Ходячий замок
Chapter 10
Mystified,Sophieunwrappedthings:severalpairsofsilkstockings;twoparcelsofthefinestcambricpetticoats,withflounces,lace,andsatininsets;apairofelastic-sidedbootsindove-graysuede;alaceshawl;andadressofgraywateredsilktrimmedwithlacethatmatchedtheshawl.Sophietookoneprofessionallookateachandgasped.Thelacealonewasworthafortune.Shestrokedthesilkofthedress,awed.
Michaelunwrappedahandsomenewvelvetsuit.“Youmusthavespenteverybitthatwasinthesilkpurse!”hesaidungratefully.“Idon’tneedthis.You’retheonewhoneedsanewsuit.”
Howlhookedhisbootintowhatremainedoftheblue-and-silversuitandhelditupruefully.Sophiehadbeenworkinghard,butitwasstillmoreholethansuit.“HowselflessIam,”hesaid.“ButIcan’tsendyouandSophietoblackenmynametotheKinginrags.TheKingwouldthinkIdidn’tlookaftermyoldmotherproperly.Well,Sophie?Arethebootstherightsize?”
Sophielookedupfromherawedstroking.“Areyoubeingkind,”shesaid,“orcowardly?ThankyouverymuchandnoIwon’t.”
“Whatingratitude!”Howlexclaimed,spreadingoutbotharms.“Let’shavegreenslimeagain!AfterwhichIshallbeforcedtomovethecastleathousandmilesawayandneverseemylovelyLettieagain!”
MichaellookedatSophieimploringly.Sophieglowered.ShesawwellenoughthatthehappinessofbothhersistersdependedonheragreeingtoseetheKing.Withgreenslimeinreserve.“Youhaven’taskedmetodoanythingyet,”shesaid.“You’vejustsaidI’mgoingto.
