評論
打印
With no expectation of pleasure, but with the strongest curiosity, Elizabeth opened the letter, and, to her still increasing wonder, perceived an envelope containing two sheets of letter paper, written quite through, in a very close hand. The envelope itself was likewise full. Pursuing her way along the lane, she then began it. It was dated from Rosings, at eight o'clock in the morning, and was as follows:
伊麗莎白拆開那封信；這是為了好奇，并不是希望從中獲得什么愉快。使她更驚奇的是，信封里裝著兩張信紙，以細致的筆跡寫得密密麻麻。信封上也寫滿了字。她一面沿著小路走，一面開始讀信。信是早上八點鐘在羅新斯寫的，內容如下：
"Be not alarmed, Madam, on receiving this letter, by the apprehension of its containing any repetition of those sentiments, or renewal of those offers, which were last night so disgusting to you. I write without any intention of paining you, or humbling myself, by dwelling on wishes, which, for the happiness of both, cannot be too soon forgotten;
小姐：接到這封信時，請你不必害怕。既然昨天晚上向你訴情和求婚，結果只有使你極其厭惡，我自然不會又在這封信里舊事重提。我曾經衷心地希望我們雙方會幸福，可是我不想在這封信里再提到這些，免得使你痛苦，使我自己受委屈。
and the effort which the formation and the perusal of this letter must occasion should have been spared, had not my character required it to be written and read. You must, therefore, pardon the freedom with which I demand your attention; your feelings, I know, will bestow it unwillingly, but I demand it of your justice.
我所以要寫這封信，寫了又要勞你的神去讀，這無非是拗不過自己的性格，否則便可以雙方省事，免得我寫你讀。因此你得原諒我那么冒昧地褻瀆你的精神，我知道你決不會愿意勞神的，可是我要求你心平氣和一些。
