Поющие в терновнике

           Thehairwasamassofbrilliant,glitteringgoldinthesun,andPaddysawnothingatfirst.ThenhebecameawarethatacreaturewasmarchingdownthebackofFee’shand.Hetookacurlforhimself,andinamongtheleapinglightsofithediscernedmorecreatures,goingabouttheirbusinessbusily.Littlewhitethingswerestuckinclumpsallalongtheseparatestrands,andthecreatureswereenergeticallyproducingmoreclumpsoflittlewhitethings.Meggie’shairwasahiveofindustry.

           "She’sgotlice!"Paddysaid.

           Bob,Jack,HughieandStuhadalook,andliketheirfatherremovedthemselvestoasafedistance;onlyFrankandFeeremainedgazingatMeggie’shair,mesmerized,whileMeggiesatmiserablyhunchedover,wonderingwhatshehaddone.PaddysatdowninhisWindsorchairheavily,staringintothefireandblinkinghard.

           "It’sthatbloodyDagogirl!"hesaidatlast,andturnedtoglareatFee."Bloodybastards,filthylotofflamingpigs!"

           "Paddy!"Feegasped,scandalized.

           "I’msorryforswearing,Mum,butwhenIthinkofthatblastedDagogivingherlicetoMeggie,IcouldgointoWahinethisminuteandtearthewholefilthygreasycafédown!"heexploded,poundinghisfistonhiskneefiercely.

           "Mum,whatisit?"Meggiefinallymanagedtosay.

           "Look,youdirtylittlegrub!"hermotheranswered,thrustingherhanddowninfrontofMeggie’seyes.