Коллекционер

           Ofcourseshe’dhadthreeglassesofsherry.Whathappenedthenwasmostembarrassing,IbegantofeelveryworkedupandIalwaysunderstood(fromsomethingIheardinthearmy)thatagentlemanalwayscontrolshimselftotherightmomentandsoIjustdidn’tknowwhattodo.IthoughtshewouldbeoffendedandsoItriedtosituprightmorewhenshetookhermouthaway.

           "What’swrong.AmIhurtingyou?"

           Yes,Isaid.

           Shemovedoffmykneesthen,sheunhookedherarmsfrommyhead,butshestillsatveryclose.

           "Won’tyouundomyhands?"

           Igotup,Iwasshamed,Ihadtogotothewindowandpretendtodosomethingtothecurtain,allthetimeshewatchedmeoverthebackofthesofa,kneelingonit.

           "Ferdinand.What’swrong?"

           Nothing’swrong,Isaid.

           "There’snothingtobefrightenedof."

           I’mnotfrightened.

           "Comebackthen.Turnoutthelight.Let’sjusthavethefirelight."

           Ididwhatshesaid,Iturnedoutthelights,butIstayedbythewindow.

           "Comeon."Verycoaxing,shewas.

           Isaid,it’snotright.You’reonlypretending.

           "AmI?"

           Youknowyouare.

           "Whydon’tyoucomeandsee?"

           Ididn’tmove,allthetimeIknewitwasabadmistake.Thenextthingwasshewentandstoodbythefire.Ididn’tfeelexcitedanymore,Ifeltallcoldinside.Itwasthesurprise.

           "Comeandsithere."

           I’mallrighthere,Isaid.

           Well,suddenlyshecametome,shetookmyhandinhertwoandpulledmetothefire,Ilether.