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1DavidCopperfield'schildhood
1大衛(wèi)·科波菲爾的童年
IwasbornatBlunderstone,inSuffolk,intheeastofEngland,andwasgivenmypoorfather'sname,DavidCopperfield.Sadly,heneversawmeHewasmucholderthanmymotherwhentheymarried,anddiedsixmonthsbeforeIwasborn.Myfather'sdeathmademybeautifulyoungmotherveryunhappy,andsheknewshewouldfindlifeextremelydifficultwithanewbabyandnohusbandTherichestandmostimportantpersoninourfamilywasmyfather'saunt,MissBetseyTrotwood.Shehadinfactbeenmarriedonce,toahandsomeyounghusband.Butbecausehedemandedmoneyfromher,andsometimesbeather,shedecidedtheyshouldseparateHewentabroad,andsoonnewscameofhisdeath.
我出生在英國東部薩??丝さ牟继m德斯通,并沿用了我不幸的父親之名——大衛(wèi)·科波菲爾??杀氖?,他從未見過我的面。他同我母親結(jié)婚時比我母親大許多,在我出生前6個月就謝世了。他的死使我年輕美貌的母親感到極為痛苦,因為她知道沒有丈夫獨自帶嬰兒的日子將會異常艱難。在我們家族中最富有、最重要的人物要數(shù)我父親的姨媽——貝茜·特拉伍德小姐。其實她結(jié)過一次婚,嫁的是一個英俊的青年。但是,由于這位丈夫總找她要錢,有時還動手打她,她便決定與他分手。他出了國,不久就有消息說他已去世了。
MissTrotwoodboughtasmallhousebythesea,andlivedtherealone,withonlyoneservant.Shehadnotspokentomyfathersincehismarriage,becausesheconsideredhehadmadeamistakeinmarryingaveryyounggirlButjustbeforeIwasborn,whensheheardthatmymotherwasexpectingababy,shecametovisitBlunder-stone.
特拉伍德小姐在海邊買了一所小房子,獨自生活在那里,身邊只隨了一位用人。自從我父親結(jié)婚后她就不理睬我父親了,因為她認為我父親娶這么年輕的小姐做妻子是個錯誤。然而,在我出生前,當她聽說我母親臨產(chǎn)時,就來到布蘭德斯通拜訪我們。
Itwasacold,windyFridayafternooninMarch.Mymotherwassittingbythefire,feelingverylonelyandunhappy,andcryingalittle.Suddenlyastern,strange-lookingfaceappearedatthewindow.
那是在三月份的一個寒冷、多風的星期五下午,我母親正獨自坐在火爐旁,因感到孤單和不幸而輕聲抽泣著。突然一張嚴肅、陌生的臉出現(xiàn)在窗外。
‘Openthedoor!’orderedthesternfacedlady.Mymotherwasshocked,butobeyedatonce.‘YoumustbeDavidCopperfield'swife,’saidtheladyassheentered.‘I'mBetseyTrotwood.You'veheardofme?’
“開門!”這位滿臉嚴肅的女人命令道。我母親嚇了一跳,但還是很快開了門?!澳憔褪谴笮l(wèi)·科波菲爾的妻子吧,”她邊進門邊說,“我叫貝茜·特拉伍德,你聽說過吧?”“聽說過,”母親輕聲答道,聲音發(fā)顫?!澳阏婺贻p呀,”貝茜小姐叫道,“簡直還是個孩子!”
‘Yes,’whisperedmother,trembling.‘Howyoungyouare!’criedMissBetsey.‘Justababy!’Mymotherstartedsobbingagain.‘IknowIlooklikeachild!IknowIwasyoungtobeawife,andI'myoungtobeamother!ButperhapsI'lldiebeforeIbecomeamother!’‘Come,come!answeredMissBetsey.‘Havesometea.Thenyou'llfeelbetter.Whatdoyoucallyourgirl?’‘Mygirl?Idon'tknowyetthatitwillbeagirl,’repliedmymothermiserably.‘No,Idon'tmeanthebaby,Imeanyourservant!’
母親開始抽泣,“我知道我看著像個孩子!我知道我年紀還小,不該為人妻,不該為人母!但也許我會在成為一個母親之前死去!”“行了,行了!”貝茜小姐回答說,“喝口茶水吧,這樣你會好受些。你叫你的女孩什么?”“我的女孩?我還不知道是不是女孩,”我母親疑惑地答道。“不,我不是指小孩,我是說你的女用人!”
‘Hername'sPeggotty.Herfirstname'sClara,thesameasmine,soIcallherbyherfamilyname,yousee.’‘Whataterriblename!However,nevermind.Peggotty!’shecalled,goingtothedoor.‘BringMrsCopperfieldsometeaatonce!’Shesatdownagainandcontinuedspeaking.‘Youweretalkingaboutthebaby.I'msureit'llbeagirl.Now,assoonasshe’sborn…’‘He,perhaps,’saidmymotherbravely.‘Don’tbestupid,ofcourseit’llbeashe.I'mgoingtosendhertoschool,andeducateherwell.IwanttopreventherfrommakingthemistakesI'vemadeinlife.’MissBetseylookedquiteangryasshesaidthis.Mymothersaidnothing,asshewasnotfeelingatallwell.‘Buttellme,wereyouandyourhusbandhappy?’askedMissBetsey.
“她叫辟果提。她的教名是克拉拉,因為和我同名,所以我就以她的姓稱呼她,就這樣!”“多難聽的名字!不過沒關系,辟果提!”她走到門邊叫道?!榜R上給科波菲爾太太上點茶水!”她又坐下來,繼續(xù)說道:“你剛才說到孩子,我肯定她會是個女孩。那么,只要她一出生,……”“他,或許是,”母親勇敢地更正道?!皠e犯傻,當然應該是她,我會送她上學,讓她接受良好的教育。我要讓我生活中所犯的錯誤避免在她身上重演?!必愜缧〗阏f此話時顯得很憤怒。母親沒吭聲,因為她感覺不太舒服?!昂冒桑嬖V我,你和你丈夫過得幸福嗎?”貝茜小姐問道。
Thismademypoormotherfeelworsethanever.‘IknowIwasn'tverysensible—aboutmoney—orcooking—orthingslikethat!’shesobbed.‘Butwelovedeachother—andhewashelpingmetolearn—andthenhedied!Oh!Oh!’Andshefellbackinherchair,completelyunconscious.
這個問題讓我母親更感難受?!拔抑牢液懿婚_竅——在錢方面,做飯方面,等等!”她抽泣著說,“但我們彼此相愛——他幫助我慢慢學——可他死了,唉!唉!”她倒在椅子上,失去了知覺。
Peggotty,whocameinjustthenwiththetea,realizedhowseriousthesituationwas,andtookmymotherupstairstobed.Thedoctorarrivedsoonafterwards,andstayedalleveningtotakecareofhispatient.
辟果提正巧端著茶進來,意識到情況的嚴重性,把我母親扶到樓上。醫(yī)生隨即叫到,并徹夜守護著病人。
Ataboutmidnighthecamedownstairstothesitting-roomwhereMissBetseywaswaitingimpatiently.
大約午夜時分,醫(yī)生下樓來到客廳,貝茜小姐已經(jīng)等得很不耐煩了。
‘Well,doctor,what'sthenews?Howisshe?’
“大夫,有什么消息嗎?她怎么樣了?”
‘Theyoungmotherisquitecomfortable,madam,’repliedthedoctorpolitely.
“年輕的母親情況很好,小姐,”大夫很禮貌地回答。
‘Butshe,thebaby,howisshe?’criedMissBetsey.
“她,孩子,她怎么樣?”貝茜小姐追問。
ThedoctorlookedstrangelyatMissBetsey.‘It'saboy,madam,’hereplied.
大夫很納悶地看著貝茜小姐,“是個男孩,小姐?!彼卮鸬?。
MissBetseysaidnothing,butwalkedstraightoutofthehouse,andnevercameback.
貝茜小姐二話沒說,徑直走出屋子,從此不再登門。
ThatwashowIwasborn.Myearlychildhoodwasextremelyhappy,asmybeautifulmotherandkindPeggottytookcareofme.ButwhenIwasabouteight,ashadowpassedovermyhappiness.Mymotheroftenwentoutwalking,inherbestclothes,withagentlemancalledMrMurdstone.Hehadblackhair,abigblackmoustacheandanunpleasantsmile,andseemedtobeveryfondofmymother.ButIknewthatPeggottydidnotlikehim.
就這樣我來到了世上。孩提時的我非常幸福,因為有我美麗的母親和善良的辟果提照顧我。然而,在我8歲左右,我的幸福生活開始蒙上了陰影。我母親經(jīng)常穿著最好的衣服,和一位叫摩德斯通的先生出去散步。那人有一頭黑發(fā),留一大撇黑胡子,笑容陰沉,似乎很喜歡我母親。但我知道辟果提不喜歡他。
AfewmonthslaterPeggottytoldmethatmymotherwasgoingtohaveashortholidaywithsomefriends.MeanwhilePeggottyandIwouldgotostaywithherbrotherDanielinYarmouth,ontheeastcoast,fortwoweeks.Iwasveryexcitedwhenweclimbedintothecart,althoughitwassadsayinggoodbyetomymother.MrMurdstonewasathershoulder,wavinggoodbye,asthedrivercalledtohishorse,andwedroveoutofthevillage.
幾個月后,辟果提告訴我,母親要和幾位朋友出去度短假。辟果提可以趁此機會帶我去東海岸的雅茅斯鎮(zhèn)和她兄弟丹尼爾生活兩個星期。登上馬車時我興奮不已,雖然與母親分手有些傷感。摩德斯通先生和我母親并肩站著,向我們揮手道別。這時,馬車夫吆喝一聲,把我們拉出村去。
WhenwegotdownfromthecartinYarmouth,afterourjourney,Peggottysaid,‘That'sthehouse,MasterDavid!’
當我們結(jié)束旅程,在雅茅斯下車時,辟果提說:“到家了,大衛(wèi)少爺?!?/p>
Ilookedallround,butcouldonlyseeanoldshiponthesand.‘Isthat—thatyourbrother'shouse?’Iaskedindelight.Andwhenwereachedit,Isawithaddoorsandwindowsandachimney,justlikearealhouse.Icouldnotimagineanicerplacetolive.Everythingwascleanandtidy,andsmeltoffish.NowIwasintroducedtothePeggottyfamily.TherewasDanielPeggotty,akindoldsailor.Althoughhewasnotmarried,hehadadoptedtwoorphans,wholivedwithhimandcalledhimUncle.HamPeggottywasalargeyoungmanwithagentlesmile,andEmilywasabeautiful,blue-eyedlittlegirl.TheyallwelcomedPeggottyandmewarmly.
我環(huán)顧四周,只看見沙灘上的一艘舊船,便高興地問道:“那個——那個就是你兄弟的家?”我們走到近處一看,船上有門,有窗,有煙囪,儼然是一所名符其實的住房。我再也想像不出比這更好的住處了。屋內(nèi)一切陳設干凈、整齊,散發(fā)著魚味。這時,我被介紹給辟果提一家。家里有丹尼爾·辟果提,一位善良的老水手,他沒有結(jié)婚,但收養(yǎng)了兩個孤兒。孩子們和他生活在一起,管他叫叔叔。哈姆·辟果提是一位壯小伙子,臉上總是現(xiàn)出親切的笑容,埃米莉是一位美麗的姑娘,長著一對藍眼睛。他們都熱情地歡迎我和辟果提的到來。
Ispentawonderfullyhappytwoweeksthere,playingalldayonthebeachwithEmily,andsleepinginmyownlittlebedontheship.IamsureIwasinlovewithlittleEmilyinmychildishway,andIcriedbitterlywhenwehadtosaygoodbyeattheendoftheholiday.
在這兒的兩個星期我過得相當愉快,整天和埃米莉在海灘上玩,夜里就睡在船屋里我的小床上。我相信當時我的確以孩童的方式愛上了小埃米莉。當假日結(jié)束我倆不得不道別時我哭得很傷心。
ButonthewayhometoBlunderstone,Peggottylookedatmeveryworriedly.‘MasterDavid,mydear,’shesaidsuddenlyinatremblingvoice.‘Imusttellyou—you'llhavetoknownow…Whilewe'vebeenaway,yourdearmother—hasmarriedMrMurdstone!He'syourstepfathernow!’
在我們回布蘭德斯通的路上,辟果提很憂郁地看著我?!按笮l(wèi)少爺,親愛的,”她突然說道,聲音顫抖,“我必須告訴你——你現(xiàn)在該知道了……在我們離家的這段時間,你親愛的母親嫁給了摩德斯通先生!他如今已是你的繼父了!”
Iwasdeeplyshocked.Icouldnotunderstandhowmymothercouldhavemarriedthatman.Andwhenwearrivedhome,IcouldnothelpshowingmymotherhowverymiserableIwas.Iwentstraighttomyroomandlaysobbingonmybed,whichmademypoormotherveryunhappytoo.Asshesatbesideme,holdingmyhand,MrMurdstonesuddenlycamein.
我非常震驚,不明白母親怎么會嫁給那個人。我們回到家后,我控制不住自己,讓母親看出了我有多痛苦。我徑直走進我的臥室,倒在床上哭泣,弄得我可憐的母親也傷心起來。正當她坐在我床邊,拉著我的手時,摩德斯通先生突然走了進來。
‘What'sthis,Chara,mylove?’heaskedsternly.‘Remember,youmustbefirmwiththeboy!I'vetoldyoubefore,you'retooweakwithhim!’
“怎么了,克拉拉,我親愛的?”他嚴肅地說道,“記住,對孩子應該嚴厲點!我已經(jīng)跟你說過,你太嬌慣他了!”
‘Ohyes,Edward,I'mafraidyou'reright,’mymotherrepliedquickly.‘I'mverysorry.I'lltrytobefirmerwithhim.’Andwhenshelefttheroom,MrMurdstonewhisperedangrilytome,‘David,doyouknowwhatI'lldoifyoudon'tobeyme?I'llbeatyoulikeadog!’Iwasstillveryyoung,andIwasveryfrightenedofhim.Ifhehadsaidonekindwordtome,perhapsIwouldhavelikedandtrustedhim,andmylifewouldhavebeendifferent.Instead,Ihatedhimfortheinfluencehehadovermydearmother,whowantedtobekindtome,butalsowantedtopleasehernewhusband.
“哦,是的,愛德華,恐怕你是對的,”母親趕緊答道,“我很抱歉,我會盡量對他嚴厲些?!彼x開房間后,摩德斯通先生壓低聲音,憤憤地說道,“大衛(wèi),你知道你要是不聽話我會怎么對待你嗎?我會像揍一條狗一樣揍你!”我當時還小,很怕他。當時他要是跟我說上一句和藹的話,或許我會喜歡他,信任他,我后來的生活也就會完全不同。然而,我恨他給我親愛的母親施加壓力,她總想好好待我,可還得討好她的新丈夫。
ThateveningMrMurdstone'ssisterarrivedto‘help’mymotherinthehouse.Atalldarklady,withastern,frowningface,shelookedandsoundedverymuchlikeherbrother.Ithoughtshewasplanningtostaywithusforalongtime,andIwasright.Infact,sheintendedtostayforever.Shestartedworkthenextmorning.
當天晚上,摩德斯通先生的姐姐來到家中“幫助”我母親料理家務。她又高又黑,眉頭緊鎖,板著面孔,神態(tài)和說話聲音和她兄弟別無兩樣。我想她可能要長期和我們呆在一起了,果不出所料,她準備永遠住下去。第二天一早她就開始行動起來了。
‘Now,Clara,’shesaidfirmlytomymotheratbreakfast,‘Iamheretohelpyou.You’remuchtooprettyandthoughtlesstoworryabouttheservants,thefoodandsoon.Sojusthandmeyourkeystoallthecupboards,andI'lltakecareofeverythingforyou.’Mypoormotherjustblushed,lookedalittleashamed,andobeyed.Fromthenon,MissMurdstonetookcompletecontrolofthehouse,keepingthekeyshangingfromherwaistasshehurriedthroughthehouse,checkingthateverythingwasbeingdonejustasshewished.
“現(xiàn)在,克拉拉,”早餐時她嚴肅地告訴我母親,“我到這兒是來幫助你的。你在安排用人、食品等方面顯得太幼稚,太沒主意。所以你把所有櫥子、柜子的鑰匙交給我,我來為你照料一切。”可憐的母親只是一陣陣臉紅,顯得很羞愧,最終還是同意了。從那以后,摩德斯通小姐完全掌管了家事,她把鑰匙掛在手腕上,來回地穿梭在屋里屋外,檢查著每一件事是否照她的意思辦了。
2Davidissentawaytoschool
2大衛(wèi)被送往學校
Iwasveryunhappyduringthistime.MrMurdstoneinsistedonmystudying,andsomymothergavemelessons.InthepastsheandIhadenjoyedourstudiestogether,andshehadtaughtmealotinhergentleway.ButnowbothMrandMissMurdstonewerepresentduringmylessons,andsomehowIcouldnotconcentrateorrememberwhatIhadlearnt.Mypoormotherwasverysympathetic,andtriedtoencourageme,sometimesevenwhisperingtheanswertome.ButtheMurdstoneshadsharpears.
這段時期我很不愉快。摩德斯通先生堅持要我學習,所以母親就教我功課。在過去,母親和我都可以從教和學當中得到樂趣,她用她溫和的方式教給我許多知識。但如今,我們上課時摩德斯通先生和小姐都在場,這在很大程度上讓我不能集中精神,記住所學的內(nèi)容。可憐的母親同情我,設法提示我,有時甚至悄聲告訴我答案,可摩德斯通先生和小姐的耳朵特別尖。
‘Clara,mylove!’MrMurdstoneusedtosaycrossly.‘Remember!Befirm!You’remakingtheboy'scharacterworsebyhelpinghimlikethat!’
“克拉拉,親愛的!”摩德斯通先生總是很惱怒地說道,“記?。∫獓绤?!你這樣幫著孩子會把他的脾氣慣得更糟!”
‘Oh,Edward,I'msorry,’mymotherreplied,lookingembarrassedandhangingherheadlikeaguiltychild.
“哦,愛德華,很抱歉,”母親答道,滿臉尷尬,像一個認錯的孩子似地低下了頭。
OnemorningwhenIarrivedinthesittingroomasusualformylesson,IsawthatMrMurdstonehadathinstickinhishand.Icouldnottakemyeyesoffit.
一天早上,我像往常一樣來到客廳學功課,看見摩德斯通先生手上拿著一根細木棍,我的眼睛直鉤鉤地盯著它不放。
‘Youmustbeverycarefultoday,David,’hesaidwithhisunpleasantsmile,holdingthestickinbothhands.Iknewwhatwouldhappenthen.Aterriblefeartookholdofme,andallthatIhadlearntdisappearedimmediatelyfrommymemory,sothatIcouldnotansweranyofmymother'squestions.MrMurdstonegotupfromhischair.
“你今天要非常小心,大衛(wèi),”他冷笑道,雙手握著那根木棍。我知道接下來要發(fā)生什么。一陣強烈的恐懼占據(jù)了我的心頭,把我所學會的東西從我的記憶中一掃而光,以致于母親問我的問題我一個都回答不上來。摩德斯通先生從座位上站起來。
‘WellDavid,’hesaidheavily,‘Ithinkyou'veworriedyourmotherenoughtoday.We'llgoupstairs,boy.Come,’andhepickedupthestick.Iheardmymothercryingaswewentupstairs.‘Please,MrMurdstone!’Icried.‘Don'tbeatme!I'vetriedtolearn,reallyIhave,sir!’
“好了,大衛(wèi),”他嚴厲地說,“我想你今天夠難為你母親的了,我們上樓吧,孩子,來吧?!彼闷鹉竟?。我們倆上樓時我聽見母親在哭泣?!扒竽?,摩德斯通先生!”我哭道,“別打我!學習我盡了努力,我真的盡了努力,先生!”
Buthedidnotlistentome.Inmybedroom,heheldmyarmsandstartedhittingmewiththestick.Imanagedtogetholdofhishand,andbitdeepintoit.Hecriedoutangrily,andbegantohitmeashardashecould.Abovethenoiseofmyscreams,IcouldhearmymotherandPeggottycryingoutsidethedoor.Thenthenextmoment,hewasgone.Iheardhimlockthedoor.AndIwaslying,soreandbleeding,onthefloor.Thewholehouseseemedsuddenlyveryquiet.
可他并不理睬。到了我的臥房,他抓住我的雙臂,掄起木棍就打。我使勁抓住他的手,狠狠地咬了他一口。他憤怒地叫了一聲,使出渾身的勁來打我。在我一陣陣的尖叫聲背后,我聽見母親和辟果提在門外哭泣的聲音。過了一會兒,他走了。我聽見他鎖了門。我躺在地上,渾身疼痛,還流著血。整個屋子似乎突然一下子變得寂靜了。
Istayedthereforatime,withoutmoving.IntheeveningMissMurdstonebroughtmesomebreadandmilk,whichsheleftonthefloorbesideme,frowningangrilyatmeasshewentout.Iwaskeptlockedinthatroomforfivedaysandnights,andsawnobodyexceptMissMurdstone,whobroughtmefoodbutneverspoketome.Toasmallboy,thefivedaysseemedlikeyears,andIcanstillrememberhowfrightenedandguiltyIfelt.ButduringthefifthnightIheardastrangenoiseatthekey-hole.ItwasPeggotty,tryingtogivemeamessage.
我一動不動地在地上躺了很長時間。晚上,摩德斯通小姐給我拿來一些面包和牛奶,放在我身邊的地上,出門時還生氣地沖我皺皺眉頭。我被鎖在房間里五天五夜,其間除了摩德斯通小姐默不作聲地給我送點食物,未見有其他任何人來。對一個孩子來說,這五天時間簡直就像數(shù)年,我至今還記得當時有多恐懼、有多內(nèi)疚。第五天夜里,我聽到有一個奇怪的聲音從鎖眼里傳來。那是辟果提,設法給我送口信來了。
‘MasterDavid,mydear,’shewhispered,sobbing,‘theyaregoingtosendyouawaytoboardingschool!Tomorrow!’
“大衛(wèi)少爺,親愛的,”她低聲抽泣道,“他們要把你送到寄宿學校去!明天!”
‘OhPeggotty!’Icried.‘ThenIwon'tseeyouandmotherveryoften!’‘No,mylove.Butdon'tforget,I'lltakecareofyourmother.SheneedshercrossoldPeggotty!I'llstaywithher,althoughIhatetheseMurdstones.Andremember,David,IloveyouasmuchasIloveyourmother,andmore.AndI'llWritetoyou.’
“哦!辟果提!”我哭道,“那我就不能常見著你和媽媽了!”“不能了,我親愛的。但你放心,我會照顧你母親,她需要我這位脾氣大的老辟果提!我會留下來陪她,盡管我討厭摩德斯通姐弟。記住,大衛(wèi),我愛你跟愛你母親一樣,只多不少。我會寫信給你?!?/p>
‘Thankyou,dearPeggotty!’Iwhisperedback,tearsrollingdownmyface.‘Willyouwritetoyourbrothertoo,andHam,andlittleEmily,andtellthemI'mnotasbadastheMurdstonesthink?Andsendmylovetothem,especiallylittleEmily?’
“謝謝你,親愛的辟果提!”我輕聲回答,淚水滾落到臉頰?!罢埬阋矊懶沤o你的兄弟,還有哈姆,小埃米莉,告訴他們我并不像摩德斯通姐弟認為的那么壞。帶給他們我的問候,特別是小埃米莉,好嗎?”
PeggottypromisedtodowhatIasked.ThenextmorningMissMurdstonetoldmethatbecauseofmywickednessIwasgoingawaytoschool.Shehadalreadypackedmycaseforme.Mymotherwasonlyallowedtosayaveryquickgoodbyetome,whenthehorseandcartarrivedThedriverputmycaseonthecart,andwedroveslowlyoutofBlunderstone.IwasstillsobbingloudlywhensuddenlyIsawPeggottyrunningafterusontheroad.Thedriverstoppedandwaitedforher.Withdifficultysheclimbedupontothecart.
辟果提答應了我的請求。第二天一早,摩德斯通小姐告訴我,由于我的劣行,我要被送往學校。她已經(jīng)為我準備好行裝。母親只被允許在馬車到達時說一句簡單的道別話。馬車夫把我的手提箱放到車上,我們就慢慢地離開了布蘭德斯通。我一直不停地大聲哭喊著,突然看見辟果提從后面追來。馬車夫停下來等她,她很吃力地爬上了車。
‘Here,MasterDavid!’shecriedbreathlessly.‘Alittlepresentfrommeandyourdearmother!Takecareofyourself,mydear!’Sheputasmallpurseandapaperbagintomyhands,andheldmesoclosetoherfatbodythatIthoughtIwouldneverbreatheagain.Thenshejumpeddownandranbackalongtheroadtothevillage.
“給你,大衛(wèi)少爺!”她上氣不接下氣地說道,“這是我和你親愛的母親留給你的小禮物!好好照顧自己,親愛的!”她把一個小錢包和一個紙袋塞給我,又把我緊緊地貼到她肥胖的懷里,當時我覺得可能再也喘不上氣了。然后,她跳下車,沿著馬路跑回了村莊。
Aswecontinuedourjourney,Idriedmytearsandlookedatwhatshehadgivenme.ThebagwasfullofPeggotty’sspecialcakes,andinthepursewereeightbrightshillingcoins.ThinkingofmymotherandPeggottymademestartcryingagain,butjustthenthedriver,MrBarkis,begantotalktome.Hewasalarge,red-facedman,whoclearlyfoundconversationdifficult.
我們繼續(xù)往前趕路,我擦于淚水,打開她給我的東西。紙袋里是辟果提做的拿手糕點,錢包里有8先令閃亮的硬幣。一想到母親和辟果提我又一次哭起來。這時,車夫巴克斯先生開始說話了。他是一位紅臉壯漢,顯然很不擅長與人交談。
‘Didshemakethosecakes?’heaskedslowly,havingfinishedtheonethatIhadofferedhim.
“是她做的這些點心?”他吃了我給他的一塊蛋糕后,不緊不慢地問道。
‘YoumeanPeggotty,sir?Yes,shedoesallourcooking.’
“你是指辟果提吧,先生?是的,我們家的飯菜全是由她做的。”
‘Doesshe?’repliedMrBarkiswithgreatinterest.Therewasalongsilencewhileheconsideredhisnextquestion.
“是嗎?”巴克斯先生饒有興趣地應了一句。沉默了好一會兒,他想好了另一個問題。
‘Doesshehaveayoungman?’heasked.‘Youknow,someonewhowantstomarryher?’
“她有小伙子嗎?”他問?!熬褪?,有沒有人想娶她?”
‘Peggotty?Ayoungman?’Irepeated,surprised.‘Ohno,she'sneverhadanyyoungmen.’
“辟果提?小伙子?”我不解地重復道,“哦,沒有,她從未有過任何小伙子?!?/p>
‘Ah!’repliedMrBarkis,lookingverypleased.Againhethoughtforalongtimebeforespeaking.
“噢!”巴克斯先生答道,面露喜色。他又想了很長時間才開口說話。
‘Well,’hesaidatlast,‘perhapsifyouwritetoher—willyoubewritingtoher?Youcouldgiveheramessagefromme.Youcouldsay“Barkisiswilling”.Wouldyoudothat?’
“那么,”他最后說道,“或許你給她寫信時——你會給她寫信吧?你可以替我捎個信,你寫上‘巴克斯很愿意’,可以嗎?”
‘“Barkisiswilling”,’Irepeatedinnocently,wonderingwhatthemessagemeant.‘Yes,ofcourse.Butyoucouldtellheryourself,MrBarkis,whenyoureturntoBlunderstonetomorrow.’
“‘巴克斯很愿意’,”我天真地重復道,捉摸著這句話的意思?!翱梢裕斎???赡憧梢宰约焊嬖V她呀,巴克斯先生,等你明天回到布蘭德斯通的時候?!?/p>
‘No,no’hesaid,‘no,youjustgiveherthemessage.Remember,“Barkisiswilling”.’
“不,不,”他說,“不,你只管給她寫上。記住:‘巴克斯很愿意?!?/p>
AfterthisconversationMrBarkiswascompletelysilentfortherestofthejourney.WhenwearrivedinYarmouth,IboughtpaperatthehotelandwrotethislettertoPeggotty:
說完這些,巴克斯先生一路上就完全沉默了。到了雅茅斯,我在客棧買了些信紙,給辟果提寄了這樣一封信:
MydearPeggotty,IhavearrivedsafelyinYarmouth.Barkisiswilling.Pleasegivemylovetomother.Yours,DavidP.S.Hesaysit'simportant—Barkisiswilling.
親愛的辟果提:我已安全到達雅茅斯。巴克斯很愿意。請代我問候我母親。你的大衛(wèi)。附:他說此事很重要——巴克斯很愿意。
InYarmouthIwasputonthelong-distancecoachtoLondon,andtravelledallthroughthenight.AtthecoachstationinLondonIwascollectedbyateacher,MrMell,andtakentoSalemHouse,theschoolwhichtheMurdstoneshadchosenforme.
在雅茅斯我被送上一輛去倫敦的長途四輪馬車,行駛了一整夜。在倫敦車站,有位叫梅爾先生的教師接待了我,并把我送到薩倫學校,那是摩德斯通先生為我選定的學校。
Theschoolwasalargeoldbuildingwithadustyplayground,surroundedbyahighbrickwall.Itlookedstrangelydeserted.Iwasverysurprisedtofindthatnoneoftheboyswerethere,andwastoldthattheywereallonholiday,andthatIhadbeensentthereduringtheholidaysasapunishmentformywickedness.Theheadmasterandteacherswereonholidaytoo,allexceptforMrMell,whohadtolookafterme.
學校由一幢很大的舊樓和一片雜亂的操場組成,四周圍著很高的磚墻。我很奇怪,學校里空無一人,后被告知,學生們都放假了,而我卻在假期里被送到學校是對我的劣行的一種懲罰。校長和老師們也都放假了,除了這位不得不照看我的梅爾先生以外。
Ispentawholemonthinthatmiserableplace,doingmylessonsinthedirty,emptyclassroom,whichsmeltofoldfoodandunwashedboys.EveryeveningIhadtoeatmysupperwithMrMell,andthengostraighttobed.TheworstthingwasthesignIhadtowearroundmyneck.Itsaid:BECAREFUL!HEBITES.IwasonlyallowedtotakeitoffwhenIwenttobed.
我在這個糟糕的地方呆了整整一個月,在骯臟不堪的空教室里做功課,聞著食物霉爛的氣味和那種沒洗干凈的孩子身上的臭味。每天晚上我都得和梅爾先生一起吃晚飯,然后直接上床睡覺。最糟糕的是我必須在脖子上掛塊牌子,牌子上寫有“小心,他咬人”的字樣。只有在上床睡覺時這塊牌子才允許被摘下來。
AlthoughIwasextremelylonelyandunhappyatthistime,Iwasnotlookingforwardtomeetingalltheotherboys.IfeltsuretheywouldlaughatmeandespeciallyatthesignIwasforcedtowear.ButonedayMrMelltoldmethattheheadmaster,MrCreakle,hadreturned,andwantedtoseeme.SoIwent,trembling,tohispartofthehouse.
盡管這段時間我感到特別孤單,特別無聊,但我還是不期望見著其他孩子們。我覺得他們肯定會嘲笑我,尤其笑我不得不掛著的那塊牌子。然而有一天,梅爾先生告訴我,校長克里古爾先生回來了,并要我去見他。于是我哆哆嗦嗦地來到他的房間。
IrealizedatoncethatMrCreaklelivedmuchmorecomfortablythantheboysortheteachers.Hewasasmall,fatmanwithapurplenose,whowassittinginanarmchairwithabottleandaglassinfrontofhim.
我一眼就發(fā)現(xiàn)克里古爾先生住得比孩子們和老師們要舒服得多。他個子矮小,身材肥胖,長著一個酒糟鼻。他坐在扶手椅上,面前放著一瓶酒和一個酒杯。
‘So,thisistheboywhobites,isit?’heaskedunpleasantly.‘Iknowyourstepfather,boy.He'samanofstrongcharacter,heis.Heknowsme,andIknowhim.Doyouknowme?Answerme,boy!’Hepulledviolentlyatmyear.
“這,就是那個咬人的孩子,對吧?”他很不高興地問道,“我認識你繼父,孩子。他是個脾氣特倔的人,他的確是。他認識我,我也認識他。你認識我嗎?回答我,小子!”他粗暴地揪起我的耳朵。
‘Notyet,sir,’Ianswered,tearsofpaininmyeyes.
“還不認識,先生。”我回答,疼得直掉淚。
‘Ah,butyousoonwill!Ohyes,Ihaveastrongcharactertoo,you'llsee!’Hebangedhishandhardonthetable.
“噢,你很快會認識的!噢,對了,我也是個脾氣倔強的人,你會知道的!”他狠狠地捶了一下桌子。
Iwasveryfrightened,butImademyselfaskthequestionIhadbeenconsideringforawholemonth.‘Please,sir,I'mverysorryforwhatIdidtoMrMurdstone.Could—couldItakethissignoff,beforetheotherboysseeit…’
我很害怕,但還是竭力穩(wěn)住自己,問了一個困擾了我一整個月的問題,“求您了,先生,我非常抱歉我對摩德斯通先生所做的一切。我能——我能在其他同學看到之前摘下這塊牌子嗎……?”
MrCreaklegaveasudden,terribleshoutandjumpedoutofhischair.Ididnotwaittoseewhetherhewasgoingtohitme,butranoutofhisroomandhidinmybedforthenexthour.
克里古爾先生發(fā)出一聲突兀、可怕的叫聲,從椅子上跳起來。我沒等看清他是否想揍我就跑回了宿舍,并在床上呆了足足一個鐘頭。
However,theboyswerenotascrueltomeasIhadfeared.Imadeafriendalmostimmediately,aboycalledTommyTraddles,whowasknowntobetheunluckiestboyintheschool.Iwasalsonoticed,andevensmiledon,bythegreatJamesSteerforth,oneoftheoldestboys,atleastsixyearsolderthanme.Hewasahandsome,intelligent,curly-hairedyoungman,whohadbecomeanimportantfigureattheschool,withgreatinfluenceovertheyoungerboys.
然而,同學們對我并不像我擔心的那樣殘酷。我很快就結(jié)識了一位叫湯米·特拉德的朋友,他被公認為學校里最不幸的孩子。我還引起了學校里最年長的孩子之一的詹姆士·斯提福茲的注意,甚至互相見面致意。他至少比我大6歲,長得英俊、人很聰明,留一頭卷發(fā),是學校里的出名人物,對年幼的孩子頗具影響力。
‘Howmuchmoneyhaveyougot,Copperfield?’heaskedme.
“你有多少錢,科波菲爾?”他問我。
‘Eightshillings,Steerforth,’Ianswered,rememberingthepresentmymotherandPeggottyhadgivenme.
“8先令,斯提福茲,”我回答他說,回想著母親和辟果提送給我的禮物。
‘You'dbettergiveittome.I'lltakecareofitforyou,’heofferedinafriendlyway.
“你最好給我,我替你保管,”他很友善地提議。
IopenedPeggotty'spurseandturneditupside-downintohishand.
我打開辟果提給的錢包,把錢一古腦全倒在他手上。
‘Perhapsyou'dliketospendsomeofitnow?’hesuggested,smiling.‘Abottleofwine,atinofbiscuits,afewcakes,thatsortofthing?IcangooutwheneverIlike,soIcanbuyitforyou.’
“你現(xiàn)在大概想先花掉一部分吧?”他笑著建議道,“可以買瓶酒,買聽餅干,買些糕點什么的?我隨時可以外出,所以我可以幫你買回來?!?/p>
‘Ye-es,that’sverykindofyou,’Isaid,althoughIwasalittleworriedthatallmymoneywoulddisappear.
“那——好吧,你真是個熱心人?!彪m然我有點擔心我的錢會分文不剩,但還是這么說了。
Whenwewentupstairstobed,Irealizedthatallmymoneyhadbeenspent,aseightshillings’worthoffoodanddrinkwaslaidoutonmybedinthemoonlight.OfcourseIdidnotwanttoeatanddrinkitallbymyself,soIinvitedSteerforthandtheotherstohelpthemselves.Theboyswereverywilling,andwespentapleasantevening,sittingonourbeds,whisperingtoeachother.IdiscoveredthattheboysallhatedSalemHouse,whichtheyconsideredoneoftheworstschoolsinthecountry.TheyespeciallyhatedMrCreakle,whowasinthehabitofbeatingthemregularlywithaheavystickwhichhecarriedwithhimatalltimes.TheonlyboyhedarednotbeatwasSteerforth.IadmiredSteerforthevenmorewhenIheardthis.
當我們上樓睡覺時,我意識到我的錢已經(jīng)全部被花光了,因為借著月光可以看見,價值8先令的食品和飲料已經(jīng)堆在我的床上。我當然不會一個人獨享這些東西,所以邀請斯提福茲和其他的同學一起吃,隨便吃。孩子們都非常樂意,那晚過得很愉快。我們坐在自己的床上,悄聲聊開了。我發(fā)現(xiàn)孩子們都討厭薩倫學校,認為這是全國最臭的學校之一。他們尤其討厭克里古爾先生,說他有揍學生的癖好,用他那根從不離身的粗木棍。還說他唯一不敢揍的學生就是斯提福茲。我聽了后對斯提福茲更加肅然起敬。
Whenwewerealltootiredtostayawake,Steerforthgotuptogo.‘Goodnight,youngCopperfield,’hesaid,puttingahandonmyhead.‘I'lltakecareofyou.’
當我們都感覺沒勁再熬夜時,斯提福茲站起來要走?!巴戆?,小科波菲爾,”他把手放在我的頭上,說道,“我會保護你的?!?/p>
‘It’sverykindofyou,’Irepliedgratefully.
“你真是個好心人,”我感激道。
‘Youhaven’tgotasister,haveyou?’heaskedsleepily.
“你沒有姐妹,是吧?”他困倦地問道。
‘No,Ihaven't,’Ianswered.‘Whatapity!Ifyouhadone,I'msureshe'dbeapretty,bright-eyedlittlegirl.Iwouldhavelikedtomeether.’
“沒有,我沒有姐妹,”我答道?!罢孢z憾!要是你有的話,我敢肯定她是個漂亮的大眼睛姑娘,我就可以有幸見見她啦?!?/p>
Ithoughtofhimalotthatnight,withhislaughing,hand-someface,andhiscareless,confidentmanner.Icouldneverhaveimaginedwhatadarkshadowhewouldthrowoverthelivesofpeoplewhoweredeartome.
那晚,他讓我捉摸不透,他的笑聲,他那英俊的臉,他那不拘小節(jié)、桀驁不馴的氣度。而我怎么也想像不到后來他會給我的親友們的生活蒙上一層沉重的陰影。
IstayedatSalemHouseforthreemoremonths.Althoughoneortwooftheteachers,likeMrMell,werekindtousboys,andtriedtoteachusproperly,weweretooafraidofMrCreakleandhissticktoconcentrateonourstudies.ButTom-myTraddlesandIcheeredeachotherupifwewerebeaten,andIwasluckyenoughtobefriendlywiththegreatSteerforth,inspiteofthedifferenceinourages.
我在薩倫學校又呆了三個月。雖然也有一兩個教師,如梅爾先生,對孩子們很和氣,也設法給我們以正規(guī)的教育,但我們都害怕克里古爾先生和他的棍子,所以根本沒法專心學習。不過,湯米·特拉德和我總是在挨打的時候互相安慰,而且我還很幸運與大孩子斯提福茲保持友好,雖然我們倆年齡相差很多。
However,myhome,evenwiththeMurdstonesthere,seemedamuchpleasanterplacethanschool,andIwasgladwhentheChristmasholidaysarrived,andIwasallowedtoreturntoBlunderstone.Iwasalittlesurprisedtofindthatmymotherhadanewbaby,andIcouldseeatoncethatshewasnotwell.Shelookedtiredandworried,andverythin.ButsheandPeggottyweredelightedtoseeme,althoughtheydarednotshowitiftheMurdstoneswerepresent.Mystepfatherandhissisterseemedtohatemeevenmorethanbefore,ifthatwerepossible,andtheymademylifequitemiserablewhenevertheycould.Infact,Iwasalmostpleasedwhenitwastimetoreturntoschool,andseeTraddlesandSteerforthagain.
不管怎樣,我的家,雖然有摩德斯通姐弟在,總顯得比學校親切。所以在圣誕來臨之際,我很高興,我可以回到布蘭德斯通去了。我有些吃驚,母親已經(jīng)又生了一個小孩,看得出來她身體欠佳。她看上去很疲倦,憂心仲仲,而且瘦弱不堪。但她和辟果提見到我時都很高興,盡管有摩德斯通姐弟在場時不敢表露出來。繼父和他姐姐比以前更討厭我了,只要有可能,他們就會抓住一切機會讓我生活在痛苦之中。所以,當返校的日子來臨,想著我又可以見到特拉德和斯提福茲時,我反而感到欣喜。
Asthecartdroveaway,Iremembermymotherstandingoutsideourhouse,withherbabyinherarms,smilingsadlyatme.ThatwasthelasttimeIsawher,andthatishowIshallalwaysrememberher.
馬車開始啟動,我記得母親站在屋外,懷里抱著小孩,苦澀地微笑著。這是我最后一次見著她,這也是我至今依舊記得的她的模樣。
3Davidtheorphan
3孤兒大衛(wèi)
Lifewentonasnormalformeatschool,untilmybirthdaytwomonthslaterinMarch.Irememberthatdayverywell.Itwascold,icyweather,andweboyshadtoblowonourfingersandrubourhandstokeepwarminthefreezingclassrooms.WhenamessagecameformetogoandseeMrCreakle,IthoughtthatPeggottymusthavesentmeabirthdaypresent,and
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