Атлант расправил плечи
The Chain
Hewishedoneofthemwouldaskhim.Hewasfindingithardtoconcentrate.Thesightoftherunningmetalwasstillburnedintohismind,fillinghisconsciousness,leavingnoroomforanythingelse.
"Youmighthaveapologized,onlyIoughttoknowbetterthantoexpectit."Itwashismother’svoice;heturned:shewaslookingathimwiththatinjuredlookwhichproclaimsthelong-bearingpatienceofthedefenseless.
"Mrs.Beechamwasherefordinner,"shesaidreproachfully.
"What?"
"Mrs.Beecham.MyfriendMrs.Beecham."
"Yes?"
"Itoldyouabouther,Itoldyoumanytimes,butyouneverrememberanythingIsay.Mrs.Beechamwassoanxioustomeetyou,butshehadtoleaveafterdinner,shecouldn’twait,Mrs.Beechamisaverybusyperson.Shewantedsomuchtotellyouaboutthewonderfulworkwe’redoinginourparishschool,andabouttheclassesinmetalcraftsmanship,andaboutthebeautifulwrought-irondoorknobsthatthelittleslumchildrenaremakingallbythemselves."
Ittookthewholeofhissenseofconsiderationtoforcehimselftoanswerevenly,"I’msorryifIdisappointedyou,Mother."
"You’renotsorry.Youcould’vebeenhereifyou’dmadetheeffort.Butwhendidyouevermakeaneffortforanybodybutyourself?You’renotinterestedinanyofusorinanythingwedo.Youthinkthatifyoupaythebills,that’senough,don’tyou?Money!That’sallyouknow.Andallyougiveusismoney.