"Bram Stoker - Dracula" - читать интересную книгу автора (Stoker Bram)

Close at hand came the howling of many wolves. It was almost as if
the sound sprang up at the rising of his hand, just as the music
of a great orchestra seems to leap under the baton of the conductor.
After a pause of a moment, he proceeded, in his stately way,
to the door, drew back the ponderous bolts, unhooked the heavy chains,
and began to draw it open.

To my intense astonishment I saw that it was unlocked.
Suspiciously, I looked all round, but could see no key
of any kind.

As the door began to open, the howling of the wolves without grew
louder and angrier. Their red jaws, with champing teeth, and their
blunt-clawed feet as they leaped, came in through the opening door.
I knew than that to struggle at the moment against the Count was useless.
With such allies as these at his command, I could do nothing.

But still the door continued slowly to open, and only
the Count's body stood in the gap. Suddenly it struck
me that this might be the moment and means of my doom.
I was to be given to the wolves, and at my own instigation.
There was a diabolical wickedness in the idea great enough for
the Count, and as the last chance I cried out, "Shut the door!
I shall wait till morning." And I covered my face with my hands
to hide my tears of bitter disappointment.

With one sweep of his powerful arm, the Count threw the door shut,
and the great bolts clanged and echoed through the hall as they
shot back into their places.

In silence we returned to the library, and after a minute or two I went to my
own room. The last I saw of Count Dracula was his kissing his hand to me,
with a red light of triumph in his eyes, and with a smile that Judas in hell
might be proud of.

When I was in my room and about to lie down, I thought I heard
a whispering at my door. I went to it softly and listened.
Unless my ears deceived me, I heard the voice of the Count.

"Back! Back to your own place! Your time is not
yet come. Wait! Have patience! Tonight is mine.
Tomorrow night is yours!"

There was a low, sweet ripple of laughter, and in a rage I threw open
the door, and saw without the three terrible women licking their lips.
As I appeared, they all joined in a horrible laugh, and ran away.

I came back to my room and threw myself on my knees.
It is then so near the end? Tomorrow! Tomorrow! Lord, help me,
and those to whom I am dear!