高行健 诺贝尔文学 诺贝尔文学经典:《宠儿》第7章Part 1

诺贝尔文学经典:《宠儿》第7章Part 1  

There was no question but that she could do it. Just like the day she arrived at 124 — sure enough
she had milk enough for all.
Beloved came through the door and they ought to have heard hertread
but they didn't.
Breathing and murmuring
breathing and murmuring. Beloved heard them as soon as the doorbanged shut behind her. She jumped at the slam and swiveled her head toward the whispersing from behind the white stairs. She took a step and felt like crying. She had been so close
then closer. And it was so much better than the anger that ruled when Sethe did or thoughtanything that excluded herself. She could bear the hours — -nine or ten of them each day but one— -when Sethe was gone. Bear even the nights when she was close but out of sight
behind wallsand doors lying next to him. But now — even the daylight time that Beloved had counted on
disciplined herself to be content with
was being reduced
divided by Sethe's willingness to payattention to other things. Him mostly. Him who said something to her that made her run out intothe woods and talk to herself on a rock. Him who kept her hidden at night behind doors. And himwho had hold of her now whispering behind the stairs after Beloved had rescued her neck and wasready now to put her hand in that woman's own.
Beloved turned around and left. Denver had not arrived
or else she was waiting somewhereoutside. Beloved went to look
pausing to watch a cardinal hop from limb to branch. She followedthe blood spot shifting in the leaves until she lost it and even then she walked on
backward
stillhungry for another glimpse.
She turned finally and ran through the woods to the stream. Standing close to its edge she watchedher reflection there. When Denver's face joined hers
they stared at each other in the water.
"You did it
I saw you
" said Denver.
"What?"
"I saw your face. You made her choke."
"I didn't do it."
"You told me you loved her."
"I fixed it
didn't I? Didn't I fix her neck?"
"After. After you choked her neck."