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© The Trustees of the P. G. Wodehouse Estate

© Матвеев С. А. , адаптация текста, словарь, 2018

© ООО «Издательство АСТ», 2018

“Morning, Jeeves,” I said.

“Good morning, sir,” said Jeeves.

He put the good old cup of tea softly on the table by my bed, and I took a refreshing sip. Excellent, as usual. Not too hot, not too sweet, not to weak, not too strong, not too much milk, and not a drop spilled in the saucer. A wonderful guy, Jeeves. So competent in every respect. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Just for example. Every other valet I’ve ever had entered my room in the morning while I was still asleep, but Jeeves seems to know when I’m awake by a sort of telepathy. He always comes in with the cup exactly two minutes after I come to life.

“How is the weather, Jeeves?”

“Exceptionally clement, sir. ”

“Anything in the papers?”

“I shall not advise it, sir. ”

That was enough for me. Jeeves knows. How, I couldn’t say, but he knows. There was a time when I would laugh lightly, and go ahead, and lose everything, but not now.

“By the way,” I said, “have those mauve shirts I ordered arrived yet?”

“Yes, sir. I sent then back.

“Sent them back?”

“Yes, sir. They would not suit you. ”

Well, I must say I bow to superior knowledge. Weak? I don’t know. Most fellows, no doubt, are sure that their valets must only crease trousers and so on; but it’s different with Jeeves. Right from the first day he came to me, I have looked on him as a sort of guide, philosopher, and friend.

“Did he leave a message?”

“No, sir. He mentioned that he had a matter of importance to discuss with you, but gave no details. ”

“Oh, well, I expect I shall see him at the club. ”

“No doubt, sir. ”

After breakfast I lit a cigarette and went to the open window. It certainly was one a bright day. “Jeeves,” I said.

“Sir?” said Jeeves.

“You were absolutely right about the weather. It is a nice morning. ”

“Decidedly, sir. ”

“Spring and all that. ”

“Yes, sir. ”

“In the spring, Jeeves, flowers grow and birds sing. ”

“No doubt, sir. ”

“Exactly! Then bring me my cane, my yellowest shoes, and the old green hat. I’m going into the park. ”