狄更斯长篇小说 狄更斯双语小说:《董贝父子》第23章Part 19

狄更斯双语小说:《董贝父子》第23章Part 19  

'I - I have so much to do. I - I mean to think of
and arrange. I couldn't do it
Ned
indeed. I must go out again
and be alone
and turn my mind to many things to-day.'
The Captain looked at the Instrument-maker
and looked at Florence
and again at the Instrument-maker. 'To-morrow
then
' he suggested
at last.
'Yes
yes. To-morrow
' said the old man. 'Think of me to-morrow. Say to-morrow.'
'I shall e here early
mind
Sol Gills
' stipulated the Captain.
'Yes
yes. The first thing tomorrow morning
' said old Sol; 'and now good-bye
Ned Cuttle
and God bless you!'
Squeezing both the Captain's hands
with unmon fervour
as he said it
the old man turned to Florence
folded hers in his own
and put them to his lips; then hurried her out to the coach with very singular precipitation. Altogether
he made such an effect on Captain Cuttle that the Captain lingered behind
and instructed Rob to be particularly gentle and attentive to his master until the morning: which injunction he strengthened with the payment of one shilling down
and the promise of another sixpence before noon next day. This kind office performed
Captain Cuttle
who considered himself the natural and lawful body-guard of Florence
mounted the box with a mighty sense of his trust
and escorted her home. At parting
he assured her that he would stand by Sol Gills
close and true; and once again inquired of Susan Nipper
unable to fet her gallant words in reference to Mrs MacStinger
'Would you
do you think my dear
though?'
When the desolate house had closed upon the o
the Captain's thoughts reverted to the old Instrument-maker
and he felt unfortable. Therefore
instead of going home
he walked up and down the street several times
and
eking out his leisure until evening
dined late at a certain angular little tavern in the City
with a public parlour like a wedge
to which glazed hats much resorted. The Captain's principal intention was to pass Sol Gills's
after dark
and look in through the window: which he did
The parlour door stood open
and he could see his old friend writing busily and steadily at the table within
while the little Midshipman
already sheltered from the night dews
watched him from the counter; under which Rob the Grinder made his own bed
preparatory to shutting the shop. Reassured by the tranquillity that reigned within the precincts of the wooden mariner
the Captain headed for Brig Place
resolving to weigh anchor betimes in the morning.