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

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gratefully in fuzzy gray socks.

Holographic works of art rotated slowly on pedestals set
into the walls, casting gentle light on Maijstrai as he
stretched on the couch. He looked at Roman.
"Nichole was there. She asked after you."
"I trust she is well." Maijstrai looked at him. Roman's
eyes were glittering, his nostrils a little dilated, Secret
pleasure, Maijstrai thought, happy in Roman's predictabil-
ity. No doubt about it.

Nichole had always been one of Roman's favorites.
"Yes, she's very well. A little . . . jaded, perhaps. I'm
escorting her to an Elvis recital tomorrow. That'll put me
in the public eye again. Good for business."
"A letter has arrived, sir. From your father."
Maijstral's heart felt a touch of resigned despair. His
father's communications had two themes, and both of
them were sad.
"1 will read it."

Roman brought it on a tray from the sideboard. It had,
been sent VPL, which meant it was written on paper,
sealed in an envelope, and delivered by hand. All at great
cost. Maijstrat opened the letter and read it.

"I do not understand your migration toward the bor-
der- Surely you will spend the season on Nana, in
connection with your eleemosynary duties. If you are on
the border before the season begins, you must pay re-
spects to the Countess Anastasia. Perhaps you will be
able to assist her in some endeavor relating to the Cause,
If necessary, the Kapodistrias plots might be sold.

"1 have been approached by Lord Giddon, from whom
some years ago I borrowed the sum of 450n. I must
have told you about the obligation, and am dismayed

THE CROWN JEWELS I 25

that you have not met it. If you had not frozen my
access to family funds I would not have mentioned this,
but the situation demands that you uphold the family
honor and redeem the debt. If you are temporarily short,
the parcels on Kapodistrias might be sold.

tt! hope you will attend to this forthwith.