The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Selected Tales of the Jazz Age Сollection. Адаптированная книга для чтения на английском языке. Уровень B1

Button, as he came up, gasping. «What was it? How is she? A boy? Who is it? What…»

В«Speak clearly!В» said Doctor Keene sharply. He seemed irritated.

В«Is the child born?В» begged Mr. Button.

Doctor Keene frowned. «Why, yes, I suppose so…» He gave a curious glance at Mr. Button again.

В«Is my wife all right?В»

В«YesВ».

В«Is it a boy or a girl?В»

«I'll ask you to go and see for yourself. It's a scandal!» cried Doctor Keene, then he turned away saying: «Do you think a case like this will help my professional reputation? One more would ruin me – ruin anybody».

В«What's the matter?В» demanded Mr. Button. В«Triplets?В»

«No, not triplets!» answered the doctor. «What's more, you can go and see for yourself. And get another doctor. I brought you into the world, young man, and I've been physician to your family for forty years, but I'm through with you[6 - I'm through with you – (фраз. гл., разг.) между нами всё кончено]! I don't want to see you or any of your relatives ever again! Good-bye!»

Then he turned sharply, and without another word left.

Mr. Button stood there upon the sidewalk, shocked and trembling from head to foot. What awful misfortune had happened? He had suddenly lost all desire to go into the Maryland Private Hospital for Ladies and Gentlemen – with the greatest difficulty he forced himself to go up the steps and enter the front door.

A nurse was sitting behind a desk in the hall. Hiding his shame, Mr.

В«Good morningВ», she said, looking up at him pleasantly.

В«Good morning. I am Mr. ButtonВ».

When she heard this, terror spread over the girl's face. She rose to her feet and it seemed as if she wanted to run away from the hall.

В«I want to see my childВ», said Mr. Button.

The nurse gave a little scream. «Oh – of course!» she cried hysterically. «Upstairs. Right upstairs. Go… up!»

She pointed the direction, and Mr. Button, feeling a cold sweat, went to the second floor.

Clank! The basin fell on the floor and rolled in the direction of the stairs. Clank! Clank! It was rolling down the stairs as if showing the general terror which this gentleman created.

«I want to see my child!» Mr. Button almost shouted. He was about to collapse[7 - was about to collapse – (идиом.