Атлант расправил плечи
The Man who belonged on Earth
Butonceinawhile,onawinternight,whenthestarswereoutanditwasverycold,whenIwastired,becauseIhadworkedtwoshifts,andwantednothingonearthexcepttoliedownandfallasleeprightthere,onthemineledge—IthoughtthatsomedayIwouldsitinaplacelikethis,whereonedrinkofwinewouldcostmorethanmyday’swages,andIwouldhaveearnedthepriceofeveryminuteofitandofeverydropandofeveryfloweronthetable,andIwouldsittherefornopurposebutmyownamusement."
Sheasked,smiling,"Withyourmistress?"
Shesawtheshotofpaininhiseyesandwisheddesperatelythatshehadnotsaidit.
"With...awoman,"heanswered.Sheknewthewordhehadnotpronounced.Hewenton,hisvoicesoftandsteady:"WhenIbecamerichandsawwhattherichdidfortheiramusement,IthoughtthattheplaceIhadimagined,didnotexist.Ihadnotevenimaginedittooclearly.Ididnotknowwhatitwouldbelike,onlywhatIwouldfeel.Igaveupexpectingityearsago.ButIfeelittonight."
Heraisedhisglass,lookingather.
"Hank,I...I’dgiveupanythingI’veeverhadinmylife,exceptmybeinga...aluxuryobjectofyouramusement."
Hesawherhandtremblingassheheldherglass.Hesaidevenly,"Iknowit,dearest."
Shesatshockedandstilclass="underline"hehadneverusedthatwordbefore.
