Театр

           Whenheturnedroundagainshewasstandingnearthebedwithherhandsbehindherback,alittlelikeaCircassianslaveintroducedbythechiefeunuchtotheinspectionoftheGrandVizier;therewasahintofmodestwithdrawalinherbearing,adelicioustimidity,andatthesametimethevirgin’santicipationthatshewasabouttoenterintoherkingdom.Juliagaveasighthatwaseversoslightlyvoluptuous.

           "Mydear,it’sbeensuchawonderfulevening.I’veneverfeltsoclosetoyoubefore."

           Sheslowlyraisedherhandsfrombehindherbackandwiththeexquisitetimingthatcamesonaturallytohermovedthemforwards,stretchingoutherarms,andheldthempalmsupwardasthoughthererestedonthem,invisibly,alordlydish,andonthedishlayherprofferedheart.Herbeautifuleyesweretenderandyieldingandonherlipsplayedasmileofshysurrender.

           ShesawCharles’ssmilefreezeonhisface.Hehadunderstoodallright.

           ("Christ,hedoesn’twantme.Itwasallabluff.")Therevelationforamomentstaggeredher.("God,howamIgoingtogetoutofit?WhatabloodyfoolImustlook.")

           Sheverynearlylostherpoise.Shehadtothinklikelightning.Hewasstandingthere,lookingatherwithanembarrassmentthathetriedhardtoconceal.Juliawaspanic-stricken.Shecouldnotthinkwhattodowiththosehandsthatheldthelordlydish;Godknows,theyweresmall,butatthemomenttheyfeltlikelegsofmuttonhangingthere.Nordidsheknowwhattosay.Everysecondmadeherpostureandthesituationmoreintolerable.