"ElizabethGaskell-HalfALifeTimeAgo" - читать интересную книгу автора (Gaskell Elizabeth C)

who considered it no crime, but rather a mark of spirit, in a man to
get drunk occasionally. Nevertheless, she chose to hold herself very
high all the next day when Michael was, perforce, obliged to give up
any attempt to do heavy work, and hung about the out-buildings and
farm in a very disconsolate and sickly state. Willie had far more
pity on him than Susan. Before evening, Willie and he were fast,
and, on his side, ostentatious friends. Willie rode the horses down
to water; Willie helped him to chop wood. Susan sat gloomily at her
work, hearing an indistinct but cheerful conversation going on in the
shippon, while the cows were being milked. She almost felt irritated
with her little brother, as if he were a traitor, and had gone over
to the enemy in the very battle that she was fighting in his cause.
She was alone with no one to speak to, while they prattled on
regardless if she were glad or sorry.

Soon Willie burst in. "Susan! Susan! come with me; I've something
so pretty to show you. Round the corner of the barn--run! run!" (He
was dragging her along, half reluctant, half desirous of some change
in that weary day. Round the corner of the barn; and caught hold of
by Michael, who stood there awaiting her.

"O Willie!" cried she "you naughty boy. There is nothing pretty--
what have you brought me here for? Let me go; I won't be held."

"Only one word. Nay, if you wish it so much, you may go," said
Michael, suddenly loosing his hold as she struggled. But now she was
free, she only drew off a step or two, murmuring something about
Willie.

"You are going, then?" said Michael, with seeming sadness. "You
won't hear me say a word of what is in my heart."

"How can I tell whether it is what I should like to hear?" replied
she, still drawing back.

"That is just what I want you to tell me; I want you to hear it and
then to tell me whether you like it or not."

"Well, you may speak," replied she, turning her back, and beginning
to plait the hem of her apron.

He came close to her ear.

"I'm sorry I hurt Willie the other night. He has forgiven me. Can
you?"

"You hurt him very badly," she replied. "But you are right to be
sorry. I forgive you."

"Stop, stop!" said he, laying his hand upon her arm. "There is