19.05.2020
Тема: Семестрова контрольна робота з читання
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Текст для читання
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Miles Wakefield hurried up to get to the house of this Arnold Blair. Blair's advertisement was
published in all the daily papers and he was sure that others had seen it too. Blair had a
Balzarini for sale and he was selling it cheaply. The price was only $75. Miles couldn't afford
to miss such a wonderful chance. He knew he could sell it later with profit. Balzarini, of
сourse, was no great master, but his sunny landscapes caused admiration.
He had to ring at least three times before the door was opened by a boy of about 16. There was
something strange about this boy. He looked upset. Miles had the feeling the boy wanted to
tell him something, but could not make himself do so. Before the boy could make up his mind,
a deep voice was heard from somewhere in the house, "Who is it, Davey?"
Miles followed the boy into a small living room. A tall, white-haired man rose from his chair
as Miles and Davey entered. Miles saw at once that the man was blind.
"I think you want to set to our business?"
"I don't object, 1 hear you have a Balzarini".
"All right, Davey, you are free for some time".
It was clear that the old man didn't want the boy to hear them discuss the agreement." It's my
last hope", said the old man " I had refused to sell the picture many times, until now. It's too
dear to me. But I need money. Come, it's in the next room".
Miles followed the old man into the next room. A second later Davey joined them.
"There!" said the old man. "My Balzarini!"
He showed to the opposite wall. Hanging there was a plain black frame. Behind the glass there
was nothing. Miles caught the boy's look. It was full of sadness.
"A beautiful canvas, isn't it?" continued the old man. "You'll buy it".
Miles swallowed hard. "Why ... I don't think I can afford to buy it, it's too expensive. I
supposed to spend about fifty". The empty frame was taken down, wrapped in a piece of paper
and handed to Miles. When Miles had gone with the empty frame under his arm the boy and
the grandfather returned to the room where the frame had hung. The boy went to a box in the
corner, took out another empty frame, and hung it where the first had been. Then the old man
and the boy sat down and began to wait. They were completely ready for the next art dealer.