Kitabı oku: «Рассказы / Short Stories», sayfa 11

They walked through the open gates of the old, downtown park, and found a quiet bench.

“He was my fiancé,” said Miss Conway, at the end of an hour. “We were going to be married next spring. He was a real Count. He had an estate and a castle in Italy. Count Fernando Mazzini was his name. My father objected, of course, and once we eloped, but father overtook us, and took us back. Finally, father agreed, and said we might be married next spring. Fernando showed him proofs of his title and wealth, and then went to Italy to prepare a castle for us. My father is very proud, and he never let me take a ring or any presents from him. And when Fernando sailed I came to the city and got a position as cashier in acandy store²⁹.

Three days ago I got a letter from Italy, saying that Fernando was killed in a gondola accident. That is why I am in mourning. My heart, Mr. Donovan, will remain forever in his grave. I guess I am poor company, Mr. Donovan. Perhaps you would prefer to walk back to the house?”

“I’m awfully sorry,” said Mr. Donovan, gently. “No, we won’t walk back to the house just yet. And don’t say you have no friends in this city, Miss Conway. I’m sorry, and I want you to believe I’m your friend.”

“I’ve got his picture here in my locket,” said Miss Conway, after wiping her eyes with her handkerchief. “I never showed it to anybody; but I will to you, Mr. Donovan, because I believe you to be a true friend.”

Mr. Donovan gazed long and with much interest at the photograph in the locket that Miss Conway opened for him. The face of Count Mazzini was a smooth, intelligent, bright, almost a handsome face – the face of a strong, cheerful man who might be a leader among his fellows.

“I have a larger one, framed, in my room,” said Miss Conway. “When we return I will show you that. They are all I have to remind me of Fernando. But he ever will be present in my heart.”

The sympathetic but cheerful friend was the role Mr. Donovan played; and he played it so successfully that soon they were sitting in a café, eating ice-cream, though Miss Conway’s large gray eyes were sad.