Человек в высоком замке

           RobertChildansaid,"Paul—"Hisvoice,henoted,croakedinsicklyescape;nocontrol,nomodulation.

           "Yes,Robert."

           "Paul,I…am…humiliated."

           Theroomreeled.

           "Whyso,Robert?"Tonesofconcern,butdetached.Aboveinvolvement.

           "Paul.Onemoment."Hefingeredthebitofjewelry;ithadbecomeslimywithsweat."Iamproudofthiswork.Therecanbenoconsiderationoftrashygood-luckcharms.Ireject."

           OncemorehecouldnotmakeouttheyoungJapaneseman’sreaction,onlythelisteningear,themereawareness.

           "Thankyou,however,"RobertChildansaid.

           Paulbowed.

           RobertChildanbowed.

           "Themenwhomadethis,"Childansaid,"areAmericanproudartists.Myselfincluded.Tosuggesttrashygood-luckcharmsthereforeinsultsusandIaskforapology."

           Incredibleprolongedsilence.

           Paulsurveyedhim.Oneeyebrowliftedslightlyandhisthinlipstwitched.Asmile?

           "Idemand,"Childansaid.Thatwasall;hecouldcarryitnofurther.Henowmerelywaited.

           Nothingoccurred.

           Please,hethought.Helpme.

           Paulsaid,"Forgivemyarrogantimposition."Heheldouthishand.

           "Allright,"RobertChildansaid.

           Theyshookhands.

           CalmnessdescendedinChildan’sheart.Ihavelivedthroughandout,heknew.Allover.GraceofGod;itexistedattheexactmomentforme.Anothertime—otherwise.CouldIeverdareoncemore,pressmyluck?Probablynot.

           Hefeltmelancholy.Briefinstant,asifIrosetothesurfaceandsawunencumbered.

           Lifeisshort,hethought