（外文电子版资料）Walter Miller - Conditionally Human.pdfVIP

Walter M Miller Conditionally Human HE KNEW there was no use hanging around after breakfast, but he could not bear leaving her like this. He put on his coat in the kitchen, stood uncertainly in the doorway, and twisted his hat in his hands. His wife still sat at the table, fingered the handle of an empty cup, stared fixedly out the window at the kennels behind the house, and pointedly ignored his small coughings and scrapings. He watched the set of her jaw for a moment, then cleared his throat. Anne? What? I cant stand seeing you like this. Then go away. Cant I do anything—? I told you what to do. Her voice was a monotone, full of hurt. He could neither endure the hurt nor remove it. He gingerly crossed the room to stand behind her, hoping shed look up at him and let her face go soft, maybe even cry a little. But she kept gazing at the window in accusing silence. He chuckled suddenly and touched her silk-clad shoulder. The shoulder shivered away. Her dark hair quivered as she shuddered, and her arms were suddenly locked tightly about her breasts as if she were cold. He pulled his hand back, and his big pliant face went slack. He gulped forlornly. Honeymoons over, huh? Ha! He backed a step away, paused again. Hey, Baby, you knew before you married me, he reminded her gently. I did not. You knew I was a District Inspector for the F.B.A. You knew I had charge of a pound. I didnt know you killed them! she snapped, whirling. I dont have to kill many, he offered. Thats like saying you don t kill them very dead. Look, honey, theyre only animals. Intelligent animals! Intelligent as a human imbecile, maybe. A baby is an imbecile. Would you kill a baby?— Of course you would! You do! Thats