The Last Tycoon / Последний магнат. Книга для чтения на английском языке

”

“Did he give you any hint[56 - Did he give you any hint – (разг.) Он хоть намекнул вам] of what he wanted? Isn’t it something he can see Mr. Brady about?”

“He didn’t say. You have a conference coming up.

Miss Meloney and Mr. White are outside. Mr. Broaca is next door in Mr. Reinmund’s office.”

“Send Mr. Roderiguez in,” said Stahr. “Tell him I can see him only for a minute.”

When the handsome actor came in, Stahr remained standing.

“What is it that can’t wait?” he asked pleasantly.

The actor waited carefully till Miss Doolan had gone out.

“Monroe, I’m through,” he said. “I had to see you.”

“Through!” said Stahr. “Have you seen Variety? Your picture’s held over at Roxy’s and did thirty-seven thousand in Chicago last week.”

“That’s the worst of it. That’s the tragedy. I get everything I want, and now it means nothing.”

“Well, go on, explain.”

“There’s nothing between Esther and me any more.

There never can be again.”

“A row.”

“Oh, no – worse – I can’t bear to mention it. My head’s in a daze. I wander around like a madman. I go through my part as if I was asleep.”

“I haven’t noticed it,” said Stahr. “You were great in your rushes yesterday.”

“Was I? That just shows you nobody ever guesses.”

“Are you trying to tell me that you and Esther are separating?”

“I suppose it’ll come to that. Yes – inevitably – it will.

”

“What was it?” demanded Stahr impatiently. “Did she come in without knocking?[57 - Did she come in without knocking? – (зд.) Она тебя с кем-то застукала?]”

“Oh, there’s nobody else. It’s just – me. I’m through.”

Stahr got it suddenly.

“How do you know?”

“It’s been true for six weeks.”

“It’s your imagination,” said Stahr. “Have you been to a doctor?”

The actor nodded.

“I’ve tried everything.

I even – one day in desperation I went down to – to Claris. But it was hopeless. I’m washed up.[58 - I’m washed up. – (сленг) Я человек конченый.]”

Stahr had an impish temptation to tell him to go to Brady about it. Brady handled all matters of public relations. Or was this private relations. He turned away a moment, got his face in control, turned back.

“I’ve been to Pat Brady,” said the star, as if guessing the thought.