He was in great spirits, not only because he was home for a few days, but

Because the end of the war was in sight. He meant to get out of the army as

Quickly as possible. What was the good of having a bit of influence if you

Didn't use it? So many young men had left the stage, either from patriotism or

Because life was made intolerable for them by the patriotic who stayed at

Home, and finally owing to conscription, that leading parts had been in the

Hands either of people who were inapt for military service or those who had

Been so badly wounded that they had got their discharge.

 

There was a wonderful opening (это была удивительно благоприятная

возможность; opening — отверстие, начало, удобный случай), and Michael

saw (и Майкл видел) that if he were available quickly (что если он сможет

быстро предложить себя /импресарио/: «он будет доступным в ближайшее

время») he could get his choice of parts (он сможет получить на выбор много

ролей). When he had recalled himself to the recollection of the public (когда он

напомнит публике о себе: «когда он напомнит о себе в воспоминаниях

публики») they could look about for a theatre (они смогут начать подыскивать

театр), and with the reputation Julia had now acquired (и с той репутацией,

которую теперь приобрела Джулия) it would be safe to start in management

(будет безопасно начинать собственное дело).

They talked late into the night (они проговорили до поздней ночи) and then they

went to bed (и затем отправились спать; to go to bed — ложиться спать). She

cuddled up to him voluptuously (она прижалась к нему сладострастно) and he

put his arms round her (и он обнял ее: «положил свои руки вокруг нее»). After

three months of abstinence (после трех месяцев воздержания) he was amorous

(он был настроен на любовный лад; amorous — влюбчивый, эротический).

"You're the most wonderful little wife (ты /моя самая/ удивительная женушка),"

he whispered (прошептал он).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

available [q'veIlqb(q)l] acquire [q'kwaIq] abstinence ['xbstInqns]

 

There was a wonderful opening, and Michael saw that if he were available

Quickly he could get his choice of parts. When he had recalled himself to the

Recollection of the public they could look about for a theatre, and with the

Reputation Julia had now acquired it would be safe to start in management.

They talked late into the night and then they went to bed. She cuddled up to

Him voluptuously and he put his arms round her. After three months of