"E. C. Tubb - Dumarest 09 - Mayenne" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tubb E. C)

Ignoring the Ghenka he concentrated instead on the salon and the company it
contained. Both were familiar from countless repetitions; a low room fitted with
tables and chairs, dispensers against a wall, the floor scarred with usage and time.
The assembly a collection of men and women with money enough to afford a High
passage, their metabolism slowed by the magic of quick-time so that an hour became
a minute, months shortened into days. Yet even so the journey was tedious; in this
part of the galaxy worlds were none too close, and entertainment, because of that,
the more highly appreciated.

The song ended and he heard a ragged sigh as the bells fell silent, the company
blinking a little, silent as they regretted lost imagery, then breaking the tension with a
storm of applause. A shower of coins fell at the Ghenka's feet and she stooped,
gathering them up, bowing as she left the salon. Dumarest caught her eyes as she
passed close to where he stood, deep pits of smoldering jet flecked with scarlet. Her
perfume was sharp, almost acrid, and yet not unpleasant.

Quietly he said, "Thank you, my lady, for the display of your skill. A truly
remarkable performance. The company is honored."

"You are most gracious, my lord." Even when speaking her voice held a wailing
lilt, "I have other songs if you would care to hear them. If you would prefer a private
session it could be arranged."

"I will consider it." Dumarest added more coins to the heap clutched in her hand.
"In the meantime again receive my thanks."

It was dismissal, but she did not leave. "You go to Selegal, my lord?"

"Yes."

"I also. It may be that we shall meet again. If so it would be my pleasure."

"And mine," said Dumarest.
 Still she lingered. "You will pardon me if I cause offense, my lord, but, as you
probably know, I travel alone. To one in my profession such a thing is not wise.
Also, on Selegal, I will be unfamiliar with the local ways. I am not suited to the
arrangement of business ventures. Perhaps, if you would consider it, something
could be arranged."

Dumarest caught the note of appeal, the desperate need that broke through the
stilted formality which was a part of her professional training. A woman alone, most
likely afraid, doing her best to survive in a region foreign to her experience. Yet he
had no intention of getting involved.

Before he could refuse she said, "You will consider it, my lord? At least your
advice would be of value. Perhaps we could meet laterтАФin my cabin?"

"Perhaps," said Dumarest.

Chom Roma drew in his breath as the woman moved on to her quarters. "A