Скорбь сатаны / The sorrows of Satan. Уровень 4

“Geoffrey Tempest, the world is before you!” I said. “You are a young man, you have health, a good appearance, and brains, added to these you now have five millions of money, and a wealthy prince for your friend. What more do you want of Fate or Fortune? Nothing, except fame! And that you will get easily, for now even fame is purchaseable – like love.”

5

The next morning I learned that �His Excellency’, Prince Rimanez, had gone out riding in the Park, leaving me to breakfast alone.

I therefore took that meal in the public room of the hotel. The servants asked many questions. When would I be pleased to lunch? At what hour would I dine? Should my present apartment be retained? Was it not satisfactory? Would I prefer a �suite’ similar to that occupied by His Excellency? All these deferential questions first astonished and then amused me. After the breakfast I saw my new friend coming back from his ride. He bestrode a magnificent chestnut mare. Rimanez smiled as he caught sight of me, touching his hat with the handle of his whip by way of salutation.

“You slept late, Tempest,” he said, as he dismounted. “Tomorrow you must come with me and join the Liver Brigade. In the Liver Brigade you will see all those interesting fellows who have sold themselves to the devil. They think me one of them, but I am not.”

He patted his mare and the groom led it away.

“Why do you join the procession then?” I asked him, laughing and glancing at him.

“You are a fraud!”

“I am!” he responded lightly. “And I am not the only one in London! Where are going to?”

“To those lawyers who wrote to me last night. Bentham and Ellis is the name of the firm. The sooner I interview them the better, don’t you think so?”

“Yes – but see here,” and he drew me aside. “You must have some cash. It doesn’t look well to apply at once for advances. Take this wallet. Remember you promised to let me be your banker.

On your way you might go to some well-reputed tailor.”

He moved off at a rapid pace. I hurried after him, touched by his kindness.

“But wait, Lucio!”

I called him thus by his familiar name for the first time. He stopped at once and stood quite still.

“Well?” he said, regarding me with an attentive smile.

“You don’t give me time to speak,” I answered in a low voice. “The fact is I have some money, or rather I can get it directly.