"Andrews, V C - crystal" - читать интересную книгу автора (Andrews V.C)

most as old as Kari's father's.
Kari's father was taller and considerably thin
ner than his son, with a face, that remmded jne of
Abraham Lincoln, long and chiseled. From the
pictures I saw on the table in the living room, I
concluded Kari took after his mother more. His
brothers, on the other hand, resembled their fa
ther, both being taller and leaner than Kari.
Papa Morris, as he was introduced to me, was a
feisty old man who had worked for the city Water
department. He was content to live on his pension
and social security, socialize with his retired
friends, play cards, visit the local bar, and read his
newspapers. Kari had arranged for a woman to
come and clean twice a week, but Kari's father
wouldn't permit anyone to cook for him.
"When I can't take care of myself, I'll know it,"
he muttered after Kari had made the suggestion
again.
However, the kitchen wasn't very clean. Pot&
were caked with beans and rice, and some dishes
were piled up, waiting for the cleaning lady.
Thelma went right to work when we arrived. I
V. C. ANDREWS
helped her, and we got the kitchen into some
order while Kari and his father talked. Then we all
sat in the living room and had fresh lemonade.
Papa Morris stared at me with interest while
Thelma described what a wonderful beginning we
had all had together since I had come to live with
her and Kari. Papa Morris's large, glassy brown
eyes narrowed with suspicion.
"You like livin' with these two?" he asked me
.'skeptically.'"'"''7' ' '" '--'-- ...-^ ,
"Yes, sir," I answered^ilckly. "'''
"Yes, sir?" he muttered, and^looked at Kari,
who sat with his hands in his lap.
"She's a very polite young lady," Thelma said^
"A lot like Whelma Matthews on Days in th^
Sun, "she added, looking at me proudly. IS
"You don't have to call me sir. Missy. No one'|
ever called me sir. I don't wear no airs. I'm just;
pensioner."
"She's very smart, psl All A's in school," 1
ma continued.
"That's good." He nodded at me, his
softening some, "My Lily always wanted gr
children, but none of my boys gave her
Grandchildren are sort of a return on your iove
ment," he muttered.