The Wonderful Wizard of Oz / Волшебник из страны Оз. Книга для чтения на английском языке

Alfred said, �Lydia – ’

But she raised a quick admonitory hand[24 - she raised a quick admonitory hand – (разг.) жестом она остановила его], her eyes looking past him at something over his shoulder. Alfred turned.

A dark man with a smooth face was standing there deferentially.

Lydia said sharply: �What is it, Horbury?’

Horbury’s voice was low, a mere deferential murmur. �It’s Mr Lee, madam. He asked me to tell you that there would be two more guests arriving for Christmas, and would you have rooms prepared for them.

’

Lydia said, �Two more guests?’

Horbury said smoothly, �Yes, madam, another gentleman and a young lady.’

Alfred said wonderingly: �A young lady?’

�That’s what Mr Lee said, sir.’

Lydia said quickly: �I will go up and see him —’ Horbury made one little step, it was a mere ghost of a movement[25 - it was a mere ghost of a movement – (разг.) он почти не сдвинулся с места] but it stopped Lydia’s rapid progress automatically.

�Excuse me, madam, but Mr Lee is having his afternoon sleep. He asked specifically that he should not be disturbed.’

�I see,’ said Alfred. �Of course we won’t disturb him.’ �Thank you, sir.’ Horbury withdrew.

Lydia said vehemently: �How I dislike that man! He creeps about the house like a cat! One never hears him going or coming.’

�I don’t like him very much either. But he knows his job[26 - knows his job – (разг.

) знает свое дело]. It’s not so easy to get a good male nurse attendant. And Father likes him, that’s the main thing.’

�Yes, that’s the main thing, as you say. Alfred, what is this about a young lady? What young lady?’

Her husband shook his head. �I can’t imagine. I can’t even think of anyone it might be likely to be.’

They stared at each other. Then Lydia said, with a sudden twist of her expressive mouth:

�Do you know what I think, Alfred?’

�What?’

�I think your father has been bored lately.

I think he is planning a little Christmas diversion for himself.’

�By introducing two strangers into a family gathering?’

�Oh! I don’t know what the details are – but I do fancy that your father is preparing to – amuse himself.’

�I hope he will get some pleasure out of it,’ said Alfred gravely. �Poor old chap, tied by the leg[27 - tied by the leg – (разг.