評論
打印
Dombey didn't seem to be absolutely blinded by the light let in upon his intellect, but he made Miss Blimber a little bow.
董貝似乎沒有被照到他才智上的亮光完全奪去了目力，但他向布林伯小姐稍稍鞠了個躬。
'"Analysis,"' resumed Miss Blimber, casting her eye over the paper, '"of the character of P. Dombey." I find that the natural capacity of Dombey is extremely good; and that his general disposition to study may be stated in an equal ratio. Thus, taking eight as our standard and highest number, I find these qualities in Dombey stated each at six three-fourths!'
“‘對保·董貝性格的分析’。”布林伯小姐把眼光投到紙上，“我發現董貝的天賦才能是非常好的；他愛好學習的性格也可以給予相同的評價。因此，把八作為我們的標準和最高數字，我認為董貝的這些品質每種可以評定為六又四分之三！”
Miss Blimber paused to see how Paul received this news. Being undecided whether six three-fourths meant six pounds fifteen, or sixpence three farthings, or six foot three, or three quarters past six, or six somethings that he hadn't learnt yet, with three unknown something elses over, Paul rubbed his hands and looked straight at Miss Blimber. It happened to answer as well as anything else he could have done; and Cornelia proceeded.
布林伯小姐停了一下，看看保羅是怎樣接受這個消息的。保羅不知道六又四分之三是指六鎊十五先令還是六便士三法新①，還是六英尺三英寸，還是六點三刻，還是六個他還沒有學習到的什么東西以及三個另外不知道的東西，所以就搓搓手，直望著布林伯小姐。看來他這樣的回答不比他所能作出的其他任何回答壞；科妮莉亞就繼續說下去。
'"Violence two. Selfishness two. Inclination to low company, as evinced in the case of a person named Glubb, originally seven, but since reduced. Gentlemanly demeanour four, and improving with advancing years." Now what I particularly wish to call your attention to, Dombey, is the general observation at the close of this analysis.'
“‘粗暴二。自私二。喜歡跟粗野的人交往，就像在一位名叫格拉布的人的情況中所表現的，原先是七，但以后減少了。上流人士的舉止四，并逐漸進步’。現在，董貝，我特別希望促請您注意的是這一分析末尾的總的評語。”
Paul set himself to follow it with great care.
保羅做好準備，極為注意地聽這個評語。
'"It may be generally observed of Dombey,"' said Miss Blimber, reading in a loud voice, and at every second word directing her spectacles towards the little figure before her: '"that his abilities and inclinations are good, and that he has made as much progress as under the circumstances could have been expected. But it is to be lamented of this young gentleman that he is singular (what is usually termed old-fashioned) in his character and conduct, and that, without presenting anything in either which distinctly calls for reprobation, he is often very unlike other young gentlemen of his age and social position." Now, Dombey,' said Miss Blimber, laying down the paper, 'do you understand that?'
“對董貝可以作出總的評語如下，”布林伯小姐說道；她高聲朗讀，每念完兩個詞的時候，都要把眼鏡轉向她前面的小人兒：“‘他的才能與嗜好是好的；他取得了在現有情況下所能期望的進步；但這位年輕的先生值得惋惜的是，他的性格與行為怪僻（通常稱為老氣）；雖然并沒有任何顯然需要加以責備的表現，但他常常跟其他和他的年齡與社會地位相近的年輕的先生們很不相同。’好了，董貝，”布林伯小姐放下那張紙，說道，“您聽懂了嗎？”
'I think I do, Ma'am,' said Paul.
“我想聽懂了，夫人，”保羅說道。
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①法新（farthing）：舊時英國銅幣，等于1A4便士。
