評論
打印
The first part of their journey was performed in too melancholy a disposition to be otherwise than tedious and unpleasant. But as they drew towards the end of it, their interest in the appearance of a country which they were to inhabit overcame their dejection, and a view of Barton Valley as they entered it gave them cheerfulness. It was a pleasant fertile spot, well wooded, and rich in pasture. After winding along it for more than a mile, they reached their own house. A small green court was the whole of its demesne in front; and a neat wicket gate admitted them into it.
旅途開頭一段，大家心情抑郁，只覺得道路漫長，索然無味。但是，臨近終點的時候，一看到馬上就要居住的鄉間，興致就冒了出來，沮喪的情緒頓時被壓了下去。而一走進巴頓山谷，大家便都情不自禁地興奮起來。這地方景色宜人，土質肥沃，林木茂密，牧草豐盛。沿著蜿蜒的山谷走上一英里多路，便來到她們的家，屋前只有個綠茵小院，她們母女幾個穿過一道整齊的小門，走進院里。
As a house, Barton Cottage, though small, was comfortable and compact; but as a cottage it was defective, for the building was regular, the roof was tiled, the window shutters were not painted green, nor were the walls covered with honeysuckles. A narrow passage led directly through the house into the garden behind. On each side of the entrance was a sitting room, about sixteen feet square; and beyond them were the offices and the stairs. Four bed-rooms and two garrets formed the rest of the house. It had not been built many years and was in good repair. In comparison of Norland, it was poor and small indeed!--but the tears which recollection called forth as they entered the house were soon dried away. They were cheered by the joy of the servants on their arrival, and each for the sake of the others resolved to appear happy. It was very early in September; the season was fine, and from first seeing the place under the advantage of good weather, they received an impression in its favour which was of material service in recommending it to their lasting approbation.
巴頓鄉舍作為一所住宅，盡管太小，倒也舒適緊湊。不過作為一座鄉舍，卻有不少缺陷，因為房子造得太正規，房頂鋪瓦，窗板沒有漆成綠色，墻上也沒有爬滿忍冬花。一條狹窄的穿堂過道，直通屋后的花園。過道兩旁各有一間客廳，約略十六英尺見方，客廳向里是下房和樓梯。構成小樓其余部分的，是四間臥室和兩間閣樓。房子蓋好不多年，修繕得很好。同諾蘭的住宅相比，的確顯得寒磣、矮小！但是，她們馬上擦干了剛進屋時勾起的辛酸眼淚。仆人見主人來了，一個個喜氣洋洋，主人也跟著樂了。各人都看在別人的份上，硬是裝出高高興興的樣子。現在是九月初，正趕上好時節。多虧老天作美———天氣晴朗，她們初次見到這個地方，就留下了良好，的印象，這對于促使她們長久喜愛這個地方，起到了巨大的作用。
