"Vance, Jack - Elder Isles 03 - Madouc" - читать интересную книгу автора (Vance Jack)

УNow then,Ф said King Casmir, Уwhat is the matter?Ф

In a tumble of words Queen Sollace explained the situation. King Casmir listened with stolid patience.

Sollace terminated her remarks. УYou now will understand my concern. Essentially, we are puzzled as to why you threw
fruit at Lady Desdea and then encouraged Madouc to work the same mischief upon Lady Marmone.Ф

Casmir spoke to Lady Desdea. УBring Madouc here at once.Ф Lady Desdea left the chamber and a few moments later returned with Madouc, who entered the room somewhat reluctantly.

King Casmir spoke in even tones. УI ordered you to throw no more fruit.Ф

УIndeed you did, Sire, in the direction of Lady Desdea, and you also advised against the use of substances more offensive, in connection with Lady Desdea. I followed your advice exactly.Ф

УBut you threw a quince at Lady Marmone. Was that my advice?Ф

УI took it to be so, since you failed to include her in your instructions.Ф

УAh hah! Did you want me to name each individual of the castle and in each case name the stuffs with which he or she was not to be pelted?Ф

Madouc shrugged. УAs you see, Sire, when there is doubt, mistakes occur.Ф

УAnd you felt this doubt?Ф

УExactly, Sire! It seemed only fair that each of the ladies should be treated alike, and enjoy the same advantages.Ф

King Casmir smiled and nodded. УThese advantages are subtle. Can you bring them into sharper focus?Ф

Madouc frowned down at her fingers. УThe explanation might be lengthy, even tedious, so that I would be committing the same fault I deplore in the Ladies Desdea and Marmone.Ф

УPlease make the effort. If you bore us, we will excuse you this once.Ф

Madouc chose her words with care. УThese ladies are surely genteel but each day their conduct is much like that of the day before. They know neither zest nor surprise nor any wonderful new events. I thought it might be well if they were provided a mysterious adventure, which would excite their minds and reduce the tedium of their conversation.Ф

УYour motives, then, were totally kind and sympathetic?Ф

Madouc turned him a dubious glance. УI suspected, of course, that at first they might not be grateful and perhaps even a bit gruff, but in the end they would be delighted for my help, since they would realize that the world is sometimes unexpected and strange, and they would start to look around them with gay anticipation.Ф

Lady Desdea and Lady Marmone made sounds of incredulity. Casmir smiled a small hard smile. УSo you feel that you have done the two ladies a favor?Ф

УI have done my best,Ф said Madouc bravely. УThey will remember this day to the end of their lives! Can they say the same of yesterday?Ф

Casmir turned to Sollace. УThe princess has made a persuasive case that both Lady Desdea and Lady Marmone will profit from her acts, even though they come in the form of sheer mischief. However, the altruism of the princess must be returned in kind, and I suggest that you make this day memorable for her as well, with the aid of a willow whisk or a light ferrule. In the end, everyone will profit. Lady Desdea and Lady Marmone will find that their lives have been enriched, and Madouc will learn that she must obey the spirit as well as the letter of the royal command.Ф

Madouc spoke in a voice which trembled slightly: УSire, all is quite clear! Her Majesty need not exert herself to make a point which is already well taken.Ф

King Casmir had already turned away, and spoke over his shoulder: УEvents of this sort often take on a momentum of their own, as in the present case. Her Majesty may well work up a perspiration but will suffer no real inconvenience. You have my leave to go.Ф

Queen Sollace, with the Ladies Desdea and Marmone, departed the room. Madouc lagged behind. Sollace turned and beckoned. УCome along-smartly now; nothing is to be gained by sulking.Ф