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

) связан по рукам и ногам; прикован к креслу], an invalid – after the adventurous life he has led.’

Lydia said slowly: �After the – adventurous life he has led.’

The pause she made before the adjective gave it some special though obscure significance. Alfred seemed to feel it. He flushed and looked unhappy.

She cried out suddenly: �How he ever had a son like you, I can’t imagine! You two are poles apart[28 - are poles apart – (разг.) диаметрально противоположны по характеру].

And he fascinates you – you simply worship him!’

Alfred said with a trace of vexation: �Aren’t you going a little far, Lydia? It’s natural, I should say, for a son to love his father. It would be very unnatural not to do so.’

Lydia said: �In that case, most of the members of this family are – unnatural! Oh, don’t let’s argue! I apologize. I’ve hurt your feelings, I know. Believe me, Alfred, I really didn’t mean to do that.

I admire you enormously for your – your – fidelity. Loyalty is such a rare virtue in these days. Let us say, shall we, that I am jealous? Women are supposed to be jealous of their mothers-in-law – why not, then, of their fathers-in-law?’

He put a gentle arm round her. �Your tongue runs away with you[29 - Your tongue runs away with you – (разг.) Ты сначала говоришь, потом думаешь], Lydia. There’s no reason for you to be jealous.

’

She gave him a quick remorseful kiss, a delicate caress on the tip of his ear.

�I know. All the same, Alfred, I don’t believe I should have been in the least jealous of your mother. I wish I’d known her.’

�She was a poor creature[30 - was a poor creature – (разг.) была очень несчастной],’ he said.

His wife looked at him interestedly.

�So that’s how she struck you… as a poor creature… That’s interesting.’

He said dreamily: �I remember her as nearly always ill… Often in tears…’ He shook his head.

�She had no spirit.’

Still staring at him, she murmured very softly: �How odd…’

But as he turned a questioning glance on her, she shook her head quickly and changed the subject.

�Since we are not allowed to know who our mysterious guests are I shall go out and finish my garden.’

�It’s very cold, my dear, a biting wind.’

�I’ll wrap up warmly.