书城小说纳尼亚传奇全集(英文原版)
47677600000487

第487章 The Horse And His Boy(77)

“I have been with the Prince this morning,” continued Edmund. “He is little used (more’s the pity) to having his will crossed. And he is very chafed at your long delays and doubtful answers. This morning he pressed very hard to know your mind. I put it aside.meaning at the same time to diminish his hopes.with some light common jests about women‘s fancies, and hinted that his suit was likely to be cold. He grew angry and dangerous. There was a sort of threatening, though still veiled under a show of courtesy, in every word he spoke.”

“Yes,” said Tumnus. “And when I supped with the Grand Vizier last night, it was the same. He asked me how I like Tashbaan. And I (for I could not tell him I hated every stone of it and I would not lie) told him that now, when high summer was coming on, my heart turned to the cool woods and dewy slopes of Narnia. He gave a smile that meant no good and said, ’There is nothing to hinder youfrom dancing there again, little goatfoot, always provided you leave us in exchange a bride for our prince.‘ ““Do you mean he would make me his wife by force?” exclaimed Susan.

“That’s my fear, Susan,” said Edmund: “Wife: or slavewhich is worse.”