Поющие в терновнике

           Andhelastedthedistance,inspiteofthepunishmentthoseexpertfistshadmetedout;hiseyewasswelling,hisbrowandlipcut.Buthehadwontwentypounds,andtherespectofeverymanpresent.

           MeggiewriggledfromFatherRalph’sslackenedclaspandboltedfromthetentbeforehecouldcatchholdofher.Whenhefoundheroutsideshehadbeensick,andwastryingtocleanhersplatteredshoeswithatinyhandkerchief.Silentlyhegaveherhisown,strokingherbright,sobbinghead.Theatmosphereinsidehadnotagreedwithhisgorgeeither,andhewishedthedignityofhiscallingpermittedhimthereliefofreleasingitinpublic.

           "DoyouwanttowaitforFrank,orwouldyouratherwewentnow?"

           "I’llwaitforFrank,"shewhispered,leaningagainsthisside,sogratefulforhiscalmnessandsympathy.

           "Iwonderwhyyoutugsoatmynonexistentheart?"hemused,deeminghertoosickandmiserabletolistenbutneedingtovoicehisthoughtsaloud,asdosomanypeoplewholeadasolitarylife."Youdon’tremindmeofmymotherandIneverhadasister,andIwishIknewwhatitwasaboutyouandyourwretchedfamily…Haveyouhadahardlife,mylittleMeggie?"

           Frankcameoutofthetent,apieceofstickingplasteroverhiseye,dabbingathistornlip.ForthefirsttimesinceFatherRalphhadmethim,helookedhappy;thewaymostmendidafterwhatoneknewwasagoodnightinbedwithawoman,thoughtthepriest.

           "What’sMeggiedoinghere?"hesnarled,notquitedownfromtheexaltationofthering.