"James White - Custom Fitting" - читать интересную книгу автора (White James)

the crotch, but the over-all effect looked much better balanced.

During the second fitting Hewlitt was pleased to find that he had been able to cure a troublesome
tendency to crease where the foreleg muscles periodically distorted the waistcoat while Scrennagle was
walking. But the garments, to Scrennagle's and Fox's untutored eyes, still looked like the proverbial
pound of tripe. It was obvious that they were both coming to a decisionтАФalmost certainly the wrong
oneтАФand Hewlitt tried desperately to head them off.

"We are extremely lucky," he said, smiling, "in that a size 16 neckband shirt is a perfect fit on you, sir, as
is a size 8 hat. The hat will be carried rather than worn for the most part, likewise the gloves, which don't
quite fitтАФ"

"Don't you think," said Fox suddenly, "that you may be trying for the impossible, Mr. Hewlitt?"

More quietly, Scrennagle joined in. "This is by no means a criticism of your professional ability, and you
may well produce the garments required; but wouldn't you agree that something in the nature of the
blanket already discussed would serve as a useful standby? It would also relieve you of a heavy
responsibility."

"I did not ask to be relieved of the responsibility," said Hewlitt. The responsibility was beginning to scare
him sick. He really should take this easy way outтАФbut he had too much confidence, or perhaps
over-confidence, in his ability. He went on, "I have undertaken to clothe you suitably for the forthcoming
social and formal occasions, sir, and you can trust me to fulfill my obligations.
"However," Hewlitt continued quickly, "I have a minor problem regarding foot coverings. The black
woolen socks can be adapted and cut to fit, but Earth-type shoes would look out of place and would be
difficult for you to wear with confidence. Would it be possible to use a non-toxic paint to color the
osseous material of your hoovesтАФglossy black for the formal occasion and brown for the walkabouts?
They should also be padded, since hoof sounds might also be considered out of place." It would make
you sound too much like a horse, Hewlitt said silently. Aloud: "And there is the matter of displaying the
tail, sir. It is a long, luxuriant, and remarkably handsome tailтАФ"

"Thank you," said Scrennagle.

тАФbut it is constantly in motion and likely to be a distraction to people holding a conversation with you.
Mr. Fox tells me that these movements are involuntary. However, as I see it, your tail is analogous to the
cranial and/or facial hair in a Earth-person. Those who have such hair frequently display it to the best
advantage on formal occasions. It can he pleated, braided, decorated in various fashions, and combed or
oiled to give it a richer texture. If you have no objections, sir, we might plait your tail, adding, say, a few
lengths of white or silver cord, then coil it neatly and secure it with a retaining strap which I can add to the
center seam?"

"I have no objections, Mr. Hewlitt," said Scrennagle. "We do something similar on Dutha."

"These are details, Hewlitt," said Fox. "Important details, I admit, which will apply to whatever type of
garment is worn. But "

"There is also the matter of decorations, sir," Hewlitt continued. "These are colored ribbons and pieces of
engraved metal which indicate that the person wearing them has achieved some great feat, or that an
ancestor has done so. The evening reception will include many people wearing dress uniforms and full
evening wear to which are added the kind of decorations I have been describing. I would like you to