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

) заставил его бросить службу в армии] and come back and go into the works.’

�Did he mind?’

�Very much to begin with. He hated it. But Father could always twist Alfred round his little finger. He’s absolutely under Father’s thumb still, I believe.’

�And you – escaped!’ said Hilda.

�Yes. I went to London and studied painting. Father told me plainly that if I went off on a fool’s errand[43 - if I went off on a fool’s errand – (разг.) если буду заниматься глупостями] like that I’d get a small allowance from him during his lifetime and nothing when he died.

I said I didn’t care. He called me a young fool, and that was that[44 - that was that – (разг.) на этом дело и кончилось]! I’ve never seen him since.’

Hilda said gently: �And you haven’t regretted it?’

�No, indeed. I realize I shan’t ever get anywhere with my art. I shall never be a great artist – but we’re happy enough in this cottage – we’ve got everything we want – all the essentials.

And if I die, well, my life’s insured for you.’

He paused and then said: �And now – this!’

He struck the letter with his open hand.

�I am sorry your father ever wrote that letter, if it upsets you so much,’ said Hilda.

David went on as though he had not heard her. �Asking me to bring my wife for Christmas, expressing a hope that we may be all together for Christmas; a united family! What can it mean?’

Hilda said: �Need it mean anything more than it says?’

He looked at her questioningly.

�I mean,’ she said, smiling, �that your father is growing old. He’s beginning to feel sentimental about family ties. That does happen[45 - That does happen – (разг.) Такое иногда случается], you know.’

�I suppose it does,’ said David slowly.

�He’s an old man and he’s lonely.’

He gave her a quick look.

�You want me to go, don’t you, Hilda?’

She said slowly: �It seems a pity – not to answer an appeal. I’m old-fashioned, I dare say, but why not have peace and goodwill at Christmas time?’

�After all I’ve told you?’

�I know, dear, I know. But all that’s in the past. It’s all done and finished with.’

�Not for me.’

�No, because you won’t let it die. You keep the past alive in your own mind.’

�I can’t forget.