評論
打印
The Talkative Stranger
健談的陌生人
“This is a very interesting exposition,” Fred said.
“這是個有意義的博覽會。”弗雷德說，
“I love the exhibition building.
“我喜歡這個會展大樓，
It's one of the finest extant examples of classical architecture.
它是現(xiàn)存最杰出的古典建筑之一。
I especially enjoyed the extemporaneous speech we just heard.
我尤其欣賞我們剛剛聽過的即席演講。
May I ask what you do for a living?” Fred asked the three men.
請問你們是做什么的？”弗雷德問另外三個人。
“My job is to prevent the exploitation of animals, ” replied Roland.
“我的工作是防止動物被不正當利用，”羅蘭回答，
“Specifically, I write newspaper articles about research laboratories that exploit animals for medical experiments.
“說得具體些，就是為報社寫些文章揭露那些用不正當手段利用動物來做醫(yī)學實驗的研究實驗室。
These types of businesses hate public exposure.
這類機構(gòu)怕公開曝光。
I hope to exterminate them with my storied.”
我希望借助我的文章能除掉他們。”
“I operate an express business,” Terry said.
“我經(jīng)營特快專遞業(yè)務，”特里說，
“We deliver overnight parcels.
“我們負責投遞夜間的包裹，
It's like an extension of the post office.
像是郵局業(yè)務的延伸。
Currently, I'm trying to extend my business overseas.”
目前，我正努力把業(yè)務拓展到海外。”
“On the exterior, I probably look like an athlete,” Ben said.
“從外表看，我也許像個運動員。”本說，
“However, I'm a professor of mathematics.
“可我是數(shù)學教授。
I'm writing a book about trigonometric and exponential functions.
我在寫一本關(guān)于三角和指數(shù)功能的書。
It's written expressly for post-graduate students. What do you do?”
他們是專門為研究生寫的。你是做什么的呢？”
“I'm involved in mineral exploration,” Fred said.
“我從事礦物勘探工作。”弗雷德說，
“I just love the exquisite shapes and colors of previous stones.
“我非常喜歡那些珍奇石頭的優(yōu)美外形和色彩。
I also specialize in the use of explosives.”
我還專門學過如何使用炸藥。”
Fred had an extensive background in geology.
弗雷德有廣泛的地質(zhì)學背景知識。
He had already explored for minerals in several different countries.
他曾去過好幾個國家勘探礦藏。
He was an expressive man.
他富于表現(xiàn)力。
He enjoyed nothing more than expounding his theories and experiences to anyone who was unfortunate enough to be caught in a conversation with him.
如果你不幸得很，被他纏住，與他交談起來，他會詳細地跟你解釋他的理論和經(jīng)歷，而沒有什么比這更令他高興了。
After ten minutes of listening to Fred talk. the three men were bored to death.
聽弗雷德說了十分鐘后，這三個人煩的要死了。
Finally, Roland spoke, “Please excuse us, we have to leave. We have an important matter to attend.”
終于，羅蘭開口了：“請原諒，我們必須要走了。我們還有意見重要的事情要做。”
“I haven't finished telling my tale,” Fred replied.
“我還沒講完我的故事，”弗雷德回答，
“What could possibly be so important as to extenuate your hasty departure in the middle of my story?”
“有什么事情如此重要竟成為你們中途匆匆離開的借口呢？”
The three men smiled and quickly responded in unison, “We have to go to the toilet.”
三個人笑了笑，然后很快的齊聲答道：“我們必須去廁所。”
