Поющие в терновнике

           Alighthasgoneout,andIcan’trekindleit.ButIseewhatshemeans.Mylightstillburnsinher.OnlynotonDrogheda.

           ***

           Fritzansweredthedoor,notcladinhissmartnavychauffeur’suniform,cladinhissmartbutler’smorningsuitinstead.Butashesmiled,bowedstifflyandclickedhisheelsingoodold-fashionedGermanmanner,athoughtoccurredtoJustine;didhedodoubledutyinBonn,too?

           "AreyousimplyHerrHartheim’shumbleservant,Fritz,orareyoureallyhiswatchdog?"sheasked,handinghimhercoat.

           Fritzremainedimpassive."HerrHartheimisinhisstudy,MissO’Neill."

           Hewassittinglookingatthefire,leaningalittleforward,Natashacurledsleepingonthehearth.Whenthedooropenedhelookedup,butdidn’tspeak,didn’tseemgladtoseeher.

           SoJustinecrossedtheroom,knelt,andlaidherforeheadonhislap."Rain,I’msosorryforalltheyears,andIcan’tatone,"shewhispered.

           Hedidn’trisetohisfeet,drawherupwithhim;hekneltbesideheronthefloor.