Before setting off for the garden party at Ullathorne, Mrs Proudie had spoken to her lord, once and for all, about the post of warden. She was determined that Mr Quiverful should have it.
Bishop,' she had said to him immediately after breakfast, 'have you signed the appointment yet?'
No, my dear, it is not exactly signed yet.'
Then do it,' said the lady.
The bishop did it. Mrs Proudie herself wrote to Mr and Mrs Quiverful, asking them to come to the palace at eleven o'clock the next morning. Then the Proudies drove to Ullathorne, where the bishop spent a very pleasant day. And in the evening he was given a glass of wine in his wife's sitting room, and allowed to read his newspaper comfortably by the fire. What great comfort there is for husbands who obey their wives!
Mr and Mrs Quiverful's hopes were raised again when they received Mrs Proudie's letter, but this time they were not disappointed. When they presented themselves at the bishop's palace as requested, they were told the good news at once. That evening there was great joy at Puddingdale, with so much kissing and crying and laughing that they almost forgot to eat.
On that same day Mr Slope was delighted to find that his journalist friend, Mr Towers, had written a most flattering article about him in The Jupiter. It said:
It is now five years since we called our readers' attention to Hiram's Hospital in the quiet city of Barchester. There is now another matter in Barchester that we wish to comment on. Dr Trefoil, the dean, died yesterday. His only fault was his great age, which is something we all hope to be guilty of. But we consider that this post should now be filled by a much younger man, who has the energy and strength to work for the good of the Church. Mr Obadiah Slope's name has been mentioned to us. He is at present the bishop's chaplain. A better man could hardly be found. He is young, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and, we believe, a truly good man. Such a choice would go far to raise public confidence in the present system of Church appointments, and would show people that, from now on, our Church will not offer easy, well-paid work to elderly, worn-out clergymen.
Mr Slope read this article with considerable satisfaction. Sixty thousand copies of The Jupiter, distributed around the country, were, in his eyes, the most powerful way of influencing public opinion. He was very grateful to Mr Towers, and looked forward to the day when he, as dean, would entertain his friend to an excellent dinner.
But his feelings were not all of triumph. He was still angry with the widow, for the way in which she had refused his proposal. And he would have liked to hate the signora, but he was passionately attracted to her and could not resist her charms.
Poor Mrs Bold was very unhappy when she got home from Ullathorne, and also quite exhausted. She found her sister-in-law, Mary, in the sitting room, playing with little Johnny.
Oh Mary, I'm so glad you didn't go!' cried Eleanor. 'It was an awful party!'
I have nothing to regret, then,' said Mary cheerfully.
You have nothing to regret, but oh! Mary, I have – so much!' and Eleanor began wildly kissing her boy, while tears ran down her face.
Good heavens, Eleanor, what is the matter?' asked Mary, concerned. 'Let me make you some tea. You are tired.'
At first Eleanor was unwilling to tell Mary what had happened, because Mary had never approved of the friendship with Mr Slope. But Mary was so kind and so comforting that Eleanor soon told her the whole story, and felt much better for it. There was not the slightest touch of triumph about Mary; she never said, 'I told you so,' but sympathized strongly with Eleanor.
I know I was wrong,' said Eleanor, 'to hit Mr Slope, but I had to protect myself.'
He certainly deserved it!' said Mary firmly.
If I'd stabbed him with a knife, he would have deserved it! But what will they say about it at Plumstead?'
I don't think I would tell them, if I were you,' said Mary. And Eleanor began to think she would not.
The next day Eleanor stayed at home, but she heard the news that the dean had died, and that Mr Quiverful had been appointed warden. In the evening her father came to visit her, and she had to repeat the story, or as much of it as she could bring herself to tell him. He did not seem surprised at Mr Slope's declaration of love. So she asked him if he had expected it.
I do not think it at all strange that anyone should admire my Eleanor,' he replied fondly.
But I did not give him the slightest encouragement!'
Mr Harding thought it safer not to reply to this, but simply said, 'You'll tell the archdeacon? Or Susan? You'll tell them they were wrong about you wanting to marry that man?'
I shall never willingly mention Mr Slope's name to either of them,' said Eleanor, a little stiffly. 'But father, is it true you are not going to be warden, after all?'
Yes, my dear, quite true. And I am delighted for Mr Quiverful and his large family. I am getting old now, and my main wish is for peace and quiet, not for constant arguments with the bishop, his chaplain, and the archdeacon. I shall never starve, you know,' he added laughing, 'as long as you are here.'
But will you come and live with me here, father? It would make me so very happy if you did!'
No, thank you, my dear. I'm quite satisfied with my rooms in the High Street. But I will have dinner with you tonight!'
Later that evening, Eleanor and Mary were singing while he was playing the piano, when a maid entered the room. She brought a very small note in a beautiful pink envelope; it quite filled the room with perfume as it lay on the silver dish.
The servant is waiting for an answer, madam,' said the maid.
Eleanor blushed as she took the note. She guessed it came from the signora. The note said:
Thursday evening
My dear Mrs Bold,
May I ask you, if you would be so kind, to call on me tomorrow. Please say what time would best suit you. I need hardly say that if I could call on you, I would not ask you to come to me. I partly know what happened the other day, and I promise that you shall meet with no annoyance if you come. My brother leaves us for London today, and from there he goes to Italy. I have something of considerable importance to say to you. Please excuse me, therefore, for writing to you, even if you do not agree to my request.
Believe me, I am, very sincerely, yours,
Madeline Neroni
The three of them read this letter together, and decided, after some discussion, that Eleanor should send a reply, saying she would see the signora at twelve o'clock the next day.
When Charlotte had arrived home from the Ullathorne party the previous day, she had waited eagerly for the carriage to return with Bertie, and, she hoped, the news of his engagement to Mrs Bold. But it was only her father's step that she heard in the hall, and she realized her brother's attempt at courting the widow must have failed. This was disappointing, but not completely unexpected.
She was called to her father's room, and when she entered, found him angrier than she had ever seen him before.
Tell me where your brother is, and what his plans for the future are now!' ordered the old man. 'I'm glad that charming Mrs Bold is not going to be sacrificed to such an idle, heartless young man as my son! Marriage, indeed! Who would marry him? It was just a foolish idea of yours!'
Father, it's no use scolding me. I've done my best for him and you.'
Her father sighed deeply. 'He'll ruin me, with his debts! I've made up my mind, Charlotte. He shall eat and drink no more in this house! He must leave. I don't care where he goes.'
Very well. Then I suppose he must go back to Italy. Life is cheaper there.' And Charlotte, by using all her powers of persuasion, managed to get her father to agree to make his son one last payment, as long as Bertie left England the next day.
Dr Stanhope was angry with Madeline too, for expecting him to pay all her bills, and for behaving so badly with all the unmarried men in Barchester. He was even angry with Charlotte, for defending her brother and sister. He felt that his children had damaged his reputation in the city, and Charlotte realized that the whole family, not just Bertie, would have to return to Italy soon.
But two days later, when Eleanor arrived at the Stanhopes' house, Bertie had already left for Italy, and the house was peaceful. She was shown up to the signora's private sitting room, without seeing any of the family, which was a great relief to her.
This is very kind of you, Mrs Bold, very kind, after what has happened,' said the signora, with her sweetest smile.
Your letter almost obliged me to come.'
That is true. But how cold you are to me! I know you have good reason to be displeased with us all. But I did not send for you to talk about that. Please come closer to me, Mrs Bold.'
Eleanor obeyed, bringing her chair closer to the sofa.
And now I am going to tell you something, Mrs Bold, which you may think is too personal. But I know I am right to do so. I believe you know Mr Arabin?'
Eleanor would have given the world not to blush, but her blood was not at her own command. She did blush, right up to her hair, and the signora, who had asked her to come closer in order to observe her face, saw it.
If you know Mr Arabin, I'm sure you must like him,' continued Madeline. 'Everyone who knows him must like him.'
If you know Mr Arabin, I'm sure you must like him,' continued Madeline.
Mrs Bold could not speak. She felt hot and faint.
How stiff you are with me,' said Madeline. 'And yet I'm doing for you all that one woman can do to serve another.'
The widow began to think that perhaps the signora's friendship was real. Then another thought came to her – Mr Arabin was too precious to lose. Even if she felt scorn for the signora and her way of life, perhaps Madeline could help her.
I don't want to be stiff,' she said, trying to excuse herself, 'but this conversation is so very strange!'
Well, then, it may become stranger still,' said Madeline, turning her own face full on her companion's. 'Do you love him, love him with all your heart and soul? Because I can tell you, he loves you, thinks of you and nothing else, is thinking of you now as he attempts to write his sermon for next Sunday's service. What would I not give to be loved in such a way by such a man!'
Mrs Bold stood up, speechless, and took the signora's hand. Madeline went on, 'What I tell you is God's own truth, and it is for you to use it for your own happiness. But you must not betray me. You know his secret now, and I advise you to use the knowledge. And remember, he is not like other men. You mustn't expect him to come to you with pretty presents, to kneel at your feet and to flatter you. There are plenty of men who do that, but he is not one of them. With him, yes means yes, and no means no. Even if his heart should break, the woman who refuses him once will have refused him for ever. And now, Mrs Bold, I will not keep you. If ever you are a happy wife in that man's house, I and my family will be far away. But I shall expect you to write me one line to say you have forgiven the sins of the Stanhope family.'
Eleanor half whispered that she would, and then crept out of the room, down the stairs and out into the open air. The fact that this woman, whom she could never like, knew so much about her and the man she loved, was damaging to her pride. But soon this feeling was swept away in the wild joy that filled her heart – he loved her! She was fully determined to follow Madeline's advice; if he ever proposed to her, her 'yes' would certainly be 'yes'.
On the following day the signora was in her brightest morning dress, and had a whole group of men around her sofa. The first to come and the last to leave was Mr Arabin, to whom the signora was unusually kind and gentle. Mr Thorne was there too, in his best suit; even a respectable, fifty-year-old gentleman could fall into the signora's trap. There were also a number of eager young clergymen, smaller flies who could not keep away from such a powerful, beautiful spider.
And then came Mr Slope. All the world knew that he was generally considered likely to become dean. He therefore held his head high and walked in a self-important way, as a dean might.
The signora had been looking forward to his visit. 'Mr Slope,' said she, 'I hear you are triumphing on all sides.'
What do you mean?' he asked, smiling. He did not dislike people connecting his name with the post of dean.
You are the winner, both in love and war,' she replied.
Mr Slope did not look quite so satisfied now.
Mr Arabin,' she continued, 'don't you think Mr Slope is a very lucky man?'
Not more than he deserves, I'm sure,' said Mr Arabin.
He is to be our new dean, you know, Mr Thorne,' she said to the squire, who was trying to follow the conversation.
Really, signora?' asked Mr Thorne doubtfully.
Yes, indeed. And not only that, he is to have a wife too. A wife with a large fortune. When will it be, Mr Slope?'
When will what be?' said Mr Slope, pretending to smile.
Your marriage, Mr Slope. Now do tell us, we're all dying to know, when is the widow to be made Mrs Dean?'
To Mr Arabin this conversation was peculiarly painful, but he could not stop listening.
Come, come, Mr Slope,' continued the signora. 'We all know you proposed to her the other day at Ullathorne. How did she accept you? With a simple "yes", or with the two "no's" which make a "yes"? Or some other way? Tell us, do!'
Mr Slope had never in his life felt so embarrassed. Everybody in the room was looking at him, ready to laugh at his discomfort, except for Mr Arabin, who was staring miserably at him. This was the moment to think of a sharp reply to the signora, but nothing came to mind; he had not a word to say.
The signora had no pity; she knew nothing of mercy, now that she had Mr Slope in her power. 'No answer, Mr Slope? It can't possibly be that the woman was fool enough to refuse you! Perhaps she wasn't satisfied with a dean, but is waiting for a bishop to come along! Now here is a piece of advice for you, Mr Slope. Listen carefully,' and she started singing,
It's good to be happy and wise, Mr Slope,
It's good to be honest and true,
It's good to be off with the old love, Mr Slope,
Before you are on with the new!
Ha, ha, ha!' And the signora, throwing herself back on her sofa, laughed heartily. She had taken her revenge on him, for courting herself and Mrs Bold at the same time.
How Mr Slope got out of that room, he never knew. Possibly he was given some assistance. But when he reached the fresh air of the street, he realized that at last his love for the signora was cured. Whenever he thought of her in his dreams from now on, she did not appear as a beautiful angel, but as a hateful devil.
once and for all used to emphasize your impatience when you ask or say something that you have asked or said many times before 最后一次(強(qiáng)調(diào)不耐煩)
worn-out adj. too old or damaged to be used 老舊的;不能再用的
distribute v. to share things among a group of people, especially in a planned way (尤指有計(jì)劃地)分發(fā),派發(fā)
perfume n. a sweet or pleasant smell 香味
blush v. to become red in the face, especially when you are embarassed 臉紅
scold v. to angrily criticize someone about something they have done 責(zé)罵,斥責(zé)
oblige v. to force or compel 使某人非做……不可
someone would give the world to do something used today to mean that someone would like to do something very much 某人迫切地想做某事
morning dress n. formal clothes worn at daytime ceremonies (在白日慶典場(chǎng)合穿的)常禮服
be dying to do something to want to do something very much 很想做某事
前往烏拉索恩參加園會(huì)之前,普勞蒂太太跟她的主教大人談起了院長(zhǎng)職位的事情,這一次是徹底了結(jié)這事。她決意要讓奎沃夫先生得到這個(gè)職位。
“主教,”早餐剛剛吃完,她立刻對(duì)他說,“任命書你簽了嗎?”
“沒有,親愛的,這不是沒簽嘛?!?/p>
“那就簽了吧?!碧f。
主教簽了。普勞蒂太太親自給奎沃夫夫婦寫信,讓他們第二天上午十一點(diǎn)到宅邸來。接下來,普勞蒂夫婦坐車去了烏拉索恩,主教在那里度過了十分愉快的一天。晚上,妻子在自己的會(huì)客廳給他喝了一杯酒,允許他在壁爐邊上舒舒服服地看報(bào)紙。聽妻子話的丈夫會(huì)過得多舒坦!
收到普勞蒂太太的來信,奎沃夫夫婦再次燃起了希望,但這一次他們沒有失望。他們遵命來到主教的宅邸,立刻得知了這個(gè)好消息。那天晚上,帕丁戴爾的氣氛非常歡樂,奎沃夫一家子不停地親吻、哭泣、大笑,幾乎樂之忘食。
******
也是在這一天,斯洛普先生欣喜地發(fā)現(xiàn),他的記者朋友托爾斯先生在《朱庇特報(bào)》上發(fā)表了一篇吹捧他的文章。文章中說:
我們?cè)?jīng)讓讀者注意到巴徹斯特這個(gè)寧靜城市里的海勒姆養(yǎng)老院,那已經(jīng)是五年前的事了?,F(xiàn)在,我們想評(píng)論的是巴徹斯特的另一件事情。教士長(zhǎng)特雷弗爾博士已于昨日去世,平生唯一的過錯(cuò)就是年事太高,這是我們每一個(gè)人都希望犯下的過錯(cuò)。不過,我們認(rèn)為這一職位如今應(yīng)該由一個(gè)年輕得多的人來擔(dān)任,這樣的人才有精力和體力來為教會(huì)利益服務(wù)。有人向我們推薦了奧巴代亞·斯洛普先生。他目前是主教的特遣牧師,比他還合適的人選幾乎無處尋覓。他年輕、熱忱、學(xué)識(shí)淵博,我們也相信他是一個(gè)真正高尚的人。這樣的人選可以大大提高公眾對(duì)教會(huì)現(xiàn)有人事制度的信心,還可以讓公眾看到,從現(xiàn)在起,我們的教會(huì)不會(huì)再把輕松的高薪工作托付給年邁體衰的神職人員。
斯洛普先生十分滿意地讀完了這篇文章?!吨毂犹貓?bào)》在全國(guó)的發(fā)行量有六萬份,在他看來,這是最能左右公眾輿論的一件利器。他對(duì)托爾斯先生感恩戴德,期待有那么一天,他能以教士長(zhǎng)的身份請(qǐng)這位朋友享用一頓豐盛的晚餐。
不過,他心里并不全是得意之情。他對(duì)寡婦仍然心存怒氣,因?yàn)樗谷挥媚菢拥姆绞骄芙^了他的求婚。他還想恨內(nèi)羅尼太太,但他被她迷得神魂顛倒,抵擋不住她的魅力。
******
從烏拉索恩回到家里的時(shí)候,可憐的博爾德太太很不開心,而且精疲力竭。她走進(jìn)會(huì)客廳,看見自己的大姑子瑪麗正在跟小約翰尼玩耍。
“哦,瑪麗,真高興你沒去!”埃莉諾大聲說,“這場(chǎng)園會(huì)簡(jiǎn)直糟透了!”
“那我就沒什么可后悔的啦。”瑪麗高高興興地說。
“你是沒什么可后悔的,可是,哦!瑪麗,我后悔——后悔極了!”說到這里,埃莉諾開始狂吻自己的兒子,眼淚順著臉往下流。
“天哪,埃莉諾,出了什么事?”瑪麗關(guān)心地問,“我去給你沏點(diǎn)兒茶。你累了。”
一開始,埃莉諾并不愿意把發(fā)生的事情告訴瑪麗,因?yàn)楝旣悘臎]贊成過她跟斯洛普先生交往。但瑪麗那么和善,那么會(huì)寬慰人,埃莉諾很快便全盤托出,自己也感覺舒服多了?,旣悰]有流露出絲毫得意的神情,沒有說“我告訴你了吧”,而是對(duì)埃莉諾表示了強(qiáng)烈的同情。
“我知道我不該打斯洛普先生,”埃莉諾說,“可我得保護(hù)自己啊?!?/p>
“這當(dāng)然是他自找的!”瑪麗堅(jiān)決地說。
“哪怕我拿刀子捅了他,也是他自找的!可是,普拉姆斯特德的那些人會(huì)怎么說呢?”
“我要是你,就不會(huì)告訴他們?!爆旣愓f。埃莉諾開始覺得,自己還是不說為好。
第二天,埃莉諾待在家里,卻還是聽說了教士長(zhǎng)過世的消息,也知道奎沃夫先生獲得了養(yǎng)老院院長(zhǎng)的任命。晚上,父親過來看她,她只好把整件事情又講了一遍,至少是把她有勇氣講的部分講了一遍。斯洛普先生的表白似乎并沒有讓父親感到驚訝。所以,埃莉諾問父親是不是早已料到了這樣的事情。
“有人愛慕我的埃莉諾,我一點(diǎn)兒也不覺得奇怪?!彼葠鄣鼗卮稹?/p>
“可是,我從來沒給過他半點(diǎn)兒暗示??!”
哈丁先生覺得,這個(gè)問題還是不回答為妙,但只是說:“你會(huì)把這件事情告訴執(zhí)事長(zhǎng)或者蘇珊?jiǎn)幔克麄z都說你想嫁給那個(gè)人,你會(huì)告訴他們是他們錯(cuò)了嗎?”
“我永遠(yuǎn)也不會(huì)跟他倆當(dāng)中的任何一個(gè)提起斯洛普先生的名字?!卑@蛑Z語氣有點(diǎn)兒生硬地說,“不過,父親,您終究還是當(dāng)不上院長(zhǎng)了,這是真的嗎?”
“是啊,親愛的,千真萬確。而且我為奎沃夫先生和他那一大家子感到高興。我已經(jīng)老啦,只想平平靜靜地過日子,不想一天到晚跟主教、他的特遣牧師和執(zhí)事長(zhǎng)吵來吵去。我又餓不死,你知道的,”他笑著補(bǔ)充了一句,“只要有你在?!?/p>
“可是,您會(huì)搬過來跟我一起住嗎,父親?如果您來了,我不知道有多開心!”
“不了,謝謝你,親愛的。我對(duì)我主街上的住處很滿意。不過,今晚我打算留下來跟你一起吃飯!”
當(dāng)晚晚些時(shí)候,埃莉諾和瑪麗唱著歌,哈丁先生彈著鋼琴時(shí),一名女仆走了進(jìn)來。她拿來了一個(gè)裝有一張小便條的漂亮的粉色信封。信封放在銀托盤上,屋子里頓時(shí)充滿了香味。
“送信的仆人還等著回話呢,太太?!迸驼f。
埃莉諾紅著臉拿起了便條,因?yàn)樗碌奖銞l是內(nèi)羅尼太太寫的。上面寫著:
星期四晚
親愛的博爾德太太:
如果您肯賞臉,能否請(qǐng)您明天來我這兒一趟。請(qǐng)告知您最方便的時(shí)間。不用說,如果能去拜訪您,我是不會(huì)麻煩您過來的。那天的事情我略有耳聞,在此向您保證,如果您來,絕不會(huì)碰上任何不愉快的事。我弟弟今天就會(huì)離開我們?nèi)惗?,然后從那里赴意大利。我有要緊的事情要告訴您。所以,即便您不答應(yīng)我的請(qǐng)求,也請(qǐng)您原諒我冒昧致信。
請(qǐng)相信,我是您十分誠(chéng)摯的朋友,
馬德琳·內(nèi)羅尼
三個(gè)人一起看完了這封信。一番討論之后,大家認(rèn)為埃莉諾應(yīng)該回個(gè)話,說自己會(huì)在第二天十二點(diǎn)去見內(nèi)羅尼太太。
******
前一天,從烏拉索恩的園會(huì)回家之后,夏洛特一直急切地盼著馬車載著伯蒂回來,盼著聽到他跟博爾德太太訂婚的消息。然而,她聽見大廳里只傳來了父親的腳步聲,意識(shí)到弟弟一定是沒能贏得寡婦的芳心。這個(gè)消息讓人失望,卻也并非完全出乎意料。
她被叫到父親的房間,剛一進(jìn)屋就發(fā)現(xiàn)父親從來沒有如此憤怒過。
“告訴我你弟弟在哪兒,將來他打算怎么辦!”老人家喝令道,“幸好迷人的博爾德太太沒打算把自己毀在我兒子身上,毀在這么個(gè)游手好閑、沒心沒肺的小子身上!結(jié)婚,真想得出來!哪個(gè)人愿意嫁給他?這完全是你的蠢主意!”
“父親,罵我沒用。我為你倆盡力了。”
她父親重重地嘆了一口氣。“他會(huì)毀了我的,瞧他那一身債!我已經(jīng)拿定了主意,夏洛特。他再也別想在這個(gè)家里混吃混喝了!他必須離開這里。去哪兒我不管。”
“好吧。既然這樣,我想他只能回意大利。那里吃穿住行比較便宜?!苯酉聛?,夏洛特使出渾身解數(shù),說服父親同意給兒子最后一筆錢,前提是兒子第二天就離開英格蘭。
斯坦諾普博士也生了馬德琳的氣,因?yàn)樗竿肚逅械馁~單,還因?yàn)樗蛷厮固厮械奈椿槟腥嗽谝黄饡r(shí),行為不檢點(diǎn)。就連夏洛特也讓他來氣,因?yàn)樗龓椭约旱牡艿苊妹谜f話。他覺得自己的幾個(gè)孩子已經(jīng)壞了他在這座城市里的名聲,而夏洛特也意識(shí)到,必須盡快回意大利的并不是伯蒂一個(gè)人,而是全家所有人。
******
但兩天之后,埃莉諾來到斯坦諾普家的時(shí)候,伯蒂已經(jīng)出發(fā)去了意大利,他們家也恢復(fù)了太平。仆人把她領(lǐng)進(jìn)了內(nèi)羅尼太太的私人會(huì)客廳,她沒有碰見斯坦諾普家的任何人,倒是松了一大口氣。
“發(fā)生了那樣的事,您還肯賞光,您真好,博爾德太太,您真好?!眱?nèi)羅尼太太說,臉上掛著她最甜美的笑容。
“您的信簡(jiǎn)直讓我不得不來?!?/p>
“那倒是。不過,您對(duì)我可真是冷漠!我知道您有充足的理由怨我們家所有人。不過,我請(qǐng)您來可不是為了說這個(gè)。請(qǐng)您坐過來一點(diǎn)兒,博爾德太太?!?/p>
埃莉諾聽話地把椅子往沙發(fā)那邊挪了挪。
“好了,我現(xiàn)在要跟您說點(diǎn)兒事,博爾德太太,可能會(huì)讓您覺得我冒犯了您的隱私。不過,我知道我這么做是對(duì)的。我相信您應(yīng)該認(rèn)識(shí)阿拉賓先生吧?”
埃莉諾打死也不愿臉紅,但血液不受她的控制。她確實(shí)紅了臉,還一直紅到發(fā)際線。內(nèi)羅尼太太讓她坐過來一點(diǎn)兒,為的就是察言觀色,這會(huì)兒也看到了她的反應(yīng)。
“如果您認(rèn)識(shí)阿拉賓先生,我肯定您不可能不喜歡他,”馬德琳接著說,“認(rèn)識(shí)他的人都不可能不喜歡他?!?/p>
博爾德太太說不出話來。她感覺渾身發(fā)熱,幾欲暈倒。
“您對(duì)我的態(tài)度可真是生硬,”馬德琳說,“可我還在幫您呢,女人幫女人,頂多也只能幫成我這樣了?!?/p>
寡婦開始覺得,這位內(nèi)羅尼太太也許是真心實(shí)意。接著她又產(chǎn)生了另一個(gè)念頭——阿拉賓先生是個(gè)不可多得的佳偶,絕不能錯(cuò)過。就算她鄙視內(nèi)羅尼太太和她的生活方式,說不定她還是可以給她幫助。
“我也不想這么生硬,”她說,想替自己開脫?!翱墒牵@樣的對(duì)話實(shí)在是太奇怪了!”
“好吧,接下來還可能更怪呢?!瘪R德琳說,直視著自己的談話對(duì)象,“您愛他嗎,全心全意地愛他嗎?因?yàn)槲铱梢愿嬖V您,他愛您,心里只有您一個(gè)人,這會(huì)兒他在寫下個(gè)星期天的布道詞,心里想的還是您。要是有這樣的男人這樣愛我,付出什么代價(jià)我也愿意!”
博爾德太太說不出話來,起身握住了內(nèi)羅尼太太的手。馬德琳接著說:“我跟您說的是上帝的真理,您可以拿它來爭(zhēng)取自己的幸福。不過,您一定不能出賣我。您現(xiàn)在知道了他的秘密,我建議您善加利用。還有,記住,他跟別的男人不一樣。您千萬別指望他帶著漂亮的禮物來到您的身旁,卑躬屈膝地討好您。這樣做的男人多得很,但他不會(huì)。對(duì)他來說,愿意就是愿意,不行就是不行。女人拒絕過他一次,他就會(huì)理解為永遠(yuǎn)地拒絕了他,哪怕他會(huì)心碎。好了,博爾德太太,我就不留您了。如果您真的成為了那個(gè)男人家里幸福的妻子,那時(shí)候我和我的家人也已經(jīng)遠(yuǎn)在他鄉(xiāng)啦。只不過,希望您到時(shí)候能給我捎個(gè)信兒,說您已經(jīng)原諒了斯坦諾普一家的罪過?!?/p>
埃莉諾輕輕應(yīng)了一聲,就溜出了房間,下了樓梯,走出門去。這個(gè)她從來都喜歡不起來的女人,卻那么清楚她和她愛的男人的事,這傷到了她的自尊。不過,這種感覺很快就煙消云散,她心里充滿狂喜——他愛她!她決意聽從馬德琳的建議。要是他向她求婚,那她的“愿意”就是明白無誤的“愿意”。
第二天,內(nèi)羅尼太太穿上了自己最亮麗的常禮服,一大群男人環(huán)繞在她的沙發(fā)旁。第一個(gè)來和最后一個(gè)走的都是阿拉賓先生,內(nèi)羅尼太太對(duì)他格外地親切溫和。索恩先生也在那里,穿著他最考究的衣服。就連這位受人尊重的年屆五十的紳士也難免掉進(jìn)內(nèi)羅尼太太的陷阱。此外還有一批躍躍欲試的年輕神職人員,這些小蒼蠅舍不得離開這樣一只強(qiáng)大而美麗的蜘蛛。
然后,斯洛普先生來了。全世界都知道,大家普遍認(rèn)為他很可能會(huì)當(dāng)上教士長(zhǎng)。因此,他高昂著頭,趾高氣揚(yáng)地走了進(jìn)來,架勢(shì)儼然一位教士長(zhǎng)。
內(nèi)羅尼太太等的就是他?!八孤迤障壬?,”她說,“我聽說您現(xiàn)在是處處凱歌啊。”
“您這是什么意思呢?”他微笑著問。他并不討厭大家把他的名字跟教士長(zhǎng)一職聯(lián)系在一起。
“您是個(gè)贏家啊,情場(chǎng)如此,戰(zhàn)場(chǎng)也如此?!彼卮?。
這下子,斯洛普先生的神色沒那么得意了。
“阿拉賓先生,”她接著說,“您不覺得斯洛普先生是個(gè)特別幸運(yùn)的男人嗎?”
“幸運(yùn)也是他應(yīng)得的,我肯定?!卑⒗e先生說。
“他就要成為我們的新任教士長(zhǎng)了,您知道的,索恩先生?!彼龑?duì)鄉(xiāng)紳說,鄉(xiāng)紳正在努力跟上他們的對(duì)話。
“真的嗎,內(nèi)羅尼太太?”索恩先生懷疑地問。
“是啊,千真萬確。這還不算完呢,他就要娶妻了,一個(gè)身家富厚的妻子。什么時(shí)候舉行呀,斯洛普先生?”
“什么時(shí)候舉行什么呢?”斯洛普先生強(qiáng)裝笑顏。
“您的婚禮啊,斯洛普先生。好啦,告訴我們吧,我們都好奇得不行,那位寡婦什么時(shí)候會(huì)成為教士長(zhǎng)太太呢?”
對(duì)于阿拉賓先生而言,這番對(duì)話莫名地傷人,可他還是忍不住要聽下去。
“說吧,說吧,斯洛普先生,”內(nèi)羅尼太太接著說,“我們都知道,在烏拉索恩那天,您向她求了婚。她是怎么接受您的呢?只是簡(jiǎn)單地回答了一句‘愿意’,還是連說兩個(gè)‘不行’來表示‘愿意’呢?或者,她是用別的什么方式?告訴我們吧,別推辭!”
斯洛普先生這一輩子從來沒感到這么難堪過。屋子里的每一個(gè)人都在看他,準(zhǔn)備拿他的尷尬尋開心,只有阿拉賓先生是在用悽慘的目光盯著他。這一刻,他本該想出一句尖刻的話來回應(yīng)內(nèi)羅尼太太,卻什么也想不出來。他無話可說。
內(nèi)羅尼太太全無憐憫之心。既然斯洛普先生已經(jīng)被她玩弄于股掌之間,她決定趕盡殺絕?!按鸩簧蟻韱?,斯洛普先生?那個(gè)女人該不會(huì)蠢到拒絕您的地步吧!也沒準(zhǔn)兒,她不滿足于一個(gè)教士長(zhǎng),還等著有個(gè)主教來呢!喏,給您提個(gè)建議,斯洛普先生。您聽好了?!苯又似饋恚?/p>
快樂聰明才算好,斯洛普先生,
誠(chéng)懇真摯才算好,
先斷舊愛才算好,斯洛普先生,
然后再把新歡找!
“哈,哈,哈!”內(nèi)羅尼太太往沙發(fā)上一倒,開懷大笑。她完成了對(duì)他的報(bào)復(fù),因?yàn)樗瑫r(shí)對(duì)自己和博爾德太太展開了追求。
斯洛普先生是怎么走出那個(gè)房間的,連他自己也不知道。也許是有人扶了他一把。不過,呼吸到街上的新鮮空氣之后,他意識(shí)到,自己終于不再著魔般地愛內(nèi)羅尼太太了。從今往后,他每次夢(mèng)見她,她都不再是一個(gè)美麗的天使,而是一個(gè)可憎的魔鬼。
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