Ходячий замок

           Theyhadtakensomuchmoney,Sophiethoughtasshestoleabout,packingupsomefoodandheroldclothesinabundle,thatMichael’shoardunderthehearthstonewouldbetentimesthesize.

           “Haveyoucometotalktome?”askedCalcifer.

           “Inamoment,”Sophiesaid,crossingroomwithherbundlebehindherback.ShedidnotwantCalciferraisinganoutcryaboutthatcontract.

           Shestretchedoutherhandtounhookherstickfromthechair,andsomebodyknockedatthedoor.Sophiestuck,withherhandstretchedout,lookedinquiringlyatCalcifer.

           “It’sthemansiondoor,”saidCalcifer.“Fleshandbloodandharmless.”

           Theknockingcameagain.ThisalwayshappenswhenItrytoleave!

           Sophiethought.Sheturnedtheknoborange-downandopenedthedoor.

           Therewasacarriageinthedrivebeyondthestatues,pulledbyagoodishpairofhorses.Sophiecouldseeitroundtheedgesoftheverylargefootmanwhohadbeendoingtheknocking.

           “Mrs.SacheverellSmithtocalluponthenewoccupants,”saidthefootman.

           Howveryawkward!Sophiethought.ItwastheresultofHowl’snewpaintandcurtains.“We’renotath—”shebegan.ButMrs.SacheverellSmithsweptthefootmanasideandcamein.

           “Waitwiththecarriage,Theobald,”shesaidtothefootmanasshesailedpastSophie,foldingherparasol.

           ItwasFanny—Fannylookingwonderfullyprosperousincreamsilk.Shewaswearingthecreamsilkhattrimmedwithroses,whichSophierememberedonlytoowell.Sherememberedwhatshehadsaidtothathatasshetrimmedit:“Youaregoingtohavetomarrymoney.