Вино из одуванчиков

           Shehatedtogo,butshesentherbestlovetoyouandsaidshewouldreturnagainintwelveyears."Grandfathertookouthissolidgoldwatch."AndnowIsuggestweallrepairtothelibraryforaglassofsherrywhilewaitingforGrandmatofixoneofheramazingbanquets."

           Grandmawalkedofftothebackofthehouse.

           Everyonetalkedandlaughedandlistened—theboarders,Grandfather,andDouglas,andtheyheardthequietsoundsinthekitchen.WhenGrandmarangthebelltheyherdedtothediningroom,elbowingtheirway.

           Everyonetookahugebite.

           Grandmawatchedthefacesofherboarders.Silentlytheystaredattheirplates,theirhandsintheirlaps,thefoodcooling,unchewed,intheircheeks.

           "I’velostit!"Grandmasaid."I’velostmytouch..."

           Andshebegantocry.

           Shegotupandwanderedoutintoherneatlyordered,labeledkitchen,herhandsmovingfutilelybeforeher.

           Theboarderswenttobedhungry.

           Douglasheardthecourthouseclockchimeten-thirty,eleven,thenmidnight,heardtheboardersstirringintheirbeds,likeatidemovingunderthemoonlitroofofthevasthouse.Heknewtheywereallawake,thinking,andsad.Afteralongtime,hesatupinbed.Hebegantosmileatthewallandthemirror.Hesawhimselfgrinningasheopenedthedoorandcreptdownstairs.Theparlorwasdarkandsmelledoldandalone.Heheldhisbreath.

           Hefumbledintothekitchenandstoodwaitingamoment.

           Thenhebegantomove.

           Hetookthebakingpowderoutofitsfinenewtinandputitinanoldfloursackthewayithadalwaysbeen.