Маленькая хозяйка большого дома / The Little Lady Of The Big House

”

“And the Hindoo[31 - the Hindoo – индус], there—who’s he?”

“That’s Dar Hyal[32 - Dar Hyal – Дар-Хиал]. He’s their guest, a revolutionist. He studied in France, Italy, Switzerland, he is a political refugee from India. Talks about a new synthetic system of philosophy, and about a rebellion against the British tyranny in India. He advocates individual terrorism. He and Aaron quarrel tremendously—that is, on philosophical matters. And now—” Paula sighed and erased the sigh with her smile—“and now, you know about everybody.

”

One thing Graham noted as the dinner proceeded. The sages called Dick Forrest by his first name; but they always addressed Paula as “Mrs. Forrest,” although she called them by their first names. These people respected few things under the sun, and among such few things they recognized the certain definite aloofness in Dick Forrest’s wife.

It was the same thing, after dinner, in the big living room.

Her laugh fascinated Graham. There was a fibrous thrill in it, most sweet to the ear, that differentiated it from any laugh he had ever heard.

4

“And now, Red Cloud[33 - Red Cloud – Багряное Облако], sing Mr. Graham your Acorn Song[34 - Acorn Song – «Песня про жёлудь»],” Paula commanded Dick.

Forrest shook his head somberly.

“The Acorn Song!” Ernestine called from the piano.

“Oh, do, Dick,” Paula pleaded.

“Mr. Graham is the only one who hasn’t heard it.”

Dick shook his head.

“Then sing him your Goldfish Song[35 - Goldfish Song – «Песня о золотой рыбке»].”

“I’ll sing him Mountain Lad’s song[36 - Mountain Lad’s song – «Песня горца»],” Dick said, a whimsical sparkle in his eyes. He stamped his feet, pranced, tossed an imaginary mane, and cried:

“Hear me! I am Eros[37 - Eros – Эрос]! I stamp upon the hills![38 - I stamp upon the hills! – Я попираю холмы!]“

“The Acorn Song,” Paula interrupted quickly and quietly, with steel in her voice.

Dick obediently ceased his chant of Mountain Lad, but shook his head like a stubborn colt.

“I have a new song,” he said solemnly. “It is about you and me, Paula.”

Dick danced half a dozen steps, as Indians dance, slapped his thighs with his palms, and began a new chant.