"E. E. Doc Smith - Skylark 1 - Skylark of Space " - читать интересную книгу автора (Smith E. E. Doc)

`Huh?' He started violently, almost jumping off his stool then did jump off it as the
knowledge filtered through that it was really Dorothy who was standing at his back. He
swept her off her feet in the intensity of his embrace; she pressed her every inch tighter
and tighter against his rock-hard body. Their lips met and clung.

Dorothy finally released herself enough to look into his eyes. `I was so mad, Dick. I
simply didn't know whether to kiss you or kill you, but I decided to kiss you - this time.'

`I know, sweetheart. I've been trying my level best to get a couple of hours to come over
and see you, but everything's been going so slow - my head's so thick it takes a
thousand years for an idea to percolate '

`Hush! I've been doing a lot of thinking this last week, especially today. I love you as you
are. I can either do that or give you up. I can't even imagine giving you up, because I
know I'd cold-bloodedly strangle with her own hair any woman who ever cocked an eye
at you .... Come on, Dick, no more work tonight. I'm taking you and Martin home for
dinner.' Then, as his eyes strayed involuntarily back toward the computer, she said, more
forcefully, `I - said - no - more - work - tonight. Do you want to fight about it?'

`Uh-uh! I'll say I don't - I wasn't even thinking of working!' Seaton was panic-stricken. `No
fights, Dottie. Not with you. Ever. About anything. Believe me.'

`I do, lover,' and, arms around each other, they strolled unhurriedly up to and into the
house.

Crane accepted enthusiastically - for him - the invitation to dinner, and was going to
dress, but Dorothy would not have it.

`Strictly informal,' she insisted. `Just as you are.'

`I'll wash up, then, and be with you in a sec,' Seaton said, and left the room. Dorothy
turned to Crane.

`I've got a tremendous favor to ask of you, Martin. I drove the Cad - it's air-conditioned,
you know - could you possibly bring your Stradivarius along? My best violin would do, I'm
sure, but I'd rather have the heaviest artillery I can get'

-24-
`I see - at last.' Crane's face lit up. `Certainly. Play it outdoors in the rain, if necessary.
Masterful strategy, Dorothy - masterful.'

`Well, one does what one can,' Dorothy murmured in mock modesty. Then, as Seaton
appeared, she said, `Let's go, boys. Dinner is served at seven-thirty sharp, and we're
going to be there right on the chime.'

As they sat down at the table Dorothy studied again the changes that six days had made
in Seaton. His face was pale and thin, almost haggard. Lines had appeared at the
corners of his eyes and around his mouth, and faint but unmistakable blue rings encircled
his eyes.