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Plays: Lady Frederick, The Explorer, A Man of Honour
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Год написания книги
2017
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Do!
[George and Lady Kelsey go out.
Alec
I think your self-command is wonderful. I've never admired you more than at this moment.
Lucy
You make me feel such a prig. It's not really very strange if I keep my head, because I've had an immensely long training. Since I was fifteen I've been alone to care for George and my father… Won't you sit down?
Alec
I can say what I want in a very few words. You know that in a week I start for Mombassa to take charge of the expedition in North-East Africa. I may be away for three or four years, and I shall be exposed to a certain amount of danger. When I left Africa last time to gather supplies, I determined I would crush those wretched slave-traders, and now I think I have the means to do it.
Lucy
I think you are engaged on a very great work.
Alec
I don't know whether you ever noticed that – that I cared more for you than for any one in the world. But with the long journey in front of me I didn't think it was right to say anything to you. It wasn't fair to ask you to bind yourself during my long absence. And there was always the risk that a stray bullet might put an end to me. I made up my mind that I must wait till I returned. But things have changed now. Lucy, I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me before I go?
Lucy
No, I can't do that. It's very generous of you, but I couldn't.
Alec
Why not? Don't you know that I love you? It would help me so much if I knew that you were waiting for me at home.
Lucy
I must look after my father. I shall go and live near the – prison, so that I can see him whenever it's possible.
Alec
You can do that as well if you're my wife… You have before you a very difficult and trying time. Won't you let me help you?
Lucy
I couldn't. Heaven knows, I'm grateful to you for offering to marry me on this day of my bitter humiliation. I shall never forget your great kindness. But I must stand alone. I must devote myself to my father. When he's released I must have a home to bring him to, and I must tend him and care for him. Ah, now he wants me more than ever.
Alec
You're very proud.
Lucy
[Giving him her hand.] Dear friend, don't think hardly of me. I think I love you as much as it's possible for a woman to love a man.
Alec
Lucy!
Lucy
[With a smile.] Did you want me to tell you that in so many words? I admire you, and I trust you. I should be very happy if George could grow into so brave and honest a man as you.
Alec
They're very modest crumbs with which you want me to be satisfied.
Lucy
I know in your heart you think I'm right. You would never seek to dissuade me from what I'm convinced is my duty.
Alec
Can't I do anything for you at all?
[She looks at him for a moment intently. She rings the bell.
Lucy
Yes, you can do me the greatest possible service.
Alec
I'm so glad. What is it you mean?
Lucy
Wait, and I'll tell you. [The Butler enters.] Ask Mr. George to come here, please.
Butler
Very well, Miss.
[He goes out.
Lucy
I want you to help me.
[George comes in.
George
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Последний отзыв
Книга дельная. Без воды, приводятся реальные кейсы и способы их разрешения. Много практичных полезных советов и методик. Кое-что уже испробовала в дел...
Далее