VLADIMIR NABOKOV
553
Husband
. . . Be seated, please-
here ...
Passerby
Bright . ... And neat. ... A carved chest in the corner,
a clock up on the wall, its dial adorned
with cornflowers.
Wife
Aren't you soaked?
Passerby
Oh, not at ali–
I ducked under a roof in time. A real
downpour! You're certain it's no trouble? May I
wait till it stops? As soon as it is over .
Husband
Oh, it's our pleasure.
Wife
Are you from nearby?
Passerby
A traveler.
. I've recently returned from
abroad . I'm staying at my brother's castle–
de Merival. . . . Just a short way from here .
Husband
Yes, yes, we know it.
(to his daughter, who has come in with the wine)
Put it here, Juliette.
There. Drink, good sir. It's sunshine in a glass .
Passerby
(clinking glasses)
Your health.... Ah, what a fine bouquet! And what
a comely daughter you have too... . Juliette,
my sweet , where is your Romeo?
Wife
(laughing)
a "Romeo"?
What is
