Запретный лес

           I’dlikebrawlytokenwhahasbeensnowkin’roundourdoorsandcarryin’awa’leein’talesandmaybesomeo’ourplenishin’.Tellmethenames,and,manorwumman,I’llhaemyfingersattheirlugs.’ItwasJeanoftheChasehope-fitthatspoketome,andshegotmairfraemethansheexpeckit.Therewasnaaneo’herauldmisdaein’sIdidnaflinginherteeth."

           ThenameofthewomandisquietedDavid,andheaskedwhatshehadanswered.

           "Her!Shetookmyflytin’wi’downcasteen,andthatangeredmesaethatIhadmuckleadotokeepmyhandsfraeherface.Syneshesays,quietlike,’Yeneednagetinasteer,IsobelVeitch.IfMr.Sempill’sanhonestman,he’llgethischancetoreddupthefama.’Fama,saysshe,whateveryonmaymean--there’sareeko’Chasehopeabouttheword.Andshewentonwi’hersafteenandhermimmou’.--’There’swaurnorthat,Isobelwumman,’shesays.’Ourminister,that’ssaefierceagainstwarlocks,hasbeenwalkin’aqueergait.There’sthemthathaeseenhimintheWud,andwhadoyouthinkhemetwi’there?It’snoanamethatIdaurspeak,butfolkhaebruntforlessthansicarandyvoo.’Yemayfancy,sir,whatastoundIgot,butIjustspokethekimmercivil,andspeiredformair.Shewasnalaithtotell.’There’sthem,’saysshe,’thatsawthegreengowno’theQueenofElfhame,andthemuneshinin’throughherhair,andsawhergieakisstotheminister.’Yeneverkissedtheleddy,sir?"

           "Godforbid,"criedDavid,startledasifatanimpiety.

           "Ithochtyewerenajustasfarforritasthat....