Сборник лучших произведений американской классической литературы. Уровень 4

But finally I went over to his house one Sunday afternoon. I hadn't been there two minutes[48 - I hadn't been there two minutes. – Я не просидел и пары минут.] when somebody brought Tom Buchanan in for a drink.

“I'm delighted to see you,” said Gatsby. “Sit right down. Have a cigarette or a cigar.” He walked around the room quickly, ringing bells. “I'll have something to drink for you in just a minute.”

He was profoundly affected by the fact that Tom was there.

“I believe we've met somewhere before, Mr.

Buchanan. I know your wife,” continued Gatsby.

“That so?[49 - That so? – Неужели?]“

Tom turned to me.

“You live near here, Nick?”

“Next door.”

“That so?”

Tom was evidently perturbed at Daisy's running around alone, for on the following Saturday night he came with her to Gatsby's party. Daisy's voice was playing murmurous tricks in her throat.

“These things excite me SO,” she whispered.

“Look around,” suggested Gatsby.

“You must see the faces of many people you've heard about.”

Daisy and Gatsby danced. I remember being surprised[50 - I remember being surprised – Я помню, как меня удивил.] by his graceful, conservative fox-trot – I had never seen him dance[51 - I had never seen him dance – Я никогда не видел его раньше танцующим.] before. Then they came to my house and sat on the steps for half an hour while at her request I remained watchfully in the garden.

The party was over. I sat on the front steps with them while they waited for their car. It was dark here in front of the house.

“Who is this Gatsby anyhow?” demanded Tom suddenly. “Some big bootlegger?”

“Where'd you hear that?” I inquired.

“I didn't hear it. I imagined it. A lot of these newly rich people are just big bootleggers, you know.”

“Not Gatsby,” I said shortly.

He was silent for a moment.

“I'd like to know who he is and what he does,” insisted Tom.

“And I think I'll make a point of finding out[52 - I'll make a point of finding out. – Я постараюсь это выяснить.].”

“I can tell you right now,” answered Daisy. “He owned some drug stores, a lot of drug stores. He built them up himself.”

The dilatory limousine came rolling up the drive.

“Good night, Nick,” said Daisy.

Gatsby was silent.

“I feel far away from her,” he said.