評論
打印
In the mean time, till all these alterations could be made from the savings of an income of five hundred a-year by a woman who never saved in her life, they were wise enough to be contented with the house as it was; and each of them was busy in arranging their particular concerns, and endeavoring, by placing around them books and other possessions, to form themselves a home. Marianne's pianoforte was unpacked and properly disposed of; and Elinor's drawings were affixed to the walls of their sitting room.
一個婦女，一生從未攢過錢，現在居然要從一年五百鎊的收入中攢錢完成所有這些改修工作。在改修工作沒有完成之前，她們倒明智地認為，就按現在的樣子，這房子也滿不錯了。她們都在各忙各的私事，在四周擺上自己的書籍等物，以便給自己建個小天地。瑪麗安的鋼琴給拆了包，放在恰當的位置。埃麗諾的圖畫掛在客廳的墻壁上。
In such employments as these they were interrupted soon after breakfast the next day by the entrance of their landlord, who called to welcome them to Barton, and to offer them every accommodation from his own house and garden in which theirs might at present be deficient. Sir John Middleton was a good looking man about forty. He had formerly visited at Stanhill, but it was too long for his young cousins to remember him. His countenance was thoroughly good-humoured; and his manners were as friendly as the style of his letter.
第二天早飯后不久，正當母女們如此這般忙碌不停的時候，房東登門拜訪來了。他歡迎她們來到巴頓，眼前如有短缺不便之處，從他邸園里可以提供一切方便。約翰．米德爾頓爵士是個四十來歲的美男于。他以前曾去過斯坦希爾，不過那是很久以前的事，他那幾位年輕的表侄女記不得他了。
Their arrival seemed to afford him real satisfaction, and their comfort to be an object of real solicitude to him. He said much of his earnest desire of their living in the most sociable terms with his family, and pressed them so cordially to dine at Barton Park every day till they were better settled at home, that, though his entreaties were carried to a point of perseverance beyond civility, they could not give offence. His kindness was not confined to words; for within an hour after he left them, a large basket full of garden stuff and fruit arrived from the park, which was followed before the end of the day by a present of game. He insisted, moreover, on conveying all their letters to and from the post for them, and would not be denied the satisfaction of sending them his newspaper every day.
他和顏悅色，那風度就像他的信一樣親切友好。看來，她們的到來使他感到由衷的高興，她們的舒適成為他深為關切的問題。他一再表示，誠摯地希望他們兩家能親密相處，熱忱地懇求她們在安頓好之前，每天到巴頓莊園用餐。他一個勁地懇求著，簡直到了有失體統的地步，但是并不會惹得對方生氣。他的一片好心不光掛在嘴皮上，他走后不到半個鐘頭，就打，發人從巴頓莊園送來一大籃子蔬菜水果，天黑之前又送來些野味。此外，他執意要替她們往郵局送取來往信件，還樂于把自己的報紙每天送給她們看。
Lady Middleton had sent a very civil message by him, denoting her intention of waiting on Mrs. Dashwood as soon as she could be assured that her visit would be no inconvenience; and as this message was answered by an invitation equally polite, her ladyship was introduced to them the next day.
米德爾頓夫人托丈夫捎了個十分客氣的口信，表示愿意在她確信不會給她們帶來不便的時候，立即來拜訪達什伍德太太。作為回答，達什伍德太太同樣客氣地提出了邀請，于是，這位夫人第二天就被引見給達什伍德母女。
