Поющие в терновнике

           HenoddedtoFiona,busyatthestove;hedidnotkissorembraceher,forheregardeddisplaysofaffectionbetweenhusbandandwifeassomethingsuitableonlyforthebedroom.Asheusedthejacktohauloffhismud-cakedboots,Meggiecameskippingwithhisslippers,andhegrinneddownatthelittlegirlwiththecurioussenseofwonderhealwaysknewatsightofher.Shewassopretty,suchbeautifulhair;hepickedupacurlandpulleditoutstraight,thenletitgo,justtoseeitjiggleandbounceasitsettledbackintoplace.Pickingthechildup,hewenttositintheonlycomfortablechairthekitchenpossessed,aWindsorchairwithacushiontiedtoitsseat,drawnclosetothefire.Sighingsoftly,hesatdowninitandpulledouthispipe,carelesslytappingoutthespentdottleoftobaccoinitsbowlontothefloor.Meggiecuddleddownonhislapandwoundherarmsabouthisneck,hercoollittlefaceturneduptohisassheplayedhernightlygameofwatchingthelightfilterthroughhisshortstubbleofgoldenbeard.

           "Howareyou,Fee?"PadraicClearyaskedhiswife.

           "Allright,Paddy.Didyougetthelowerpaddockdonetoday?"

           "Yes,alldone.Icanstartontheupperfirstthinginthemorning.Lord,butI’mtired!"

           "I’llbet.DidMacPhersongiveyouthecrotchetyoldmareagain?"

           "Tooright.Youdon’tthinkhe’dtaketheanimalhimselftoletmehavetheroan,doyou?Myarmsfeelasifthey’vebeenpulledoutoftheirsockets.IswearthatmarehasthehardestmouthinEnZed."

           "Nevermind.