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Файл:Элис Эдамс. Учебное пособие – книга для чтения на английском языке
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Alice Adams
He had another anxiety; and, for the greater part, this
was of her own creating. She had too often asked him (no
matter how gaily) what he heard about her
begged him not to hear anything. Then, hoping to forestall
whatever he might hear, she had been at too great pains
to account for it, to discredit and mock it; and, though he
laughed at her for this, telling her truthfully he did not
even hear her mentioned, the everlasting irony that deals
with all such human forefendings prevailed.
Lately, he had half confessed to her what a nervousness
she had pr
hear somebody speaking of you. Y
upset about it that if I ever hear anybody so much as say
the name Alice Adams, Ill run! The confession was but
half of one because he laughed; and she took it for an
assurance of loyalty in the form of burlesque.
She misunderstood: he laughed, but his nervousness
was genuine.
After any stroke of events, whether a happy one or a
catastrophe, we see that the materials for it were a long
time gathering, and the only marvel is that the stroke was
not prophesied. What bore the air of fatal coincidence may
remain fatal indeed, to this later view; but, with the
haphazard aspect dispelled, there is left for scrutiny the
same ancient hint from the Infinite to the effect that since
events have never yet failed to be law-abiding, perhaps it
were well for us to deduce that they will continue to be
so until further notice.
oduced. You make me dr
ead the day when Ill
oure getting me so
, too often
On the day that was to open the closed door in the
background of his pictures of Alice, Russell lunched with
his relatives. There were but the four people, Russell and
Mildred and her mother and father
dining-room. Arched French windows, shaded by awnings,
admitted a mellow light and looked out upon a green
lawn ending in a long conservatory, which revealed through
its glass panes a carnival of plants in luxuriant blossom.
From his seat at the table, Russell glanced out at this
, in the gr
eat, cool
191
Booth Tarkington
pretty display, and informed his cousins that he was
surprised. You have such a glorious spread of flowers all
over the house, he said, I didnt suppose youd have any
left out yonder. In fact, I didnt know ther
splendid flowers in the world.
Mrs. Palmer, lar
with a mild reproach,
cousinly enough to get used to them, Arthur
almost taught us to forget what you look like.
In defense Russell waved a hand toward her husband.
You see, hes begun to keep me so hard at work
But Mr. Palmer declined the responsibility. Up to
four or five in the afternoon, perhaps, he said. After
that, the young gentleman is as much a stranger to me
as he is to my family. Ive been wondering who she
could be.
When a mans preoccupied there must be a lady then?
Russell inquired.
That seems to be the view of your sex, Mrs.
suggested. It was my husband who said it, not Mildred or I.
Mildred smiled faintly. Papa may be singular in his
ideas; they may come entirely from his own experience,
and have nothing to do with Arthur
Thank you, Mildred, her cousin said, bowing to her
gratefully. Y
your fathers quite as well!
However, Mildred r
customary pleasantry, not because the old jest, worn round,
like what preceded it, rolled in an old groove, but because
of some preoccupation of her own. Her faint smile had
disappeared, and, as her cousins glance met hers, she
looked down; yet not before he had seen in her eyes the
flicker of something like a question a question both
poignant and dismayed. He may have understood it; for
his own smile vanished at once in favour of a reciprocal
solemnity.
You see, Arthur, Mrs. Palmer said, Mildred is always
a good cousin. She and I stand by you, even if you do
ge, calm, fair
Thats because you havent been
ou seem to understand my character and
emained grave in the face of this
, like her daughter
e were so many
.
, responded
. Y
ouve
Palmer
192
Alice Adams
stay away from us for weeks and weeks. Then, observing
that he appeared to be so occupied with a bunch of iced
grapes upon his plate that he had not heard her
began to talk to her husband, asking him what was going
on down-town.
Arthur continued to eat his grapes, but he ventured to
look again at Mildred after a few moments. She, also,
appeared to be occupied with a bunch of grapes though
she ate none, and only pulled them from their stems. She
sat straight, her features as composed and pure as those of
a new marble saint in a cathedral niche; yet her downcast
eyes seemed to conceal many thoughts; and her cousin,
against his will, was more aware of what these thoughts
might be than of the leisurely conversation between her
father and mother. All at once, however, he heard something
that startled him, and he listened and here was the effect
of all Alices forefendings; he listened from the first with
a sinking heart.
Mr. Palmer
wife, had just spoken the words, this Virgil Adams.
he had said was, this Virgil Adams thats the mans
name. Queer case.
Who told you? Mrs. Palmer inquired, not much
interested.
Alfred Lamb, her husband answered. He was laughing
about his father
takes a great pride in his judgment of men, and always
boasted to his sons that hed never in his life made a
mistake in trusting the wrong man. Now Alfred and James
Albert, Junior
theyve twitted him so much about it hell scarcely speak
to them. From the first, Alfred says, the old chaps only
repartee was, Y
him so often to show them what theyre going to see that
he wont say anything at all!
Hes a funny old fellow, Mrs. Palmer observed. But
hes so shrewd I cant imagine his being deceived for such
a long time. Twenty years, you said?
, mildly amused by what he was telling his
, at the club. Y
, think they have a gr
ou wait and you
ou see the old gentleman
eat joke on him; and
ll see! And theyve asked
, she
What
193
Booth Tarkington
Yes, longer than that, I understand. It appears when
this man this Adams was a young clerk, the old
gentleman trusted him with one of his business secrets, a
glue process that Mr. Lamb had spent some money to get
hold of. The old chap thought this Adams was going to
have quite a future with the Lamb concern, and of course
never dreamed he was dishonest. Alfred says this Adams
hasnt been of any real use for years, and they should
have let him go as dead wood, but the old gentleman
wouldnt hear of it, and insisted on his being kept on the
payroll; so they just decided to look on it as a sort of
pension. W
attack of some sort down ther
own car out and went home with him, himself, and
worried about him and went to see him no end, all the
time he was ill.
He would, Mrs. Palmer said, approvingly. Hes a
kind-hearted creature, that old man.
Her husband laughed. Alfred says he thinks his
kind-heartedness is about cured! It seems that as soon
as the man got well again he deliberately walked off
with the old gentlemans glue secret. Just calmly stole it!
Alfred says he believes that if he had a stroke in the
office now, himself, his father wouldnt lift a finger to
help him!
Mrs. Palmer repeated the name to herself thoughtfully.
Adams V
Adams?
Yes.
She looked at her daughter
is, Mildred, she said, casually. Its that Alice Adamss
father, isnt it? W
I think it is, Mildred said.
Mrs. Palmer tur
this Alice Adams her
her father
Mr. Palmer passed a smooth hand over his neat gray
hair, which was not disturbed by this ef
ell, one mor
irgil Adams. You said his name was Vir
asnt his name V
.
ning last March the man had an
e, and Mr.
. Why, you know who that
irgil Adams?
ned toward her husband. Y
e. Mr
. Lambs pet swindler must be
Lamb got his
fort to stimulate
ouve seen
gil
194
Alice Adams
recollection. Oh, yes, he said. Of course certainly.
Quite a good-looking girl one of Mildreds friends. How
queer!
Mildred looked up, as if in a little alarm, but did not
speak. Her mother set matters straight. Fathers ARE amusing,
she said smilingly to Russell, who was looking at her,
though how fixedly she did not notice; for she turned from
him at once to enlighten her husband. Every girl who
meets Mildred, and tries to push the acquaintance by
coming here until the poor child has to hide, isnt a
FRIEND of hers, my dear!
Mildreds eyes were downcast again, and a faint colour
rose in her cheeks. Oh, I shouldnt put it quite that way
about Alice Adams, she said, in a low voice. I saw
something of her for a time. Shes not unattractive in a
way.
Mrs. Palmer settled the whole case of Alice carelessly.
A pushing sort of girl, she said. A very pushing little
person.
I Mildred began; and, after hesitating, concluded, I
rather dr
cheerfully. Especially since various members of the Lamb
connection are here frequently. They mightnt think youd
show great tact in having her about the place. He
laughed, and turned to his cousin. All this isnt very
interesting to poor Arthur
a newcomer in a town; they talk as if he knew all about
everybody!
ourselves, said Mrs. Palmer
the girl, of course she used to be a bit too conspicuous,
in fact! However, as you say, we might find a subject more
interesting for Arthur
truth, she said. Dont you fairly detest going into business
with that tyrant yonder?
opped her.
Fortunate youve done so, her father remarked,
. How terrible people ar
But we dont know anything about these queer people,
. W
e know something about
.
She smiled whimsically upon the young man. Tell the
What? Yes I beg your pardon! he stammer
e with
ed.
195
Booth Tarkington
You wer
Youve bored him so, talking about thievish clerks, he
cant even answer an honest question.
But Russell was beginning to recover his outward
composure. Try me again, he said. Im afraid I was
thinking of something else.
This was the best he found to say. There was a part of
him that wanted to protest and deny, but he had not heat
enough, in the chill that had come upon him. Here was
the first mention of Alice, and with it the reason why it
was the first: Mr. Palmer had dif
she happened to be spoken of, only because her fathers
betrayal of a benefactors trust had been so peculiarly
atrocious that, in the view of the benefactors family, it
contained enough of the element of humour to warrant a
mild laugh at a club. There was the deadliness of the
story: its lack of malice, even of resentment. Deadlier still
were Mrs. Palmers phrases: a pushing sort of girl,
very pushing little person,
conspicuous, in fact. But she spoke placidly and by
chance; being as obviously without unkindly motive as Mr.
Palmer was when he related the cause of Alfred Lambs
amusement. Her opinion of the obscure young lady
momentarily her topic had been expr
her husband, and at her own table. She sat there, large,
kind, serene a protest might astonish but could not
change her; and Russell, crumpling in his strained fingers
the lace-edged little web of a napkin on his knee, found
heart enough to grow red, but not enough to challenge
her.
She noticed his colour
embarrassment of a scrupulously gallant gentleman caught
in a lapse of attention to a lady. Dont be disturbed, she
said, benevolently. People arent expected to listen all the
time to their relatives. A high colours very becoming to
you, Arthur; but it really isnt necessary between cousins.
You can always be informal enough with us to listen only
when you care to.
e right, Mrs. Palmer said to her husband.
ficulty in r
and used to be a bit TOO
, and attributed it to the
ecalling her, and
a
essed, moreover, to
196
Alice Adams
His complexion continued to be ruddier than usual,
however, throughout the meal, and was still somewhat
tinted when Mrs. Palmer rose. The mans bringing you
cigarettes here, she said, nodding to the two gentlemen.
Well give you a chance to do the sordid kind of talking
we know you really like. Afterwhile, Mildred will show
you whats in bloom in the hothouse, if you wish, Arthur
Mildred followed her
another of the spacious rooms, went to a window and
looked out, while her mother seated herself near the
center of the r
Aubusson tapestry. Mrs. Palmer looked thoughtfully at her
daughters back, but did not speak to her until coffee had
been brought for them.
Thanks, Mildred said, not turning, I dont care for
any coffee, I believe.
No? Mrs. Palmer said, gently. Im afraid our goodlooking cousin wont think youre very talkative, Mildred.
You spoke only about twice at lunch. I shouldnt car
him to get the idea youre piqued because hes come here
so little lately, should you?
No, I shouldnt, Mildred answered in a low voice,
and with that she turned quickly, and came to sit near her
mother. But its what I am afraid of! Mama, did you notice
how red he got?
You mean when he was caught not listening to a
question of mine? Y
Mama, I dont think that was the reason. I dont think
it was because he wasnt listening, I mean.
No?
I think his colour and his not listening came from the
same reason, Mildred said, and although she had come to
sit near her mother, she did not look at her
happened because you and papa She stopped.
Yes? Mrs. Palmer said, good-natur
Your father and I did something embarrassing?
Mama, it was because of those things that came out
about Alice Adams.
oom in a gilt ar
, and, when they were alone in
mchair, mellowed with old
es; its very becoming to him.
. I think it
edly, to pr
ompt her.
e for
.
197
Booth Tarkington
How could that bother Arthur? Does he know her?
Dont you remember? the daughter asked. The day
after my dance I mentioned how odd I thought it was in
him I was a little disappointed in him. Id been seeing
that he met everybody, of course, but she was the only
girl HE asked to meet; and he did it as soon as he
noticed her
fact, I was rather sorry Id felt I had to ask her
she oh, well, shes the sort that tries for the new man, if
she has half a chance; and sometimes they seem quite
fascinated for a time, that is. I thought Arthur was
above all that; or at the very least I gave him credit for
being too sophisticated.
I see, Mrs. Palmer said, thoughtfully. I remember
now that you spoke of it. Y
peculiar, but of course it r
nothing to go by, except his own first impr
cant blame poor Arthur shes quite a piquant looking
little person. You think hes seen something of her since
then?
Mildred nodded slowly. I never dreamed such a thing
till yesterday, and even then I rather doubted it till he
got so red, just now! I was surprised when he asked to
meet her
mention her afterward; I forgot all about it in fact, I
virtually forgot all about HER. Id seen quite a little of
her
Yes, said Mrs. Palmer. She did keep coming her
But Id just about decided that it really wouldnt do,
Mildred went on. She isnt well, I didnt admir
No, her mother assented, and evidently followed a
direct connection of thought in a speech apparently
irrelevant. I understand the young Malone wants to
marry Henrietta. I hope she wont; he seems rather a
gross type of person.
Oh, hes just one, Mildred said. I dont know that he
and Alice Adams were ever engaged she never told me
so. She may not have been engaged to any of them; she
. I hadnt meant to have him meet her in
, because
ou said it seemed a little
eally wasnt: a new man has
essions. You
, but he just danced with her once and didnt
e!
e her.
198
Alice Adams
was just enough among the other girls to get talked about
and one of the reasons I felt a little inclined to be nice
to her was that they seemed to be rather edging her out
of the circle. It wasnt long before I saw they were right,
though. I happened to mention I was going to give a
dance and she pretended to take it as a matter of course
that I meant to invite her brother at least, I thought she
pretended; she may have really believed it. At any rate, I
had to send him a card; but I didnt intend to be let in for
that sort of thing again, of course. Shes what you said,
pushing; though Im awfully sorry you said it.
Why shouldnt I have said it, my dear?
Of course I didnt say
gravely. I meant only that Im sorry it happened.
Yes; but why?
Mama Mildred tur
speaking in a lowered voice
was so little it seemed as if Arthur hardly knew it himself.
Hed been lovely to me always, and he was still lovely to
me but oh, well, youve understood after my dance it
was more as if it was just his nature and his training to
be lovely to me, as he would be to everyone a kind of
politeness. Hed never said he CARED for me, but after
that I could see he didnt. It was clear after that. I didnt
know what had happened; I couldnt think of anything Id
done. Mama it was Alice Adams.
Mrs. Palmer set her little coffee-cup upon the table
beside her, calmly following her own motion with her
eyes, and not seeming to realize with what serious entreaty
her daughters gaze was fixed upon her
the last sentence of her revelation, and introduced a stress
of insistence.
Mama, it W
But Mrs. Palmer declined to be greatly impressed, so
far as her appearance went, at least; and to emphasize her
refusal, she smiled indulgently. What makes you think
so?
Henrietta told me yesterday.
AS Alice Adams!
shouldnt.
ned to her
Mama, at first the change
Mildred explained,
, leaning forward and
. Mildred r
epeated
199
Booth Tarkington
At this Mrs. Palmer permitted herself to laugh softly
aloud. Good heavens! Is Henrietta a soothsayer? Or is she
Arthurs particular confidante?
No. Ella Dowling told her
Mrs. Palmers laughter continued. Now we have it!
she exclaimed. Its a game of gossip: Arthur tells Ella, Ella
tells Henrietta, and Henrietta tells
Dont laugh, please, mama, Mildred begged. Of course
Arthur didnt tell anybody. Its roundabout enough, but its
true. I know it! I hadnt quite believed it, but I knew it
was true when he got so red. He looked oh, for a
second or so he looked stricken! He thought I didnt
notice it. Mama, hes been to see her almost every evening
lately. They take long walks together
been here.
Of Mrs. Palmers laughter there was left only her
indulgent smile, which she had not allowed to vanish.
Well, what of it? she said.
Mama!
Yes, said Mrs. Palmer
But dont you see? Mildreds well-tutored voice, though
modulated and repressed even in her present emotion,
nevertheless had a tendency to quaver
Dowling was going to see her one evening and he saw
Arthur sitting on the stoop with her
Ella used to go to school with a girl who lives across the
street from here. She told Ella
Oh, I understand, Mrs. Palmer interrupted. Suppose
he does go ther
I dont see what you mean, mama. Im so afraid he
might think we knew about it, and that you and papa said
those things about her and her father on that account as
if we abused them because he goes there instead of
coming here.
Nonsense! Mrs. Palmer rose, went to a window, and,
turning there, stood with her back to it, facing her daughter
and looking at her cheerfully. Nonsense, my dear! It was
perfectly clear that she was mentioned by accident, and so
e. My dear
.
. Thats why he hasnt
. What of it?
, and didnt go in. And
, I said, w
hat of it?
. Its true. Frank
200
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