"The Hunters" - читать интересную книгу автора (Morrison William)

"All right, if you're good, and cause no trouble. But we still have plenty of
time before seeing Mr. George. It's only two now, and we're not supposed to go
to the lecture hall until four."
"Miss Burton," called Barbara Willman, "do you think he'd give us his
autograph?"
"Now, children, I've warned you about that. You mustn't annoy him. Mr. George is
a famous movie actor, and his time is valuable. It's very kind of him to offer
to speak to us, especially when so many grown-up people are anxious to hear him,
but we mustn't take advantage of his kindness."
"But he likes children, Miss Burton! My big sister read in a movie magazine
where it said he's just crazy about them."
"I know, butЧhe's not in good health, children. They say he got jungle fever in
Africa, where he was shooting all those lions, and rhinoceroses, and elephants
for his new picture. That's why you mustn't bother him too much."
"But he looks so big and strong, Miss Burton. It wouldn't hurt him to sign an
autograph!"
"Oh, yes, it would," asserted one little girl. "He shakes. When he has an attack
of fever, his hand shakes."
"Yes, Africa is a dangerous continent, and one never knows how the dangers will
strike one," said Miss Burton complacently. "So we must all remember how bravely
Mr. George is fighting his misfortune, and do our best not to tire him out."
In the bright light that flooded the afternoon breakfast table, Curt George's
handsome, manly face wore an expression of distress. He groaned dismally, and
muttered, "What a head I've got, what a head. How do you expect me to face that
gang of kids without a drink to pick me up?"
"You've had your drink," said Carol. She was slim, attractive, and efficient. At
the moment she was being more efficient than attractive, and she could sense his
resentment. "That's all you get. Now, lay off, and try to be reasonably sober,
for a change."
"But those kids! They'll squeal and giggleЧ"
"They're about the only audience in the world that won't spot you as a drunk.
God knows where I could find any one else who'd believe that your hand shakes
because of fever."
"I know that you're looking out for my best interests, Carol. But one more drink
wouldn't hurt me."
She said wearily, but firmly, "I don't argue with drunks, Curt. I just go ahead
and protect them from themselves. No drinks."
"Afterwards?"
"I can't watch you the way a mother watches a child."
The contemptuous reply sent his mind off on a new tack. "You could if we were
married."
"I've never believed in marrying weak characters to reform them."
"But if I proved to you that I could changeЧ"
"Prove it first, and I'll consider your proposal afterwards."
"You certainly are a cold-blooded creature, Carol. But I suppose that in your
profession you have to be."
"Cold, suspicious, nastyЧand reliable. It's inevitable when I must deal with
such warm-hearted, trusting, and unreliable clients."
He watched her move about the room, clearing away the dishes from his meager
breakfast. "What are you humming, Carol?"