Незнакомка из Уайлдфелл-Холла. Уровень 2 / The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

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“But, my dear, I call that doting[7 - I call that doting – я называю это слепым обожанием],” said my plain-spoken parent. “You must try to suppress such foolish fondness, as well to save your son from ruin as yourself from ridicule.”

“Ruin! Mrs. Markham!”

“Yes; it is spoiling the child. Even at his age. Shame on him.”

“Mrs. Markham, I beg you will not say such things, in his presence, at least. I trust my son will never be ashamed to love his mother!” said Mrs.

Graham, with a serious energy that startled the company.

“Just as I thought,” said I to myself: “the lady's temper is none of the mildest.”

All this time I was seated at a table on the other side of the room. In a little while, however, someone was approaching me. It was little Arthur. My dog Sancho attracted him. A little encouragement induced him to come forward. The child, though shy, was not sullen. In a minute he was kneeling on the carpet, with his arms round Sancho's neck.

In a minute or two more, the little fellow was seated on my knee.

“Arthur,” said Mrs. Graham, “come here. You are troublesome to Mr. Markham: he wishes to read.”

“By no means, Mrs. Graham; pray let him stay,” pleaded I.

But she silently called him.

“No, mamma,” said the child; “let me look at these pictures first; and then I'll come, and tell you all about them.”

“We are going to have a small party on Monday, the fifth of November,” said my mother; “and I hope you will not refuse to make one, Mrs.

Graham. You can bring your little boy with you, you know.”

“Thank you, I never go to parties.”

“Oh! but this will be quite a family concern – nobody here but ourselves, and just the Millwards and Wilsons, most of whom you already know, and Mr. Lawrence, your landlord.”

“Oh, you must excuse me this time. The evenings now are dark and damp, and Arthur, I fear, is very delicate.

We must defer the enjoyment of your hospitality till the return of longer days and warmer nights.”

Rose produced a decanter of wine, with glasses and cake, from the cupboard. The guests both ate the cake, but obstinately refused the wine. Arthur looked at the ruby nectar in terror and disgust.

“Never mind, Arthur,” said his mamma; “Mrs. Markham thinks it will do you good, as you were tired with your walk.