Pleased with her performance that when she had got into her room and

Somewhat noisily locked the door, she paraded up and down bowing right and

Left graciously to her obsequious retainers. She stretched out her lily white

Hand for the trembling old steward to kiss (as a baby he had often dandled

Her on his knee), and when he pressed it with his pallid lips she felt something

Fall upon it. A tear.

THE first year of their marriage (первый год их супружеской жизни) would

have been stormy (был бы бурным; stormy — грозовой, штормовой,

предвещающий бурю) except for Michael's placidity (если бы не спокойствие

Майкла). It needed the excitement of getting a part (требовалось возбуждение от

получения роли) or a first night (или /от/ премьеры), the gaiety of a party

(веселье вечеринки) where he had drunk several glasses of champagne (на

которой: «где» он выпил несколько бокалов шампанского), to turn his practical

mind to thoughts of love (чтобы он, такой практичный, сосредоточил свои

мысли на любви; to turn one's mind to smth. — обратить свое внимание на

что-либо, practical mind — практичный ум). No flattery (никакая лесть), no

allurements (никакое очарование), could tempt him (/не/ могли соблазнить его)

when he had an engagement next day (когда у него была назначена встреча на

следующий день) for which he had to keep his brain clear (ради которой его ум

должен был сохранять ясность: «он должен был сохранить свой ум ясным»)

or a round of golf (или партия в гольф; round — шар, круг, окружность,

спорт. — игра, партия, тур игры) for which he needed a steady eye (для

которой ему необходим был зоркий глаз; steady — устойчивый; прочный,

твердый). Julia made him frantic scenes (Джулия устраивала ему бурные

сцены).

placidity [plq'sIdItI] allurement [q'l(j)Vqmqnt] frantic ['frxntIk]

THE first year of their marriage would have been stormy except for Michael's

Placidity. It needed the excitement of getting a part or a first night, the gaiety

Of a party where he had drunk several glasses of champagne, to turn his

Practical mind to thoughts of love. No flattery, no allurements, could tempt

Him when he had an engagement next day for which he had to keep his brain

Clear or a round of golf for which he needed a steady eye. Julia made him