин так плохо обращался с вами все эти годы".
2. Мистер Грин принял мистера Летса очень холодно, но тот, казалось, ничуть не оскорбился (... казалось, не принял это близко к сердцу). Он даже не старался произвести на мистера Грина хорошее впечатление.
3. Хотя мистер Грин сомневался, что жена говорила правду, ему пришлось отвести мистеру Летсу самую лучшую комнату в доме. За ужином мистер Грин задавал ему вопрос за вопросом, чтобы сбить его с толку: "Как случилось, что вы попали в наш город? Что помешало вам возвратиться домой раньше? Что вы делали все это время? Вы не написали ни единого письма матери. Почему это? Ведь не может же быть, чтобы вы забыли адрес..."
Миссис Грин прервала мужа. "Он потерял память (ему изменила память) после кораблекрушения (to be shipwrecked). Он лечился все это время. Теперь ему лучше ..." Но мистера Грина нельзя было убедить таким образом. Он чувствовал, что что-то было неладно (что-то затевалось). "Я не верю ни одному слову. Совершенно непохоже, чтобы он болел все эти годы", - сказал он. Мистер Лете поднялся. Он сказал, что очень устал, так как не спал три ночи,
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но что он с удовольствием поговорит с. отчимом после того, как хорошенько отдохнет.
4. На следующее утро мистер Грин сказал мистеру Летсу: "Почему бы вам не уехать куда-нибудь и не поискать себе работу? В нашем городе много безработных". - "Я предпочитаю пока никуда не уезжать, - ответил мистер Лете. - При теперешних обстоятельствах я не хочу оставлять свою сестру и мать; я не могу пренебрегать своими обязанностями по отношению к ним..."
5. Мистер Грин решил навести справки о молодом человеке. Через неделю он получил ответ. Неудивительно, что он рассвирепел, когда узнал правду. "Какой же я дурак, что дал себя обмануть такой невероятной историей!" Он бросился домой, чтобы выдворить самозванца (imposter), но было уже поздно. Бетти и мистер Лете поженились в тот день.
II
1. Как вы помните, в горах Рип встретил странного маленького человечка. Некоторое время Рип пристально смотрел на незнакомца, не в состоянии произнести ни слова. "Кто вы такой? Что вам нужно от меня?" - спросил он наконец. Незнакомец, казалось, не обратил ни малейшего внимания на его вопросы. Он велел Рипу подойти к нему и взять у него бочонок с вином. Хотя Рип не был трусом, он не мог не дрожать от страха. Ему ничего не оставалось делать, как подчиниться незнакомцу.
2. Они шли полтора часа, когда увидели группу маленьких человечков, игравших в кегли (to play ninepins). Увидев бочку с вином, странные человечки тотчас же прекратили игру и побежали навстречу Рипу. Через несколько минут все сидели вокруг бочонка и наслаждались вином, которое оказалось превосходным. Рип тоже попробовал немного. Очень скоро, однако, Рип почувствовал, что его клонит в сон. Он начал клевать носом и скоро крепко заснул.
3. Когда Рип проснулся, было яркое солнечное утро. Он долго не мог понять, где он находится и что с ним приключилось. "Не может быть, чтобы мне все это приснилось! Где эти странные человечки? Мне, пожалуй, лучше пойти домой, пока они опять не появились".
4. Проходя по деревне, он не мог не удивляться переменам, произошедшим во время его отсутствия. "Что все это значит? Неужели я все еще сплю?"
5. Одежда Рипа привлекала всеобщее внимание в деревне. Он видел, что его рассматривают с любопытством и удивлением. Никто, казалось, не узнавал его. Недалеко от дома, который был очень похож на его дом, он увидел симпатичную молодую женщину с ребенком на руках. "Что случилось с моими родными? Где мой дом? Где мои друзья?" Рип чуть было не упал в обморок, когда узнал, что он проспал более 20 лет.
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III
1. Джон Перкинс сидел у окна, уставившись в пространство. Его сигарета давно потухла, но он не двигался. Только теперь он понял, что все эти годы он очень плохо обращался с Кэти. "И зачем только я оставлял ее одну каждый вечер! Она, должно быть, страдала все это время, но она никогда не жаловалась! Я должен начать новую жизнь и загладить свою ошибку. Когда она вернется, все будет по-другому..." Он чувствовал себя так, как будто не видел ее целую вечность, хотя со времени ее отъезда прошло всего несколько часов.
2. Джон вскрикнул от неожиданности, когда дверь распахнулась, и в комнату торопливо вошла жена. Он уставился на нее, как будто увидел привидение. Он не ожидал, что она появится так скоро. "Джон, дорогой, я так рада, что я опять дома! - сказала Кэти весело. - Что ты делал все это время? Ты поужинал? Ты, вероятно, удивился, найдя квартиру в таком ужасном беспорядке. Если бы у меня было больше времени, я бы, конечно, убрала квартиру. Ты прочитал записку? Тогда ты знаешь, что мама заболела. Я получила телеграмму об этом вскоре после того, как ты ушел на работу. Я должна была торопиться, чтобы попасть на 9-ти часовой поезд. К счастью, маме стало гораздо лучше, когда я приехала. Она, конечно, была рада меня видеть, но она не хотела, чтобы я оставалась в деревне ради нее. "Им не нужно было посылать тебе телеграмму. Не стоило тебя волновать, - говорила она. - И, пожалуйста, не относись ко мне, как к больной, я скоро поправлюсь..."
"Я старалась убедить ее, что мое присутствие пойдет ей на пользу, но она настояла на том, чтобы я уехала со следующим поездом ..."
3. В комнате наступила тишина. К этому времени Джон оправился от изумления. Он вскочил на ноги и сказал: "О, это замечательно, что ты возвратилась так скоро! Хочешь чашку кофе?.." Но затем Джон взглянул на часы. Они показывали без четверти восемь. "Не может быть, чтобы было так поздно! Я должен был выйти из дома в 7 часов. Ребята, должно быть, ждут меня..." Он потянулся за шляпой и сказал, как ни в чем не бывало: "Извини меня, но мне нужно идти. Я уже опоздал на три четверти часа. Они, должно быть, потеряли всякую надежду увидеть меня сегодня ... Они, наверное, недоумевают, что со мной могло случиться. ... Я не пошел бы туда, если бы я не обещал ребятам прийти..." Он подыскивал слова: "Но обещания нужно выполнять, не правда ли?"
4. Кэти никогда не сердилась на Джона и всегда ему все прощала. Но на этот раз она почувствовала, что ее терпение истощается. "Я должна заставить его положить этому конец, - сказала она себе. - Почему он всегда поступает по-своему? Завтра я поговорю с ним начистоту".
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