Поющие в терновнике

           Thecatjumpeddownoffthepurplelapimmediately,crossedthecarpetandleapeddelicatelyontothepriest’sknees,stoodwavingitstailandsniffingthestrangesmellsofhorsesandmud,entranced.FatherRalph’sblueeyessmiledintotheArchbishop’sbrownones,bothhalfclosed,bothabsolutelyalert.

           "Howdoyoudothat?"demandedtheArchbishop."Acatwillnevergotoanyone,butShebagoestoyouasifyougavehercaviarandvalerian.Ingrateanimal."

           "I’mwaiting,YourGrace."

           "Andyoupunishmeforit,takingmycatfromme.Allright,youhavewon,Iyield.Doyoueverlose?Aninterestingquestion.Youaretobecongratulated,mydearRalph.Infutureyouwillwearthemiterandthecope,andbeaddressedasMyLord,BishopdeBricassart."

           Thatbroughttheeyeswideopen!henotedwithglee.ForonceFatherRalphdidn’tattempttodissimulate,orconcealhistruefeelings.Hejustbeamed.