Stroud, Jonathan - Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book 1 - The Amulet of Samarkand by The Amulet of Samarkand

Author:The Amulet of Samarkand [Samarkand, The Amulet of]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

143

"Well," she said, in a level voice, "I hope you're satisfied with yourself. From

what Arthur tells me, you have been very bad indeed."

If his master's torrent of anger had merely numbed him, these few words from

Mrs. Underwood, laced as they were simply with quiet disappointment, pierced

Nathaniel to the marrow. His last vestiges of self-control failed him. He raised his

eyes to her, feeling tears prickle against the corners.

"Oh, Nath—John!" He had never heard her so exasperated. "Why couldn't you

be patient? Ms. Lutyens used to say that this was your abiding fault, and she was

right! Now you've tried to run before you can walk, and I don't know if your mas-

ter will ever forgive you."

"He'll never forgive me. He said so." Nathaniel's voice was faint; he was holding

back the tears.

"He's extremely angry, John, and rightly."

"He said my—my career was ruined."

"I shouldn't be surprised if that wasn't exactly what you deserved."

"Mrs. Underwood!"

"But perhaps, if you are open and honest with him about what you've done,

there is a chance that he will listen to you when he returns. A very small chance."

"He won't; he's too angry."

Mrs. Underwood sat down on the bed beside Nathaniel and put her arm round

his shoulder. "You don't think it's unheard of, do you, for apprentices to try too

much, too soon? It often marks out those with the most talent. Arthur is livid, but

he is also impressed, I can tell. I think you should confide fully in him; throw your-

self on his mercy. He will like that."

Nathaniel gave a sniff. "You think so, Mrs. Underwood?" As always, the com-

fort of her presence and her calm common sense reached past his defenses and

soothed his pride. Maybe she was right. Maybe he should tell the truth about every-

thing. ..

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