狄更斯长篇小说 狄更斯双语小说:《董贝父子》第29章Part 5

狄更斯双语小说:《董贝父子》第29章Part 5  

'I should have adopted this course of argument
' pursued the discreet lady
'because I trust I am not a fool. I make no claim to be considered a person of superior intellect - though I believe some people have been extraordinary enough to consider me so; one so little humoured as I am
would very soon be disabused of any such notion; but I trust I am not a downright fool. And to tell ME
' said Mrs Chick with ineffable disdain
'that my brother Paul Dombey could ever contemplate the possibility of uniting himself to anybody - I don't care who' - she was more sharp and emphatic in that short clause than in any other part of her discourse - 'not possessing these requisites
would be to insult what understanding I have got
as much as if I was to be told that I was born and bred an elephant
which I may be told next
' said Mrs Chick
with resignation. 'It wouldn't surprise me at all. I expect it.'
In the moment's silence that ensued
Miss Tox's scissors gave a feeble clip or o; but Miss Tox's face was still invisible
and Miss Tox's morning gown was agitated. Mrs Chick looked sideways at her
through the intervening plants
and went on to say
in a tone of bland conviction
and as one dwelling on a point of fact that hardly required to be stated:
'Therefore
of course my brother Paul has done what was to be expected of him
and what anybody might have foreseen he would do
if he entered the marriage state again. I confess it takes me rather by surprise
however gratifying; because when Paul went out of town I had no idea at all that he would form any attachment out of town
and he certainly had no attachment when he left here. However
it seems to be extremely desirable in every point of view. I have no doubt the mother is a most genteel and elegant creature
and I have no right whatever to dispute the policy of her living with them: which is Paul's affair
not mine - and as to Paul's choice
herself
I have only seen her picture yet
but that is beautiful indeed. Her name is beautiful too
' said Mrs Chick
shaking her head with energy
and arranging herself in her chair; 'Edith is at once unmon
as it strikes me
and distinguished. Consequently
Lucretia
I have no doubt you will be happy to hear that the marriage is to take place immediately - of course
you will:' great emphasis again: 'and that you are delighted with this change in the condition of my brother
who has shown you a great deal of pleasant attention at various times.'
Miss Tox made no verbal answer
but took up the little watering-pot with a trembling hand
and looked vacantly round as if considering what article of furniture would be improved by the contents. The room door opening at this crisis of Miss Tox's feelings
she started
laughed aloud
and fell into the arms of the person entering; happily insensible alike of Mrs Chick's indignant countenance and of the Major at his window over the way
who had his double-barrelled eye-glass in full action
and whose face and figure were dilated with Mephistophelean joy.
Not so the expatriated Native
amazed supporter of Miss Tox's swooning form
who
ing straight upstairs
with a polite inquiry touching Miss Tox's health (in exact pursuance of the Major's malicious instructions)
had accidentally arrived in the very nick of time to catch the delicate burden in his arms
and to receive the content' of the little watering-pot in his shoe; both of which circumstances
coupled with his consciousness of being closely watched by the wrathful Major
who had threatened the usual penalty in regard of every bone in his skin in case of any failure
bined to render him a moving spectacle of mental and bodily distress.
For some moments
this afflicted foreigner remained clasping Miss Tox to his heart
with an energy of action in remarkable opposition to his disconcerted face
while that poor lady trickled slowly down upon him the very last sprinklings of the little watering-pot
as if he were a delicate exotic (which indeed he was)
and might be almost expected to blow while the gentle rain descended. Mrs Chick
at length recovering sufficient presence of mind to interpose
manded him to drop Miss Tox upon the sofa and withdraw; and the exile promptly obeying
she applied herself to promote Miss Tox's recovery.