Человек в высоком замке

           "ThatisImariporcelain."Paulsaid,perceivinghisinterest."FromArita.Consideredafirst-placeproduct.Japan."

           Theyseatedthemselves.

           "Coffee?"BettyaskedRobert.

           "Yes,"hesaid."Thanks."

           "Towardendofmeal,"shesaid,goingtogettheservingcart.

           Soontheywerealleating.Robertfoundthemealdelicious.Shewasquiteanexceptionalcook.Thesaladinparticularpleasedhim.Avocados,artichokeheart,somekindofbluecheesedressing…thankGodtheyhadnotpresentedhimwithaJapanesemeal,thedishesofmixedgreensandmeatsofwhichhehadeatensomuchsincethewar.

           Andtheunendingseafoods.Hehadgottensothathecouldnolongerabideshrimporanyothershellfish.

           "Iwouldliketoknow,"Robertsaid,"whathesupposesitwouldbelikeinworldwhereGermanyandJapanlostthewar."

           NeitherPaulnorBettyansweredforatime.ThenPaulsaidatlast,"Verycomplicateddifferences.Bettertoreadthebook.Itwouldspoilitforyou,possibly,tohear."

           "Ihavestrongconvictionsonthesubject,"Robertsaid."Ihavefrequentlythoughtitover.Theworldwouldbemuchworse."Heheardhisvoicesoundoutfirm,virtuallyharsh."Muchworse."

           Theyseemedtakenbysurprise.Perhapsitwashistone.

           "Communismwouldruleeverywhere,"Robertcontinued.

           Paulnodded."Theauthor,Mr.H.Abendsen,considersthatpoint,astouncheckedspreadofSovietRussia.ButsameasinFirstWorldWar,evenonwinningside,second-ratemostlypeasantRussianaturallytakespratfall.