Читать книгу The Complete Works of F. Scott Fitzgerald онлайн

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“Go to the window and look for yourself. Miss Fifi is kissing a tramp in broad daylight, down on the beach!”

Five minutes later two maiden ladies were making their way across the sand toward a couple who stood close together on the shore, sharply outlined against the bright afternoon sky. As they came closer Fifi and Mr. Hopkins, absorbed in the contemplation of each other, perceived them and drew lingeringly apart. Aunt Cal began to speak when they were still thirty yards away.

“Go into the house, Fifi!” she cried.

Fifi looked at Mr. Hopkins, who touched her hand reassuringly and nodded. As if under the influence of a charm, Fifi turned away from him, and with her head lowered walked with slender grace toward the house.

“Now, my man,” said Aunt Cal, folding her arms, “what are your intentions?”

Mr. Hopkins returned her glare rudely. Then he gave a low hoarse laugh.

“What’s that to you?” he demanded.

“It’s everything to us. Miss Marsden is our niece, and your attentions are unwelcome—not to say obnoxious.”