"Walter Jon Williams - The Crown Jewels" - читать интересную книгу автора (Williams Walter John)

this single inconsequential conversation caused them to
miss three choice syllables from General Gerald, who was
looking after Maijstral with an expression of disgust on his
high-colored face.

THE CROWN JEWELS I 17

Maijstral fetched Nichole a sorbet and took a glass of
rink for himself. He glanced over the crowd again, seeing
the Countess in intent conversation with Baron Sinn. Both
of them looked abruptly in his direction, then away. He
wondered whether he had it in him to face the Countess
again tonight, decided not.

"I think I shall retire, Nichole," he said. "I just arrived
on Peleng this morning, and it was a long trip. I've missed
siesta entirely. I came only to see you."

If Nichole was piqued, she didn't show it. In light of
Maijstral's last remark, she mentally reviewed the resolu-
tion she had made earlier, then confirmed it.

"I will see you, then, tomorrow morning," she said.
They exchanged sniffs. "I'm delighted you're here, Drake.



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Old friends always increase one's pleasure in new scenery."

"At your service, Nichole. As always."

The orchestra began to tune again. Floating holograms
announced the Pathfinder. An eager young man tottered on
high heels toward Nichole and bowed.

"Pietro Quijano, miss. Perhaps you remember. May I
have the honor of the dance?"

If Nichole felt dismay at this apparition, she concealed
it well. She smiled. "But of course." Media globes floated
after them.

Maijstral finished his rink, abandoned by the media and
feeling better for it. He strolled along the wall toward the
exit, spoke briefly to Amalia Jensen, confirmed their ear-
lier conversation, and promised he would be in touch. He
strolled for the exit, and was about to walk through the