"E. C. Tubb - Dumarest 14 - Jack of Swords" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tubb E. C)

your compliments for someone younger than I?"

"What has youth to do with beauty?" he demanded. "In you I
see the epitome of womanhood. If I were a poet I would compose
a work in your honor. As it is, I can only state a simple truth in
simple words. Your loveliness puts our sunsets to shame. You
agree, Chan?"

"How can I deny it?" Chan Catiua bowed, gracious in his
gesture. "Tien, a most pleasant meal."

A comment echoed by the others present and, Tien
recognized, a neat way to turn the conversation. Politic too,
while beautiful in her way, Pacula was no longer young and the
excessive flattery could hold a tinge of mockery. Not that Accaus
was capable of such subtlety, but a man couldn't be too careful
and shame, once given, could never be erased.

Now, as the servants cleared the table and set out flagons of
wine and bowls of succulent fruits, Tien Harada looked at his
guests. Owners all, aside from one, and he was of no account.
Pacula's whim and one he had toleratedтАФif the man could bring
her ease, what right had he to complain? Yet sitting as he did,
barely touching the food, a bleak contrast in his brown,
homespun robe, the monk looked more like a skeleton at the
feast than a privileged guest. Some wine would warm him,
perhaps, and Tien gestured for a servant to fill his glass.

"Thank you, no." Brother Vray rested his hand on the
container.

"You refuse my hospitality, Brother?"

"That, never, but a sufficiency is enough. And I have work
awaiting me."

"The consolation of the poor," sneered Accaus. "A pat on the
head for the unfortunate and a scrap of concentrate to ease their
labors. No man should eat unless he works for what he puts into
his mouth."

"And if no work is offered, brother?" The monk's voice was
gentle as were his eyes. An old voice, the eyes in a face seamed
and creased with years and deprivation. "You would be more
commiserate if you were to remember that, but for the grace of
God, you would be one of their number. Charity, brother, is a
virtue."

"Professed by many but practiced by few," said Catiua dryly.
"And your charity has an edge, Monk, is that not so? Before