"Alexei Panshin - New Celebrations" - читать интересную книгу автора (Panshin Alexei)

table and two chairs were being placed by two floor workers. One of them handed Godwin several
packs of cards.

He motioned Villiers to take a seat. Seating himself, he said, “If Shirabi were here, would you have
challenged him to play?”
“Perhaps.”

“That coarse a man? I know you better than that. You would never sit to play with a man who is that
obviously not a gentleman.”

Villiers smiled faintly, but made no comment.

Godwin opened a pack of cards. “What stakes will you have?”

“You name them.”

“Ten royals a game, five on crevasses, a royal for odd points.”

“In that case, you must accept my vowel. I haven’t enough to cover those stakes on my person. Or, if
you would prefer, I’ll go to my quarters and return.”

“It won’t be necessary,” Godwin said. “Your losses can be added to your bill.”

“Most kind.”

“Shall we match cards for deal?”

“Not necessary,” said Villiers. “Deal, Mr. Godwin.”

Godwin dealt their hands, then placed the stack at the right. As he was dealing, Villiers said, “I am
reminded. I meant to ask the name of your tailor.”

Godwin regarded his cards briefly after completing the deal, then looked at Villiers. “Your clothes seem
well enough, if a bit dull. Still, if you would like . . .”

Villiers laughed. “I’ve misled you, I’m afraid. This is not for my benefit, but for Mr. Adams. He seems to
prefer your taste and my company.”

“That puppy!” Godwin said explosively, and played.

“As you say. You both see him in the same way.”

“We both?”

“You and himself. I think he feels his lack of polish and finds you the most shining gentleman in sight. It’s
a compliment, sir, I should think. You discard well.”

“If you find the boy such good company, you might introduce him to your own tailor.”

“My tailor, unfortunately, is not near at hand. And, again as you say, my clothes are dull.”