Чужак в чужой стране

           Nottoodotty,heamended;Pattyhadlethimundresshimself,thenhadwhiskedhisclothesintohiswardrobewithoutcomingnearthem.Shewasprobablyaclearproofthatonedidn’thavetobesane,whateverthatwas,tobenefitbythisremarkableMartiandisciplinethattheboyapparentlycouldteachtoanyone.

           Presentlyhesensedthatshewasreadytoleaveandsuggesteditbyaskinghertokisshisgoddaughtersgoodnight–hehadforgottento."Iwastired,Patty."

           Shenodded."AndIamcalledfordictionarywork."Sheleanedoverandkissedhim,warmlybutquickly."I’lltakethatonetoourbabies."

           "AndapatforHoneyBun."

           "Yes,ofcourse.Shegroksyou,Jubal.Sheknowsyoulikesnakes."

           "Good.Sharewater,brother."

           "ThouartGod,Jubal."Shewasgone.Jubalsettledbackinthetub,wassurprisedtofindthathedidnotseemtirednowandhisbonesnolongerached.Pattywasatonic?serenehappinessonthehoof.Hewishedthathehimselfhadnodoubts–thenadmittedthathedidn’twanttobeanybodybuthimself,oldandcrankyandself-indulgent.

           Finallyhesoapedandshoweredanddecidedtoshavesothathewouldn’thavetobeforebreakfast.Afteraleisurelytimeheboltedthedoorofhisroom,turnedouttheoverheadlight,andgotintobed.

           Hehadlookedaroundforsomethingtoread,foundnothingtohisannoyance,beingaddictedtothisviceaboveallelseandnotwishingtogooutagainandscareupsomething.Hesippedpartofadrinkinsteadandturnedoutthebedlight.

           Hedidnotgorighttosleep.