Пантум (малайское четверостишие) в прозе

It is doubtful whether the gift was innate (сомнительно, чтобы этот дар был врожденным). For my own part, I think it came to him suddenly (что касается меня, /то/ я считаю, что он сошел на него внезапно; for one’s part — что касается кого-л., с чьей-л. стороны). Indeed, until he was thirty he was a sceptic (действительно, пока ему /не/ исполнилось тридцать /лет/, он был скептиком), and did not believe in miraculous powers (и не верил в сверхъестественные силы). And here, since it is the most convenient place (и тут, так как это — самое удобное место), I must mention that he was a little man (я должен упомянуть, что он был маленьким мужчиной = мужчиной маленького роста), and had eyes of a hot brown (и имел = у него были ярко-карие глаза), very erect red hair (очень торчащие рыжие волосы), a moustache with ends that he twisted up (усы с кончиками, которые он подкручивал), and freckles (и веснушки). His name was George McWhirter Fotheringay (его звали Джордж Мак-Вертер Фозерингей) — not the sort of name by any means to lead to any expectation of miracles (никоим образом не такое имя, которое приводит к ожиданию чудес) — and he was clerk at Gomshott's (и он был клерком у Гомшота). He was greatly addicted to assertive argument (он был сильно предрасположен к напористому спору; assertive — агрессивный, чрезмерно настойчивый, напористый; самоуверенный). It was while he was asserting the impossibility of miracles that he had his first intimation of his extraordinary powers (именно в то время, как он доказывал невозможность чудес, он впервые получил намек на свои удивительные силы). This particular argument was being held in the bar of the Long Dragon (этот особый спор происходил в баре «Длинный Дракон»; to hold — держать; собирать, созывать, проводить /собрание, совещание, ассамблею/), and Toddy Beamish was conducting the opposition (и Тодди Бимиш вводил возражение = контраргументы) by a monotonous but effective "So you say (монотонным, но эффективным «это вы так считаете»)," that drove Mr. Fotheringay to the very limit of his patience (которое довело г-на Фозерингея до самых пределов его терпения; to drive — гнать; доводить).

miraculous [mI'rxkjulqs], power ['pauq], patience ['peISqns]

It is doubtful whether the gift was innate. For my own part, I think it came to him suddenly. Indeed, until he was thirty he was a sceptic, and did not believe in miraculous powers. And here, since it is the most convenient place, I must mention that he was a little man, and had eyes of a hot brown, very erect red hair, a moustache with ends that he twisted up, and freckles. His name was George McWhirter Fotheringay — not the sort of name by any means to lead to any expectation of miracles — and he was clerk at Gomshott's. He was greatly addicted to assertive argument. It was while he was asserting the impossibility of miracles that he had his first intimation of his extraordinary powers. This particular argument was being held in the bar of the Long Dragon, and Toddy Beamish was conducting the opposition by a monotonous but effective "So you say," that drove Mr. Fotheringay to the very limit of his patience.

There were present, besides these two (кроме этих двух присутствовали), a very dusty cyclist, landlord Cox (очень запыленный велосипедист, управляющий Кокс), and Miss Maybridge, the perfectly respectable and rather portly barmaid of the Dragon (и мисс Мейбридж, в полной мере респектабельная и весьма представительная барменша «Дракона»). Miss Maybridge was standing with her back to Mr. Fotheringay (мисс Мейбридж стояла спиной к г-ну Фозерингею), washing glasses (моя стаканы); the others were watching him (остальные наблюдали за ним), more or less amused by the present ineffectiveness of the assertive method (более или менее позабавленные нынешней неэффективностью напористого метода). Goaded by the Torres Vedras tactics of Mr. Beamish (подстрекаемый тактикой г-на Бимиша /в стиле/ Торреса Ведраса), Mr. Fotheringay determined to make an unusual rhetorical effort (г-н Фозерингей решил сделать необычную риторическую попытку). "Look here, Mr. Beamish (послушайте, м-р Бимиш)," said Mr. Fotheringay (сказал м-р Фозерингей). "Let us clearly understand what a miracle is (давайте четко выясним, что такое чудо). It's something contrariwise to the course of nature (это нечто противоречащее естественному порядку вещей; the course of nature — естественный, нормальный порядок вещей), done by power of will (совершаемое силой воли), something what couldn't happen without being specially willed (нечто, что не могло бы случиться без особого проявления воли; to will — проявлять волю; желать, хотеть)."

rather ['rRDq], glass [glRs], assertive [q'sWtIv]

There were present, besides these two, a very dusty cyclist, landlord Cox, and Miss Maybridge, the perfectly respectable and rather portly barmaid of the Dragon. Miss Maybridge was standing with her back to Mr. Fotheringay, washing glasses; the others were watching him, more or less amused by the present ineffectiveness of the assertive method. Goaded by the Torres Vedras tactics of Mr. Beamish, Mr. Fotheringay determined to make an unusual rhetorical effort. "Look here, Mr. Beamish," said Mr. Fotheringay. "Let us clearly understand what a miracle is. It's something contrariwise to the course of nature, done by power of will, something what couldn't happen without being specially willed."

"So you say (это вы так считаете)," said Mr. Beamish, repulsing him (сказал м-р Бимиш, опровергая его).

Mr. Fotheringay appealed to the cyclist (м-р Фозерингей обратился к велосипедисту), who had hitherto been a silent auditor (который доселе был молчаливым слушателем), and received his assent (и получил его одобрение) — given with a hesitating cough and a glance at Mr. Beamish (данное /в форме/ сомневающегося покашливания и взгляда на м-ра Бимиша). The landlord would express no opinion (управляющий не выражал никакого мнения), and Mr. Fotheringay, returning to Mr. Beamish (и м-р Фозерингей, вновь обратившись к м-ру Бимишу), received the unexpected concession of a qualified assent to his definition of a miracle (получил неожиданную уступку /в виде/ сделанного с оговоркой согласия с его определением чуда).

cough [kOf], receive [rI'sJv], miracle ['mIrqkl]

"So you say," said Mr. Beamish, repulsing him.

Mr. Fotheringay appealed to the cyclist, who had hitherto been a silent auditor, and received his assent — given with a hesitating cough and a glance at Mr. Beamish. The landlord would express no opinion, and Mr. Fotheringay, returning to Mr. Beamish, received the unexpected concession of a qualified assent to his definition of a miracle.

"For instance (например)," said Mr. Fotheringay (сказал м-р Фозерингей), greatly encouraged (очень приободренный). "Here would be a miracle (вот было бы чудо). That lamp, in the natural course of nature (та лампа при естественном порядке вещей), couldn't burn like that upset-down (не могла бы гореть так, вверх ногами), could it, Beamish (не так ли, Бимиш)?"

"You say it couldn't (ВЫ говорите, /что/ не могла бы)," said Beamish (сказал Бимиш).

"And you (а вы)?" said Fotheringay (спросил Фозерингей). "You don't mean to say — eh (вы не хотите /так/ сказать, а)?"

"No (нет)," said Beamish reluctantly (сказал неохотно Бимиш). "No, it couldn't (нет, не могла бы)."

encourage [In'kArIG], course [kLs], nature ['neICq]

"For instance," said Mr. Fotheringay, greatly encouraged. "Here would be a miracle. That lamp, in the natural course of nature, couldn't burn like that upset-down, could it, Beamish?"

"You say it couldn't," said Beamish.

"And you?" said Fotheringay. "You don't mean to say — eh?"

"No," said Beamish reluctantly. "No, it couldn't."

"Very well (очень хорошо)," said Mr. Fotheringay (сказал м-р Фозерингей). "Then here comes someone (затем сюда приходит некто), as it might be me (/как/ это мог бы быть я), along here (вот сюда), and stands as it might be here (и становится, допустим, здесь), and says to that lamp (и говорит этой лампе), as I might do (как мог бы я), collecting all my will (собрав всю мою волю) — Turn upset-down without breaking (перевернись вверх ногами, не ломаясь), and go on burning steady (и продолжай гореть ровно), and — Hullo (и — ой)!"

It was enough to make anyone say (этого было достаточно, чтобы заставить сказать кого угодно) "Hullo (ой)!" The impossible, the incredible, was visible to them all (невозможное, невероятное было видимо им всем). The lamp hung inverted in the air (лампа повисла перевернутой в воздухе), burning quietly with its flame pointing down (спокойно горя пламенем, направленным вниз). It was as solid, as indisputable as ever a lamp was (она была такой основательной, такой неопровержимой, какой только была лампа), the prosaic common lamp of the Long Dragon bar (прозаичная, обычная лампа бара «Длинный Дракон»).

might [maIt], break [breIk], steady ['stedI]

"Very well," said Mr. Fotheringay. "Then here comes someone, as it might be me, along here, and stands as it might be here, and says to that lamp, as I might do, collecting all my will — Turn upset-down without breaking, and go on burning steady, and — Hullo!"

It was enough to make anyone say "Hullo!" The impossible, the incredible, was visible to them all. The lamp hung inverted in the air, burning quietly with its flame pointing down. It was as solid, as indisputable as ever a lamp was, the prosaic common lamp of the Long Dragon bar.

Mr. Fotheringay stood with an extended forefinger and the knitted brows of one anticipating a catastrophic smash (м-р Фозерингей стоял с вытянутым указательным пальцем и с нахмуренными бровями одного = человека, предчувствующего катастрофическое падение; to knit — вязать; хмурить /брови/). The cyclist, who was sitting next the lamp (велосипедист, который сидел ближе всех к лампе), ducked and jumped across the bar (отпрянул и прыгнул через стойку). Everybody jumped (все подскочили), more or less (более или менее). Miss Maybridge turned and screamed (мисс Мейбридж повернулась и завизжала). For nearly three seconds the lamp remained still (почти три секунды лампа оставалась неподвижной). A faint cry of mental distress came from Mr. Fotheringay (от м-ра Фозерингея пришел = донесся слабый крик внутренней боли; mental — интеллектуальный, умственный; внутренний /происходящий в сознании/). "I can't keep it up (я больше не могу удерживать ее вверху)," he said, "any longer." He staggered back (он отошел, шатаясь, назад; to stagger — идти шатаясь), and the inverted lamp suddenly flared (и перевернутая лампа вдруг вспыхнула), fell against the corner of the bar (упала на угол стойки), bounced aside (отскочила в сторону), smashed upon the floor (разбилась на полу), and went out (и погасла; to go out — гаснуть, тухнуть).

knit [nIt], against [q'genst], floor [flL]

Mr. Fotheringay stood with an extended forefinger and the knitted brows of one anticipating a catastrophic smash. The cyclist, who was sitting next the lamp, ducked and jumped across the bar. Everybody jumped, more or less. Miss Maybridge turned and screamed. For nearly three seconds the lamp remained still. A faint cry of mental distress came from Mr. Fotheringay. "I can't keep it up," he said, "any longer." He staggered back, and the inverted lamp suddenly flared, fell against the corner of the bar, bounced aside, smashed upon the floor, and went out.

It was lucky it had a metal receiver (повезло, что у нее был металлический резервуар), or the whole place would have been in a blaze (иначе бы все помещение оказалось бы в огне; blaze — яркий огонь, пламя). Mr. Cox was the first to speak (первым заговорил м-р Кокс), and his remark, shorn of needless excrescences (и его высказывание, лишенное ненужных излишеств), was to the effect that Fotheringay was a fool (было по поводу того, что Фозерингей /был/ дурак). Fotheringay was beyond disputing even so fundamental a proposition as that (Фозерингей и не собирался: «был далек от того, чтобы» оспаривать даже такое существенное заявление, как это)! He was astonished beyond measure at the thing that had occurred (он был изумлен сверх меры тем, что произошло). The subsequent conversation threw absolutely no light on the matter so far as Fotheringay was concerned (последующая беседа не пролила абсолютно никакого света на предмет, насколько это касалось Фозерингея; to throw — бросать); the general opinion not only followed Mr. Cox very closely but very vehemently (общее мнение не только очень близко соответствовало взглядам м-ра Кокса, но /и/ очень страстно поддерживало его; to follow — разделять взгляды, поддерживать). Everyone accused Fotheringay of a silly trick (все обвиняли Фозерингея в глупой шутке), and presented him to himself as a foolish destroyer of comfort and security (и выставляли его перед ним же глупым разрушителем отдыха и безопасности). His mind was in a tornado of perplexity (его ум оказался в смерче/вихре недоумения; perplexity — недоумение; растерянность; смущение), he was himself inclined to agree with them (он сам был склонен согласиться с ними), and he made a remarkably ineffectual opposition to the proposal of his departure (и он оказал удивительно слабое сопротивление предложению о его уходе = и он не особо сопротивлялся, когда ему предложили уйти).

measure ['meZq], occur [q'kW], departure [dI'pRCq]

It was lucky it had a metal receiver, or the whole place would have been in a blaze. Mr. Cox was the first to speak, and his remark, shorn of needless excrescences, was to the effect that Fotheringay was a fool. Fotheringay was beyond disputing even so fundamental a proposition as that! He was astonished beyond measure at the thing that had occurred. The subsequent conversation threw absolutely no light on the matter so far as Fotheringay was concerned; the general opinion not only followed Mr. Cox very closely but very vehemently. Everyone accused Fotheringay of a silly trick, and presented him to himself as a foolish destroyer of comfort and security. His mind was in a tornado of perplexity, he was himself inclined to agree with them, and he made a remarkably ineffectual opposition to the proposal of his departure.

He went home flushed and heated (он пошел домой покрасневший и раздраженный), coat-collar crumpled, eyes smarting, and ears red (со смятым воротником пиджака, болевшими глазами и покрасневшими ушами). He watched each of the ten street lamps nervously as he passed it (он смотрел нервно на каждый из десяти уличных фонарей, проходя мимо него). It was only when he found himself alone in his little bedroom in Church Row (лишь когда он оказался один в своей маленькой спальне на Черч-Роу; to find oneself — очутиться, оказаться) that he was able to grapple seriously with his memories of the occurrence, and ask (он смог серьезно разобраться со своими воспоминаниями о происшествии и спросить; to grapple with — пытаться преодолеть /затруднение/, разрешить /задачу/; to grapple — зацепить, схватить, ухватить, захватить /крюком/), "What on earth happened (что же все-таки произошло; on earth — же, все-таки: «на земле»)?"

eye [aI], watch [wOC], occurrence [q'kArqns]

He went home flushed and heated, coat-collar crumpled, eyes smarting, and ears red. He watched each of the ten street lamps nervously as he passed it. It was only when he found himself alone in his little bedroom in Church Row that he was able to grapple seriously with his memories of the occurrence, and ask, "What on earth happened?"

He had removed his coat and boots (он /уже/ снял пиджак и ботинки), and was sitting on the bed with his hands in his pockets (и сидел на кровати с руками в карманах = засунув руки в карманы) repeating the text of his defence for the seventeenth time (повторяя текст своей защиты в семнадцатый раз), "I didn't want the confounded thing to upset (я не хотел, чтобы эта проклятая штуковина перевернулась; to upset — переворачиваться)," when it occurred to him (когда ему в голову пришло; to occur — происходить, случаться, совершаться; приходить на ум) that at the precise moment he had said the commanding words (что именно в тот момент, когда он сказал свой приказ: «приказывающие слова») he had inadvertently willed the thing he said (он нечаянно пожелал того, что сказал), and that when he had seen the lamp in the air (и что когда он увидел лампу в воздухе) he had felt that it depended on him (он почувствовал, что от него зависит; to feel — чувствовать) to maintain it there without being clear how this was to be done (удерживать ее там, не зная точно, как это сделать). He had not a particularly complex mind (он имел = у него было не особенно развитое мышление; complex — комплексный, составной; сложный), or he might have stuck for a time at that "inadvertently willed (иначе он, возможно, прицепился бы на некоторое время к тому /выражению/ «нечаянно пожелал»)," embracing, as it does, the abstrusest problems of voluntary action (охватывающему глубокомысленнейшие проблемы волевого акта; to embrace — охватывать, видеть; принимать); but as it was, the idea came to him with a quite acceptable haziness (но при сложившихся обстоятельствах мысль пришла к нему со вполне приемлемой неясностью; hazy — туманный, затуманенный, подернутый дымкой; неясный, смутный). And from that, following, as I must admit, no clear logical path (а так как отсюда, как я должен признать, не следует никакого ясного логического образа действий; path — линия поведения; образ действий), he came to the test of experiment (он перешел к экспериментальной проверке).

inadvertently ["Inqd'vWtqntlI], abstruse [xb'strHs], path [pRT]

He had removed his coat and boots, and was sitting on the bed with his hands in his pockets repeating the text of his defence for the seventeenth time, "I didn't want the confounded thing to upset," when it occurred to him that at the precise moment he had said the commanding words he had inadvertently willed the thing he said, and that when he had seen the lamp in the air he had felt that it depended on him to maintain it there without being clear how this was to be done. He had not a particularly complex mind, or he might have stuck for a time at that "inadvertently willed," embracing, as it does, the abstrusest problems of voluntary action; but as it was, the idea came to him with a quite acceptable haziness. And from that, following, as I must admit, no clear logical path, he came to the test of experiment.

He pointed resolutely to his candle and collected his mind (он решительно указал /пальцем/ на свечу и собрал свое желание), though he felt he did a foolish thing (хотя он чувствовал, что делает глупость). "Be raised up (поднимись)," he said (сказал он). But in a second that feeling vanished (но через секунду это чувство исчезло). The candle was raised (свеча поднялась: «была поднята»), hung in the air one giddy moment (повисла в воздухе на одно головокружительное мгновение), and as Mr. Fotheringay gasped (а когда м-р Фозерингей открыл /от удивления/ рот), fell with a smash on his toilet-table (упала с грохотом на его туалетный столик), leaving him in darkness save for the expiring glow of its wick (оставив его в темноте за исключением /света от/ догорающего отблеска ее фитилька; save for — за исключением, кроме).

resolutely ['rezqlHtlI], giddy ['gIdI], glow [glqu]

He pointed resolutely to his candle and collected his mind, though he felt he did a foolish thing. "Be raised up," he said. But in a second that feeling vanished. The candle was raised, hung in the air one giddy moment, and as Mr. Fotheringay gasped, fell with a smash on his toilet-table, leaving him in darkness save for the expiring glow of its wick.

For a time Mr. Fotheringay sat in the darkness (некоторое время м-р Фозерингей сидел в темноте), perfectly still (совершенно неподвижно). "It did happen, after all (в конце концов, это все-таки случилось)," he said (сказал он). "And 'ow I'm to explain it I don't know (а как мне это объяснить, я не знаю)." He sighed heavily (он тяжело вздохнул), and began feeling in his pockets for a match (и начал нащупывать в своих карманах спичку). He could find none (он не мог найти ни одной), and he rose and groped about the toilet-table (и он поднялся и стал обыскивать на ощупь туалетный столик; to rise — подниматься). "I wish I had a match (жаль, что у меня нет спички: «я желаю, я имел спичку»)," he said (сказал он). He resorted to his coat (он обратился = потянулся к своему пиджаку), and there was none there (и там не было ни одной /спички/), and then it dawned upon him (и тогда до него дошло) that miracles were possible even with matches (что чудеса возможны даже со спичками). He extended a hand and scowled at it in the dark (он вытянул руку и сердито посмотрел на нее в темноте; to scowl — смотреть сердито, бросать сердитый взгляд). "Let there be a match in that hand (пусть в этой руке будет спичка)," he said (сказал он). He felt some light object fall across his palm and his fingers closed upon a match (он ощутил, как некий легкий предмет упал ему на ладонь, и его пальцы сомкнулись на спичке).

sigh [saI], dawn [dLn], scowl [skaul]

For a time Mr. Fotheringay sat in the darkness, perfectly still. "It did happen, after all," he said. "And 'ow I'm to explain it I don't know." He sighed heavily, and began feeling in his pockets for a match. He could find none, and he rose and groped about the toilet-table. "I wish I had a match," he said. He resorted to his coat, and there was none there, and then it dawned upon him that miracles were possible even with matches. He extended a hand and scowled at it in the dark. "Let there be a match in that hand," he said. He felt some light object fall across his palm and his fingers closed upon a match.

After several ineffectual attempts to light this (после нескольких бесплодных попыток зажечь ее), he discovered it was a safety match (он обнаружил, что это безопасная спичка /можно было зажечь только о специальную коробку/). He threw it down (он бросил ее; to throw down — сбрасывать, бросать), and then it occurred to him that he might have willed it lit (а потом ему пришло на ум, что он мог бы захотеть, чтобы она загорелась; lit — зажженный; to light — зажигать). He did (он сделал = он пожелал), and perceived it burning in the midst of his toilet-table mat (и различил, как она горит посредине коврика перед его туалетным столиком). He caught it up hastily (он поспешно схватил ее; to catch up — быстро схватить, подхватить), and it went out (и она потухла). His perception of possibilities enlarged (его осознание возможностей усилилось), and he felt for and replaced the candle in its candlestick (и он нащупал и заменил свечу в подсвечнике). "Here! you be lit (эй, ТЫ, зажгись)," said Mr. Fotheringay (сказал м-р Фозерингей), and forthwith the candle was flaring (и тотчас свеча ярко загорелась), and he saw a little black hole in the toilet-cover (и он увидел маленькую черную дырочку в чехле туалетного столика), with a wisp of smoke rising from it (с тоненьким дымком, поднимающимся от нее). For a time he stared from this to the little flame and back (некоторое время он переводил пристальный взгляд с него на маленькое пламя и обратно), and then looked up and met his own gaze in the looking-glass (а потом он поднял взор и встретил свой собственный взгляд в зеркале). By this help he communed with himself in silence for a time (с этой помощью = с помощью него он пообщался с собой в тишине некоторое время).

several ['sevrql], discover [dI'skAvq], safety ['seIftI]

After several ineffectual attempts to light this, he discovered it was a safety match. He threw it down, and then it occurred to him that he might have willed it lit. He did, and perceived it burning in the midst of his toilet-table mat. He caught it up hastily, and it went out. His perception of possibilities enlarged, and he felt for and replaced the candle in its candlestick. "Here! you be lit," said Mr. Fotheringay, and forthwith the candle was flaring, and he saw a little black hole in the toilet-cover, with a wisp of smoke rising from it. For a time he stared from this to the little flame and back, and then looked up and met his own gaze in the looking-glass. By this help he communed with himself in silence for a time.

"How about miracles now (как теперь насчет чудес)?" said Mr. Fotheringay at last (сказал наконец м-р Фозерингей), addressing his reflection (обращаясь к своему отражению).

The subsequent meditations of Mr. Fotheringay were of a severe but confused description (последующие размышления м-ра Фозерингея были скрупулезного, но беспорядочного рода). So far, he could see it was a case of pure willing with him (пока он видел, /что/ с ним это случай чистого волеизъявления). The nature of his experiences so far disinclined him for any further experiments (характер его впечатлений до настоящего времени отбил у него охоту для дальнейших экспериментов; to disincline — лишать желания, стремления, склонности; отбивать охоту), at least until he had reconsidered them (по крайней мере, пока он /не/ пересмотрит их). But he lifted a sheet of paper (но он поднял лист бумаги), and turned a glass of water pink and then green (и превратил стакан воды в розовый, а потом в зеленый цвет), and he created a snail (и он сотворил улитку), which he miraculously annihilated (которую он чудесным образом уничтожил), and got himself a miraculous new tooth-brush (и приобрел себе чудотворную новую зубную щетку). Somewhere in the small hours he had reached the fact (где-то в первые часы после полуночи он постиг то; the small hours — предрассветные часы; первые часы после полуночи) that his will-power must be of a particularly rare and pungent quality (что его сила воли должна быть особенно редкого и интенсивного качества; pungent — колющий, острый; резкий, сильный, пронзительный /о боли, чувствах/; интересный, привлекательный), a fact of which he had indeed had inklings before (факт, который он заподозрил несомненно прежде; to have/get an inkling of smth. — заподозрить что-л.; inkling — намек /на что-л./; легкое подозрение; слабое представление /of — о чем-л./), but no certain assurance (но без определенной уверенности).

pungent ['pAnGqnt], quality ['kwOlItI], certain ['sWtqn]

"How about miracles now?" said Mr. Fotheringay at last, addressing his reflection.

The subsequent meditations of Mr. Fotheringay were of a severe but confused description. So far, he could see it was a case of pure willing with him. The nature of his experiences so far disinclined him for any further experiments, at least until he had reconsidered them. But he lifted a sheet of paper, and turned a glass of water pink and then green, and he created a snail, which he miraculously annihilated, and got himself a miraculous new tooth-brush. Somewhere in the small hours he had reached the fact that his will-power must be of a particularly rare and pungent quality, a fact of which he had indeed had inklings before, but no certain assurance.

The scare and perplexity of his first discovery was now qualified by pride in this evidence of singularity and by vague intimations of advantage (внезапный испуг и растерянность от его первого открытия были теперь смягчены гордостью = смягчила гордость этим свидетельством своеобразия и смутными намеками на выгоду). He became aware that the church clock was striking one (он отдал себе отчет, что церковные часы бьют час /ночи/; to become aware — осознать, отдавать себе отчет), and as it did not occur to him (и так как ему не пришло на ум) that his daily duties at Gomshott's might be miraculously dispensed with (что от своих ежедневных обязанностей у Гомшота можно освободиться волшебным образом; to dispense — освобождать /от обязательства/), he resumed undressing (он продолжал раздеваться), in order to get to bed without further delay (чтобы лечь спать без дальнейших задержек). As he struggled to get his shirt over his head (когда он старался изо всех сил стянуть свою рубашку через голову), he was struck with a brilliant idea (его поразила блестящая мысль). "Let me be in bed (пусть я буду в постели)," he said (сказал он), and found himself so (и очутился так = там). "Undressed (раздетым)," he stipulated (поставил он условие); and, finding the sheets cold (и, найдя простыни холодными = ощутив холод простыней), added hastily (поспешно добавил), "and in my nightshirt (и в моей ночной рубашке) — ho, in a nice soft woollen nightshirt (эй, в хорошей мягкой шерстяной ночной рубашке). Ah (ах)!" he said with immense enjoyment (сказал он с огромным удовольствием; immense — безмерный, очень большой, огромный). "And now let me be comfortably asleep (а теперь пусть я буду уютно = спокойно спать; comfortable — расслабленный, спокойный; лишенный напряженности)..."

evidence ['evIdqns], vague [veIg], advantage [qd'vRntIG]

The scare and perplexity of his first discovery was now qualified by pride in this evidence of singularity and by vague intimations of advantage. He became aware that the church clock was striking one, and as it did not occur to him that his daily duties at Gomshott's might be miraculously dispensed with, he resumed undressing, in order to get to bed without further delay. As he struggled to get his shirt over his head, he was struck with a brilliant idea. "Let me be in bed," he said, and found himself so. "Undressed," he stipulated; and, finding the sheets cold, added hastily, "and in my nightshirt — ho, in a nice soft woollen nightshirt. Ah!" he said with immense enjoyment. "And now let me be comfortably asleep..."

He awoke at his usual hour and was pensive all through breakfast-time (он проснулся в свое обычное время и был задумчивым на протяжении всего времени завтрака; to awake — просыпаться), wondering whether his over-night experience might not be a particularly vivid dream (спрашивая себя, не могут ли быть его ночные впечатления особенно ярким сном; vivid — живой, яркий; пылкий; ясный, четкий, отчетливый). At length his mind turned again to cautious experiments (наконец, его ум обратился снова к осторожным экспериментам). For instance, he had three eggs for breakfast (например, он съел три яйца на завтрак); two his landlady had supplied (два подала его хозяйка), good, but shoppy (хорошие, но магазинные), and one was a delicious fresh goose-egg (а одно было вкусным свежим гусиным яйцом), laid, cooked, and served by his extraordinary will (отложенным, сваренным и поданным его необычайной волей). He hurried off to Gomshott's in a state of profound but carefully concealed excitement (он поспешил к Гомшоту в состоянии сильного, но осмотрительно скрываемого волнения), and only remembered the shell of the third egg when his landlady spoke of it that night (и вспомнил о скорлупе третьего яйца, лишь когда его хозяйка заговорила об этом в тот вечер). All day he could do no work because of this astonishing new self-knowledge (весь день он не мог выполнять никакой работы из-за этого поразительного нового знания о себе), but this caused him no inconvenience (но это не доставило ему никакого неудобства), because he made up for it miraculously in his last ten minutes (потому что он наверстал это чудесным образом за последние десять минут; to make up for — наверстывать, компенсировать).

hour [auq], wonder ['wAndq], cautious ['kLSqs]

He awoke at his usual hour and was pensive all through breakfast-time, wondering whether his over-night experience might not be a particularly vivid dream. At length his mind turned again to cautious experiments. For instance, he had three eggs for breakfast; two his landlady had supplied, good, but shoppy, and one was a delicious fresh goose-egg, laid, cooked, and served by his extraordinary will. He hurried off to Gomshott's in a state of profound but carefully concealed excitement, and only remembered the shell of the third egg when his landlady spoke of it that night. All day he could do no work because of this astonishing new self-knowledge, but this caused him no inconvenience, because he made up for it miraculously in his last ten minutes.

As the day wore on (по мере того как день медленно тянулся; to wear on — медленно тянуться /о времени/) his state of mind passed from wonder to elation (его состояние души перешло от удивления к восторгу; elation — приподнятое настроение, восторг, бурная радость, ликование; энтузиазм; эйфория), albeit the circumstances of his dismissal from the Long Dragon were still disagreeable to recall (хотя обстоятельства его изгнания из «Длинного Дракона» было все еще неприятно вспоминать), and a garbled account of the matter (а искаженное сообщение об этом деле) that had reached his colleagues (которое дошло до его коллег) led to some badinage (привело к некоторому подшучиванию). It was evident he must be careful how he lifted frangible articles (было очевидно, /что/ он должен /был/ быть осторожен /в том/, как он поднимает хрупкие предметы) but in other ways his gift promised more and more (но в других отношениях, его дар обещал /все/ больше и больше) as he turned it over in his mind (по мере того, как он обдумывал это в уме; to turn over — обдумать: «переворачивать»). He intended among other things to increase his personal property by unostentatious acts of creation (он намеревался среди прочего увеличить свою личную собственность не бросающимися в глаза актами творения; ostentatious — показной; внешний, нарочитый; хвастливый; ostentation — уст. показ, демонстрация; показное проявление /чего-л./; хвастовство; выставление напоказ, рисовка). He called into existence a pair of very splendid diamond studs (он пробудил: «вызвал» к жизни пару очень роскошных алмазных запонок), and hastily annihilated them again (и поспешно уничтожил их снова) as young Gomshott came across the counting-house to his desk (когда молодой Гомшот прошел через контору к его столу; counting-house — канцелярия, контора; бухгалтерия /помещение/).

albeit [Ll'bJIt], circumstance ['sWkqmstxns], unostentatious ['An"Ostqn'teISqs]

As the day wore on his state of mind passed from wonder to elation, albeit the circumstances of his dismissal from the Long Dragon were still disagreeable to recall, and a garbled account of the matter that had reached his colleagues led to some badinage. It was evident he must be careful how he lifted frangible articles, but in other ways his gift promised more and more as he turned it over in his mind. He intended among other things to increase his personal property by unostentatious acts of creation. He called into existence a pair of very splendid diamond studs, and hastily annihilated them again as young Gomshott came across the counting-house to his desk.

He was afraid young Gomshott might wonder (он боялся, /что/ молодой Гомшот может поинтересоваться) how he had come by them (как они ему достались; to come by — доставать, достигать, приобретать, находить). He saw quite clearly the gift required caution and watchfulness in its exercise (он совершенно ясно понял, что дар требует осторожности и бдительности в применении), but so far as he could judge (но пока, насколько он мог судить) the difficulties attending its mastery would be no greater than those (трудности, сопутствующие совершенному владению им, были не больше тех) he had already faced in the study of cycling (с которыми он уже сталкивался в учебе езды на велосипеде = когда учился ездить на велосипеде). It was that analogy, perhaps, quite as much as the feeling that he would be unwelcome in the Long Dragon (может быть, до некоторой степени именно это сходство, как и чувство, что он будет нежелателен в «Длинном Драконе»), that drove him out after supper into the lane beyond the gasworks (выгнало его после ужина в переулок за газовый завод; to drive — подгонять, подталкивать; гнать), to rehearse a few miracles in private (чтобы отрепетировать несколько чудес наедине).

cycling ['saIklIN], rehearse [rI'hWs], private ['praIvIt]

He was afraid young Gomshott might wonder how he had come by them. He saw quite clearly the gift required caution and watchfulness in its exercise, but so far as he could judge the difficulties attending its mastery would be no greater than those he had already faced in the study of cycling. It was that analogy, perhaps, quite as much as the feeling that he would be unwelcome in the Long Dragon, that drove him out after supper into the lane beyond the gasworks, to rehearse a few miracles in private.

There was possibly a certain want of originality in his attempts (наверное, в его попытках был определенный недостаток оригинальности), for, apart from his will-power, Mr. Fotheringay was not a very exceptional man (ибо не считая силы воли, м-р Фозерингей был не очень исключительным = был довольно заурядным человеком). The miracle of Moses' rod came to his mind (чудо жезла Моисея пришло ему на ум), but the night was dark and unfavourable to the proper control of large miraculous snakes (но ночь была темной и неблагоприятной для надлежащего контроля за большими чудотворными змеями). Then he recollected the story of "Tannhaeuser" that he had read on the back of the Philharmonic programme (тогда он вспомнил историю «Тангейзера», которую он прочел на обороте филармонической программки). That seemed to him singularly attractive and harmless (она показалась ему особенно привлекательной и безвредной). He stuck his walking-stick (он воткнул свою трость) — a very nice Poona-Penang lawyer (очень хорошую /трость/ из розового дерева, /которая известна под названием/ «Адвокат из Пенанга»[2]; poon — розовое дерево /Calophyllum/) — into the turf that edged the footpath (в дерн, который окаймлял тротуар), and commanded the dry wood to blossom (и приказал сухой деревяшке расцвести).

unfavourable ['An'feIvqrqbl], philharmonic ["fIlR'mOnIk], lawyer ['lLjq]

There was possibly a certain want of originality in his attempts, for, apart from his will-power, Mr. Fotheringay was not a very exceptional man. The miracle of Moses' rod came to his mind, but the night was dark and unfavourable to the proper control of large miraculous snakes. Then he recollected the story of "Tannhaeuser" that he had read on the back of the Philharmonic programme. That seemed to him singularly attractive and harmless. He stuck his walking-stick — a very nice Poona-Penang lawyer — into the turf that edged the footpath, and commanded the dry wood to blossom.

The air was immediately full of the scent of roses (воздух тотчас наполнился ароматом роз), and by means of a match he saw for himself (и с помощью спички он увидел сам) that this beautiful miracle was indeed accomplished (что это прекрасное чудо действительно свершилось). His satisfaction was ended by advancing footsteps (его удовлетворение было прервано приближающимися шагами). Afraid of a premature discovery of his powers (боясь преждевременного раскрытия его сил), he addressed the blossoming stick hastily (он поспешно обратился к цветущей трости): "Go back (вернись; to go back — возвращаться; возвращаться к прежнему состоянию, образу действий)." What he meant was "Change back (он имел в виду: изменись назад; to mean — иметь в виду);" but of course he was confused (но, конечно, он запутался). The stick receded at a considerable velocity (трость удалилась с изрядной скоростью), and incontinently came a cry of anger and a bad word from the approaching person (и тотчас раздался гневный крик и ругательство: «нехорошее слово» от приближающегося человека). "Who are you throwing brambles at, you fool (эй, ты, придурок, в кого это ты бросаешься ежевикой)?" cried a voice (воскликнул голос). "That got me on the shin (она попала мне по голени)."

immediately [I'mJdIqtlI], premature ["pre'mxtjuq], recede [rI'sJd]

The air was immediately full of the scent of roses, and by means of a match he saw for himself that this beautiful miracle was indeed accomplished. His satisfaction was ended by advancing footsteps. Afraid of a premature discovery of his powers, he addressed the blossoming stick hastily: "Go back." What he meant was "Change back;" but of course he was confused. The stick receded at a considerable velocity, and incontinently came a cry of anger and a bad word from the approaching person. "Who are you throwing brambles at, you fool?" cried a voice. "That got me on the shin."

"I'm sorry, old chap (извини, старина)," said Mr. Fotheringay, and then, realising the awkward nature of the explanation (а затем, осознав затруднительный характер = затруднительность объяснения), caught nervously at his moustache (ухватился нервно за ус; to catch at — ухватиться за что-л.). He saw Winch, one of the three Immering constables, advancing (он увидел, как надвигается Винч, один из трех констеблей Иммеринга).

"What d'yer mean by it (что вы хотите этим сказать; to mean — думать, подразумевать; иметь в виду)?" asked the constable (спросил констебль). "Hullo! it's you, is it (эй, это вы)? The gent that broke the lamp at the Long Dragon (джентльмен, который разбил лампу в «Длинном Драконе»)!"

"I don't mean anything by it (я ничего не хочу этим сказать)," said Mr. Fotheringay. "Nothing at all (совершенно ничего)."

awkward ['Lkwqd], moustache [mq'stRS], advancing [qd'vRnsIN]

"I'm sorry, old chap," said Mr. Fotheringay, and then, realising the awkward nature of the explanation, caught nervously at his moustache. He saw Winch, one of the three Immering constables, advancing.

"What d'yer mean by it?" asked the constable. "Hullo! it's you, is it? The gent that broke the lamp at the Long Dragon!"

"I don't mean anything by it," said Mr. Fotheringay. "Nothing at all."

"What d'yer do it for then (тогда для чего вы это делаете)?"

"Oh, bother (вот, досада)!" said Mr. Fotheringay.

"Bother indeed (в самом деле, досада)! D'yer know that stick hurt (вы знаете, что эта палка причинила боль)? What d'yer do it for, eh (для чего вы это делаете, а)?"

For the moment Mr. Fotheringay could not think what he had done it for (в данный момент м-р Фозерингей не мог придумать, для чего он это сделал). His silence seemed to irritate Mr. Winch (его молчание, казалось, раздражало м-ра Винча). "You've been assaulting the police, young man, this time (на этот раз, молодой человек, вы напали = совершили нападение на полицейского). That's what you done (вот, что вы сделали)."

"Look here, Mr. Winch (послушайте, м-р Винч)," said Mr. Fotheringay, annoyed and confused (раздраженный и запутавшийся), "I'm sorry, very (я сожалею, очень). The fact is (дело в том, что) — "

"Well (ну)?"

assault [q'sLlt], police [pq'lJs], young [jAN]

"What d'yer do it for then?"

"Oh, bother!" said Mr. Fotheringay.

"Bother indeed! D'yer know that stick hurt? What d'yer do it for, eh?"

For the moment Mr. Fotheringay could not think what he had done it for. His silence seemed to irritate Mr. Winch. "You've been assaulting the police, young man, this time. That's what you done."

"Look here, Mr. Winch," said Mr. Fotheringay, annoyed and confused, "I'm sorry, very. The fact is — "

"Well?"

He could think of no way but the truth (он не мог придумать никакого выхода, кроме правды). "I was working a miracle (я творил чудо)." He tried to speak in an off-hand way (он попытался говорить без комплексов = небрежно; off-hand — импровизированный, сделанный без подготовки, экспромтом; бесцеремонный, без комплексов), but try as he would he couldn't (но как он ни старался, у него /это/ не получалось).

"Working a — (творил)! 'Ere, don't you talk rot (эй, не говорите = не несите чушь; rot — чушь, вздор, чепуха). Working a miracle, indeed (творил чудо, как же)! Miracle (чудо)! Well, that's downright funny (ну, это прямо смешно)! Why, you's the chap that don't believe in miracles (ну да, ты — парень, который не верит в чудеса)... Fact is, this is another of your silly conjuring tricks (дело в том, что это еще одна из твоих глупых магических выходок = один из твоих фокусов; to conjure — заниматься колдовством, магией; показывать фокусы) — that's what this is (вот что это). Now, I tell you (ну, /вот что/ я тебе скажу) — "

truth [trHT], believe [bI'lJv], conjure ['kAnGq]

He could think of no way but the truth. "I was working a miracle." He tried to speak in an off-hand way, but try as he would he couldn't.

"Working a — ! 'Ere, don't you talk rot. Working a miracle, indeed! Miracle! Well, that's downright funny! Why, you's the chap that don't believe in miracles... Fact is, this is another of your silly conjuring tricks — that's what this is. Now, I tell you — "

But Mr. Fotheringay never heard what Mr. Winch was going to tell him (но м-р Фозерингей так и не услышал, что собирался сказать ему м-р Винч). He realised he had given himself away (он понял, что он выдал себя), flung his valuable secret to all the winds of heaven (разгласил свой ценный секрет всем небесным ветрам; to fling — бросать, швырять; to fling smth. to the winds — забыть всякую осторожность, забыть о чем-л.). A violent gust of irritation swept him to action (неистовый взрыв гнева понес = побудил его к действию; to sweep — нести, выносить). He turned on the constable swiftly and fiercely (он быстро и яростно повернулся к констеблю). "Here (эй)," he said, "I've had enough of this, I have (мне это надоело, да)! I'll show you a silly conjuring trick, I will (я покажу тебе глупый фокус, покажу)! Go to Hades (убирайся в ад; Hades — ад, геенна, преисподняя)! Go, now (убирайся, ну)!"

He was alone (он был один)!

valuable ['vxljuqbl], secret ['sJkrIt], heaven [hevn]

But Mr. Fotheringay never heard what Mr. Winch was going to tell him. He realised he had given himself away, flung his valuable secret to all the winds of heaven. A violent gust of irritation swept him to action. He turned on the constable swiftly and fiercely. "Here," he said, "I've had enough of this, I have! I'll show you a silly conjuring trick, I will! Go to Hades! Go, now!"

He was alone!

Mr. Fotheringay performed no more miracles that night (м-р Фозерингей в тот вечер больше не совершал чудес), nor did he trouble to see what had become of his flowering stick (и не озаботился узнать, что стало с его цветущей тростью). He returned to the town (он вернулся в город), scared and very quiet (испуганный и очень тихий), and went to his bedroom (и пошел в свою спальню). "Lord!" he said (Боже!), "it's a powerful gift (это могучий дар) — an extremely powerful gift (чрезвычайно могучий дар). I didn't hardly mean as much as that (я вряд ли хотел всего этого). Not really (в самом деле, нет)... I wonder what Hades is like (интересно, каков ад)!"

He sat on the bed taking off his boots (он сидел на кровати, снимая ботинки = и снимал ботинки; to take off — снимать). Struck by a happy thought he transferred the constable to San Francisco (осененный счастливой мыслью, он переправил констебля в Сан-Франциско; to strike — поражать, производить впечатление), and without any more interference with normal causation went soberly to bed (и без всякого более вмешательства в нормальную причинную связь лег благоразумно спать). In the night he dreamt of the anger of Winch (ночью ему приснился гнев Винча).

trouble [trAbl], flowering ['flauqrIN], interference ["Intq'fIqrqns]

Mr. Fotheringay performed no more miracles that night, nor did he trouble to see what had become of his flowering stick. He returned to the town, scared and very quiet, and went to his bedroom. "Lord!" he said, "it's a powerful gift — an extremely powerful gift. I didn't hardly mean as much as that. Not really... I wonder what Hades is like!"

He sat on the bed taking off his boots. Struck by a happy thought he transferred the constable to San Francisco, and without any more interference with normal causation went soberly to bed. In the night he dreamt of the anger of Winch.

The next day Mr. Fotheringay heard two interesting items of news (на следующий день м-р Фозерингей услышал две интересные новости; item — отдельный предмет /в списке и т. п./). Someone had planted a most beautiful climbing rose against the elder Mr. Gomshott's private house in the Lullaborough Road (кто-то посадил очень красивую степную розу перед частным домом старшего м-ра Гомшота на Луллаборо-Роуд; private house — одноквартирный дом; собственный дом; climbing — вьющийся; climbing rose = prairie rose — роза степная /Rosa setigera/), and the river as far as Rawling's Mill was to be dragged for Constable Winch (а в поисках /тела/ констебля Винча собирались протралить реку аж до мельницы Ролинга; to drag — искать с помощью трала; to drag for a body — искать тело).

Mr. Fotheringay was abstracted and thoughtful all that day (м-р Фозерингей был рассеян и задумчив весь этот день), and performed no miracles except certain provisions for Winch (и не совершил никаких чудес, за исключением некоторых мер предосторожности против Винча), and the miracle of completing his day's work with punctual perfection in spite of all the bee-swarm of thoughts that hummed through his mind (и чуда с завершением его работы за день с пунктуальной безупречностью, несмотря на весь пчелиный рой мыслей, которые жужжали = неслись с жужжанием через его ум). And the extraordinary abstraction and meekness of his manner was remarked by several people (а чрезвычайная рассеянность и кротость его поведения была замечена несколькими людьми), and made a matter for jesting (и дала повод для шуток; to make a matter — вызвать шум, волнение). For the most part he was thinking of Winch (в основном он думал о Винче; for the most part — главным образом; большей частью; в основном; в целом).

beautiful ['bjHtIful], thoughtful ['TLtful], punctual ['pAnktjuql]

The next day Mr. Fotheringay heard two interesting items of news. Someone had planted a most beautiful climbing rose against the elder Mr. Gomshott's private house in the Lullaborough Road, and the river as far as Rawling's Mill was to be dragged for Constable Winch.

Mr. Fotheringay was abstracted and thoughtful all that day, and performed no miracles except certain provisions for Winch, and the miracle of completing his day's work with punctual perfection in spite of all the bee-swarm of thoughts that hummed through his mind. And the extraordinary abstraction and meekness of his manner was remarked by several people, and made a matter for jesting. For the most part he was thinking of Winch.

On Sunday evening he went to chapel (в воскресенье вечером он пошел в церковь/на богослужение; chapel — капелла, часовня, молельня; неангликанская церковь; богослужение), and oddly enough (и довольно странно), Mr. Maydig, who took a certain interest in occult matters (м-р Мэйдиг, который проявлял определенный интерес к оккультным вопросам; to take interest — проявлять интерес, интересоваться), preached about "things that are not lawful (прочитал проповедь о «делах, которые беззаконны»)." Mr. Fotheringay was not a regular chapelgoer (м-р Фозерингей не был постоянным прихожанином), but the system of assertive scepticism (но система позитивного скептицизма), to which I have already alluded (на которую я уже ссылался), was now very much shaken (была теперь очень сильно поколеблена = оченьсильнопошатнулась; to shake — трясти; ослабить, поколебать). The tenor of the sermon threw an entirely new light on these novel gifts (содержание проповеди пролило совершенно новый свет на эти необычные дары; to throw — бросать, отбрасывать; to throw light on smth. — проливать свет на что-л.), and he suddenly decided to consult Mr. Maydig immediately after the service (и он вдруг решил посоветоваться с м-ром Мэйдигом сразу после службы). So soon as that was determined (как только это было решено), he found himself wondering why he had not done so before (он обнаружил себя удивляющимся = он удивился, почему он не сделал этого прежде; to find oneself — оказаться, очутиться).

enough [I'nAf], threw [TrH], wonder ['wAndq]

On Sunday evening he went to chapel, and oddly enough, Mr. Maydig, who took a certain interest in occult matters, preached about "things that are not lawful." Mr. Fotheringay was not a regular chapelgoer, but the system of assertive scepticism, to which I have already alluded, was now very much shaken. The tenor of the sermon threw an entirely new light on these novel gifts, and he suddenly decided to consult Mr. Maydig immediately after the service. So soon as that was determined, he found himself wondering why he had not done so before.

Mr. Maydig, a lean, excitable man with quite remarkably long wrists and neck (м-р Мэйдиг, худощавый, легковозбудимый мужчина с совершенно удивительно длинными запястьями и шеей), was gratified at a request for a private conversation from a young man (был польщен просьбой о конфиденциальной беседе от молодого человека; private — частный; личный, персональный, приватный; конфиденциальный, секретный, тайный) whose carelessness in religious matters was a subject for general remark in the town (несерьезность которого в религиозных вопросах была предметом всеобщих высказываний в городе; careless — беззаботный; беспечный; легкомысленный, несерьезный). After a few necessary delays (после нескольких необходимых задержек), he conducted him to the study of the manse (он провел его в кабинет дома = в доме пастора; manse — дом пастора), which was contiguous to the chapel (который примыкал к церкви; contiguous — соприкасающийся; смежный; граничащий, прилегающий), seated him comfortably (усадил его с удобством), and, standing in front of a cheerful fire (и стоя перед ярким огнем /в камине/) — his legs threw a Rhodian arch of shadow on the opposite wall (/при этом/ его ноги отбрасывали тень Родосской арки на противоположную стену) — requested Mr. Fotheringay to state his business (попросил м-ра Фозерингея изложить свое дело).

request [rI'kwest], religious [rI'lIGqs], contiguous [kqn'tIgjuqs], shadow ['Sxdqu]

Mr. Maydig, a lean, excitable man with quite remarkably long wrists and neck, was gratified at a request for a private conversation from a young man whose carelessness in religious matters was a subject for general remark in the town. After a few necessary delays, he conducted him to the study of the manse, which was contiguous to the chapel, seated him comfortably, and, standing in front of a cheerful fire — his legs threw a Rhodian arch of shadow on the opposite wall — requested Mr. Fotheringay to state his business.

At first Mr. Fotheringay was a little abashed (сначала м-р Фозерингей немного растерялся; to be abashed — смешаться, растеряться), and found some difficulty in opening the matter (и обнаружил некоторое затруднение в начале дела = с чего начать; to open — открывать; начинать). "You will scarcely believe me, Mr. Maydig, I am afraid (боюсь, вы вряд ли поверите мне, м-р Мэйдиг)" — and so forth for some time (и так далее в течение некоторого времени). He tried a question at last (наконец, он испробовал вопрос = попробовал начать с вопроса), and asked Mr. Maydig his opinion of miracles (и спросил у м-ра Мэйдига его мнение о чудесах).

Mr. Maydig was still saying "Well" in an extremely judicial tone (м-р Мэйдиг все еще говорил «ну» крайне критическим тоном), when Mr. Fotheringay interrupted again (когда м-р Фозерингей снова перебил): "You don't believe, I suppose (вы не верите, я полагаю), that some common sort of person (что какой-то обычный человек) — like myself, for instance (как я, например) — as it might be sitting here now (как = который, возможно, сидит здесь сейчас), might have some sort of twist inside him (возможно, имеет некую характерную особенность внутри него; twist — изгиб, поворот; характерная особенность; отличительная черта /ума, характера и т. п.; часто неодобр./) that made him able to do things by his will (которая сделала его способным творить дела = чудеса силой воли)."

extremely [Iks'trJmlI], judicial [GH'dISql], interrupt ["Intq'rApt]

At first Mr. Fotheringay was a little abashed, and found some difficulty in opening the matter. "You will scarcely believe me, Mr. Maydig, I am afraid" — and so forth for some time. He tried a question at last, and asked Mr. Maydig his opinion of miracles.

Mr. Maydig was still saying "Well" in an extremely judicial tone, when Mr. Fotheringay interrupted again: "You don't believe, I suppose, that some common sort of person — like myself, for instance — as it might be sitting here now, might have some sort of twist inside him that made him able to do things by his will."

"It's possible (возможно)," said Mr. Maydig. "Something of the sort, perhaps, is possible (что-то подобное, вероятно, возможно)."

"If I might make free with something here (если бы я мог = мне разрешили вольно обращаться с чем-нибудь здесь; to make free with smth. — вольно обращаться с чем-л., позволять себе вольности с чем-л.), I think I might show you by a sort of experiment (я думаю, я мог бы продемонстрировать вам опытным путем; sort — манера, образ, стиль)," said Mr. Fotheringay. "Now, take that tobacco-jar on the table, for instance (ну, возьмем, к примеру, ту банку с табаком на столе). What I want to know (что я хочу знать) is whether what I am going to do with it is a miracle or not (так это является ли то, что я сделаю с ней, чудом или нет). Just half a minute, Mr. Maydig, please (всего лишь полминуты, м-р Мэйдиг, пожалуйста)."

He knitted his brows (он нахмурил брови), pointed to the tobacco-jar and said (указал на банку с табаком и сказал): "Be a bowl of vi'lets (будь вазой с фиалками; vi'lets = violets)."

The tobacco-jar did as it was ordered (банка с табаком сделала, как ей было приказано).

whether ['weDq], half [hRf], brow [brau]

"It's possible," said Mr. Maydig. "Something of the sort, perhaps, is possible."

"If I might make free with something here, I think I might show you by a sort of experiment," said Mr. Fotheringay. "Now, take that tobacco-jar on the table, for instance. What I want to know is whether what I am going to do with it is a miracle or not. Just half a minute, Mr. Maydig, please."

He knitted his brows, pointed to the tobacco-jar and said: "Be a bowl of vi'lets."

The tobacco-jar did as it was ordered.

Mr. Maydig started violently at the change (м-р Мэйдиг сильно вздрогнул при перемене), and stood looking from the thaumaturgist to the bowl of flowers (и стоял, глядя = переводя взгляд с чудотворца на вазу с цветами). He said nothing (он ничего не сказал). Presently he ventured to lean over the table and smell the violets (через некоторое время он осмелился наклониться над столом и понюхать фиалки); they were fresh-picked and very fine ones (они были недавно сорванными и очень красивыми). Then he stared at Mr. Fotheringay again (затем он уставился на м-ра Фозерингея опять).

"How did you do that (как вы это сделали)?" he asked (спросил он).

Mr. Fotheringay pulled his moustache (м-р Фозерингей потянул себя за ус). "Just told it (только сказал это) — and there you are (и готово). Is that a miracle, or is it black art, or what is it (это чудо, или черная магия, или что это)? And what do you think's the matter with me (и что вы думаете со мной /такое/)? That's what I want to ask (вот, что = о чем я хочу спросить)."

thaumaturgist ['TLmqtWGIst], venture ['venCq], violet ['vaIqlIt]

Mr. Maydig started violently at the change, and stood looking from the thaumaturgist to the bowl of flowers. He said nothing. Presently he ventured to lean over the table and smell the violets; they were fresh-picked and very fine ones. Then he stared at Mr. Fotheringay again.

"How did you do that?" he asked.

Mr. Fotheringay pulled his moustache. "Just told it — and there you are. Is that a miracle, or is it black art, or what is it? And what do you think's the matter with me? That's what I want to ask."

"It's a most extraordinary occurrence (это исключительно удивительный случай)."

"And this day last week I knew no more that I could do things like that than you did (и в этот день на прошлой неделе я знал не больше, чем вы, о том, что могу творить такие дела). It came quite sudden (это пришло совершенно неожиданно). It's something odd about my will (что-то странное с моей силой воли), I suppose (я полагаю), and that's as far as I can see (и это насколько я могу понять)."

"Is that — the only thing (это единственное). Could you do other things besides that (вы могли бы сделать другие вещи = что-то другое кроме этого)?"

"Lord, yes (Господи, да)!" said Mr. Fotheringay. "Just anything (совершенно = да все, что угодно)." He thought, and suddenly recalled a conjuring entertainment he had seen (он подумал и вдруг вспомнил концерт с фокусами, который он видел). "Here!" he pointed (эй! — указал он), "change into a bowl of fish (превратись в банку с рыбами)