狄更斯小说改编系列 狄更斯双语小说:《董贝父子》第22章Part 12

狄更斯双语小说:《董贝父子》第22章Part 12  

Oh
it's of no consequence
thank'ee
' was the invariable reply of Mr Toots; and when he had said so
he always went away very fast.
Now it is certain that Mr Toots had a filmy something in his mind
which led him to conclude that if he could aspire successfully in the fulness of time
to the hand of Florence
he would be fortunate and blest. It is certain that Mr Toots
by some remote and roundabout road
had got to that point
and that there he made a stand. His heart was wounded; he was touched; he was in love. He had made a desperate attempt
one night
and had sat up all night for the purpose
to write an acrostic on Florence
which affected him to tears in the conception. But he never proceeded in the execution further than the words 'For when I gaze
' - the flow of imagination in which he had previously written down the initial letters of the other seven lines
deserting him at that point.
Beyond devising that very artful and politic measure of leaving a card for Mr Dombey daily
the brain of Mr Toots had not worked much in reference to the subject that held his feelings prisoner. But deep consideration at length assured Mr Toots that an important step to gain
was
the conciliation of Miss Susan Nipper
preparatory to giving her some inkling of his state of mind.
A little light and playful gallantry towards this lady seemed the means to employ in that early chapter of the history
for winning her to his interests. Not being able quite to make up his mind about it
he consulted the Chicken - without taking that gentleman into his confidence; merely informing him that a friend in Yorkshire had written to him (Mr Toots) for his opinion on such a question. The Chicken replying that his opinion always was
'Go in and win
' and further
'When your man's before you and your work cut out
go in and do it
' Mr Toots considered this a figurative way of supporting his own view of the case
and heroically resolved to kiss Miss Nipper next day.
Upon the next day
therefore
Mr Toots
putting into requisition some of the greatest marvels that Burgess and Co. had ever turned out
went off to Mr Dotnbey's upon this design. But his heart failed him so much as he approached the scene of action
that
although he arrived on the ground at three o'clock in the afternoon
it was six before he knocked at the door.
Everything happened as usual
down to the point where Susan said her young mistress was well
and Mr Toots said it was ofno consequence. To her amazement
Mr Toots
instead of going off
like a rocket
after that observation
lingered and chuckled.'Perhaps you'd like to walk upstairs
Sir!' said Susan.
'Well
I think I will e in!' said Mr Toots.
But instead of walking upstairs
the bold Toots made an awkward plunge at Susan when the door was shut
and embracing that fair creature
kissed her on the cheek
'Go along with you!~ cried Susan
'or Ill tear your eyes out.'
'Just another!' said Mr Toots.