《傲慢與偏見》 簡．奧斯汀 (中英對照)

Chapter 15

MR. COLLINS was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature had been but little assisted by education or society; the greatest part of his life having been spent under the guidance of an illiterate and miserly father; and though he belonged to one of the universities, he had merely kept the necessary terms, without forming at it any useful acquaintance. The subjection in which his father had brought him up had given him originally great humility of manner, but it was now a good deal counteracted by the self-conceit of a weak head, living in retirement, and the consequential feelings of early and unexpected prosperity. A fortunate chance had recommended him to Lady Catherine de Bourgh when the living of Hunsford was vacant; and the respect which he felt for her high rank and his veneration for her as his patroness, mingling with a very good opinion of himself, of his authority as a clergyman, and his rights as a rector, made him altogether a mixture of pride and obsequiousness, self-importance and humility.
Having now a good house and very sufficient income, he intended to marry; and in seeking a reconciliation with the Longbourn family he had a wife in view, as he meant to chuse one of the daughters, if he found them as handsome and amiable as they were represented by common report. This was his plan of amends -- of atonement -- for inheriting their father's estate; and he thought it an excellent one, full of eligibility and suitableness, and excessively generous and disinterested on his own part.
His plan did not vary on seeing them. -- Miss Bennet's lovely face confirmed his views, and established all his strictest notions of what was due to seniority; and for the first evening she was his settled choice. The next morning, however, made an alteration; for in a quarter of an hour's te^te-a`-te^te with Mrs. Bennet before breakfast, a conversation beginning with his parsonage-house, and leading naturally to the avowal of his hopes that a mistress for it might be found at Longbourn, produced from her, amid very complaisant smiles and general encouragement, a caution against the very Jane he had fixed on. -- "As to her younger daughters she could not take upon her to say -- she could not positively answer -- but she did not know of any prepossession; -- her eldest daughter, she must just mention -- she felt it incumbent on her to hint, was likely to be very soon engaged."
Mr. Collins had only to change from Jane to Elizabeth -- and it was soon done -- done while Mrs. Bennet was stirring the fire. Elizabeth, equally next to Jane in birth and beauty, succeeded her of course.
Mrs. Bennet treasured up the hint, and trusted that she might soon have two daughters married; and the man whom she could not bear to speak of the day before was now high in her good graces.
Lydia's intention of walking to Meryton was not forgotten; every sister except Mary agreed to go with her; and Mr. Collins was to attend them, at the request of Mr. Bennet, who was most anxious to get rid of him, and have his library to himself; for thither Mr. Collins had followed him after breakfast, and there he would continue, nominally engaged with one of the largest folios in the collection, but really talking to Mr. Bennet, with little cessation, of his house and garden at Hunsford. Such doings discomposed Mr. Bennet exceedingly. In his library he had been always sure of leisure and tranquillity; and though prepared, as he told Elizabeth, to meet with folly and conceit in every other room in the house, he was used to be free from them there; his civility, therefore, was most prompt in inviting Mr. Collins to join his daughters in their walk; and Mr. Collins, being in fact much better fitted for a walker than a reader, was extremely well pleased to close his large book, and go.
In pompous nothings on his side, and civil assents on that of his cousins, their time passed till they entered Meryton. The attention of the younger ones was then no longer to be gained by him. Their eyes were immediately wandering up in the street in quest of the officers, and nothing less than a very smart bonnet indeed, or a really new muslin in a shop window, could recall them.
But the attention of every lady was soon caught by a young man, whom they had never seen before, of most gentlemanlike appearance, walking with an officer on the other side of the way. The officer was the very Mr. Denny, concerning whose return from London Lydia came to inquire, and he bowed as they passed. All were struck with the stranger's air, all wondered who he could be, and Kitty and Lydia, determined if possible to find out, led the way across the street, under pretence of wanting something in an opposite shop, and fortunately had just gained the pavement when the two gentlemen, turning back, had reached the same spot. Mr. Denny addressed them directly, and entreated permission to introduce his friend, Mr. Wickham, who had returned with him the day before from town, and he was happy to say, had accepted a commission in their corps. This was exactly as it should be; for the young man wanted only regimentals to make him completely charming. His appearance was greatly in his favour; he had all the best part of beauty -- a fine countenance, a good figure, and very pleasing address. The introduction was followed up on his side by a happy readiness of conversation -- a readiness at the same time perfectly correct and unassuming; and the whole party were still standing and talking together very agreeably, when the sound of horses drew their notice, and Darcy and Bingley were seen riding down the street. On distinguishing the ladies of the group, the two gentlemen came directly towards them, and began the usual civilities. Bingley was the principal spokesman, and Miss Bennet the principal object. He was then, he said, on his way to Longbourn on purpose to inquire after her. Mr. Darcy corroborated it with a bow, and was beginning to determine not to fix his eyes on Elizabeth, when they were suddenly arrested by the sight of the stranger, and Elizabeth happening to see the countenance of both as they looked at each other, was all astonishment at the effect of the meeting. Both changed colour, one looked white, the other red. Mr. Wickham, after a few moments, touched his hat -- a salutation which Mr. Darcy just deigned to return. What could be the meaning of it? -- It was impossible to imagine; it was impossible not to long to know.
In another minute Mr. Bingley, but without seeming to have noticed what passed, took leave and rode on with his friend.
Mr. Denny and Mr. Wickham walked with the young ladies to the door of Mr. Philips's house, and then made their bows, in spite of Miss Lydia's pressing entreaties that they would come in, and even in spite of Mrs. Philips' throwing up the parlour window and loudly seconding the invitation.
Mrs. Philips was always glad to see her nieces, and the two eldest, from their recent absence, were particularly welcome, and she was eagerly expressing her surprise at their sudden return home, which, as their own carriage had not fetched them, she should have known nothing about, if she had not happened to see Mr. Jones's shop boy in the street, who had told her that they were not to send any more draughts to Netherfield because the Miss Bennets were come away, when her civility was claimed towards Mr. Collins by Jane's introduction of him. She received him with her very best politeness, which he returned with as much more, apologising for his intrusion without any previous acquaintance with her, which he could not help flattering himself, however, might be justified by his relationship to the young ladies who introduced him to her notice. Mrs. Philips was quite awed by such an excess of good breeding; but her contemplation of one stranger was soon put an end to by exclamations and inquiries about the other, of whom, however, she could only tell her nieces what they already knew, that Mr. Denny had brought him from London, and that he was to have a lieutenant's commission in the ----shire. She had been watching him the last hour, she said, as he walked up and down the street, and had Mr. Wickham appeared, Kitty and Lydia would certainly have continued the occupation, but unluckily no one passed the windows now except a few of the officers, who in comparison with the stranger, were become "stupid, disagreeable fellows." Some of them were to dine with the Philipses the next day, and their aunt promised to make her husband call on Mr. Wickham, and give him an invitation also, if the family from Longbourn would come in the evening. This was agreed to, and Mrs. Philips protested that they would have a nice comfortable noisy game of lottery tickets, and a little bit of hot supper afterwards. The prospect of such delights was very cheering, and they parted in mutual good spirits. Mr. Collins repeated his apologies in quitting the room, and was assured with unwearying civility that they were perfectly needless.
As they walked home, Elizabeth related to Jane what she had seen pass between the two gentlemen; but though Jane would have defended either or both, had they appeared to be wrong, she could no more explain such behaviour than her sister.
Mr. Collins, on his return, highly gratified Mrs. Bennet by admiring Mrs. Philips's manners and politeness. He protested that except Lady Catherine and her daughter, he had never seen a more elegant woman; for she had not only received him with the utmost civility, but had even pointedly included him in her invitation for the next evening, although utterly unknown to her before. Something he supposed might be attributed to his connection with them, but yet he had never met with so much attention in the whole course of his life.

第 15 章

　　柯林斯先生並不是個通情達理的人，他雖然也受過教育，也踏進了社會，但是先天的缺陷卻簡直沒有得到什麼彌補。他大部分日子是在他那守財奴的文盲父親的教導下度過的。他也算進過大學，實際上不過照例住了幾個學期，並沒有結交一個有用的朋友。他的父親管束得他十分嚴厲，因此他的為人本來很是謙卑，不過他本是個蠢材，現在生活又過得很優閑，當然不免自高自大，何況年紀輕輕就發了意外之財，更其自視甚高，哪裡還談得上謙卑。當時漢斯福教區有個牧師空缺，他鴻運享通，得到了咖苔琳?德?包爾夫人的提拔。他看到他的女施主地位頗高，便悉心崇拜，備加尊敬；另方面又自命不凡，自以為當上了教士，該有怎樣怎樣的權利，於是他一身兼有了驕傲自大和謙卑順從的兩重性格。

　　他現在已經有了一幢好房子，一筆可觀的收入，想要結婚了。他所以要和浪博恩這家人家講和修好，原是想要在他們府上找個太太。要是這家人家的幾位小姐果真象大家所傳聞的那麼美麗可愛，他一定要挑選一個。這就是他所謂補償的計劃，贖罪的計劃，為的是將來繼承她們父親的遺產時可以問心無愧。他認為這真是個獨出心裁的辦法，既極其妥善得體，又來得慷慨豪爽。

　　他看到這幾位小姐之後，並沒有變更本來的計劃。一看到吉英那張可愛的臉蛋兒，他便拿定了主張，而且更加確定了他那些老式的想法，認為一切應當先娶最大的一位小姐。頭一個晚上他就選中了她。不過第二天早上他又變更了主張，因為他和班納特夫人親親密密地談了一刻鐘的話，開頭談談他自己那幢牧師住宅，後來自然而然地把自己的心愿招供了出來，說是要在浪博恩找一位太太，而且要在她的令嬡們中間找一位。班納特太太親切地微笑著，而且一再鼓勵他，不過談到他選定了吉英，她就不免要提請他注意一下子了。"講到我幾個小女兒，我沒有什麼意見──當然也不能一口答應──不過我還沒有聽說她們有什麼物件；至於我的大女兒，我可不得不提一提──我覺得有責任提醒你一下──大女兒可能很快就要訂婚了。"

　　柯林斯先生只得撇開吉英不談，改選伊莉莎白，一下子就選定了──就在班納特太太撥火的那一剎那之間選定的。伊莉莎白無論是年齡，美貌，比吉英都只差一步，當然第二個就要輪到她。

　　班納特太太得到這個暗示，如獲至寶，她相信很快就可以嫁出兩個女兒了；昨天她提都不願意提到的這個人，現在卻叫她極為重視了。

　　麗迪雅原說要到麥里屯支走走，她這個念頭到現在還沒有打消。除了曼麗之外，姐姐們都願意跟她同去；班納特先生為了要把柯林斯先生攆走，好讓自己在書房裡清凈一陣，便請他也跟著她們一起去。原來柯林斯先生吃過早飯以後，就跟著他到書房來了，一直待到那時候還不想走，名義上在看他所收藏的那本大型的對開本，事實上卻在滔滔不絕地跟班納特先生大談他自己在漢斯福的房產和花園，弄得班納特先生心煩意亂。他平常待在書房裡就是為了要圖個悠閑清凈。他曾經跟伊莉莎白說過，他願意在任何一間房間里，接見愚蠢和自高自大的傢伙，書房裡可就不能讓那些人插足了。因此他立刻恭恭敬敬地請柯林斯先生伴著他女兒們一塊兒去走走，而柯林斯先生本來也只配做一個步行家，不配做一個讀書人，於是非常高興地合上書本走了。

　　他一路廢話連篇，表妹們只得客客氣氣地隨聲附和，就這樣打發著時間，來到了麥里屯。幾位年紀小的表妹一到那裡，就再也不去理會他了。她們的眼睛立刻對著街頭看來看去，看看有沒有軍官們走過，此外就只有商店櫥窗里的極漂亮的女帽，或者是最新式的花洋布，才能吸引她們。

　　不到一會兒工夫，這許多小姐都注意到一位年輕人身上去了。那人她們從來沒見過，一副道地的紳士氣派，正跟一個軍官在街道那邊散步。這位軍官就是丹尼先生，麗迪雅正要打聽他從倫敦回來了沒有。當她們打那兒走過的時候，他鞠了一個躬。大家看到那個陌生人風度翩翩，都楞了一下，只是不知道這人是誰。吉蒂和麗迪雅決定想法子去打聽，便藉口要到對面鋪子里去買點東西，帶頭走到街那邊去了。也正是事有湊巧，她們剛剛走到人行道上，那兩個男人也正轉過身來，走到那地方。丹尼馬上招呼她們，並請求她們讓他把他的朋友韋翰先生介紹給她們。他說韋翰是前一天跟他一塊兒從城裡回來的，而且說來很高興，韋翰已經被任命為他們團里軍官。這真是再好也沒有了，因為韋翰這位青年，只要穿上一身軍裝，便會十全十美。他的容貌舉止確實討人喜歡。他沒有一處長得不漂亮，眉目清秀，身材魁梧，談吐又十分動人。一經介紹之後，他就高高興興，懇懇切切地談起話來──既懇切，又顯得非常正派，而且又有分寸。他們正站在那兒談得很投機的時候，忽然聽到一陣得得的馬蹄聲，只見達西和彬格萊騎著馬從街上過來。這新來的兩位紳士看見人堆里有這幾位小姐，便連忙來到她們跟前，照常寒喧了一番，帶頭說話的是彬格萊，他大部分的話都是對班納特小姐說的。他說他正要趕到浪博恩去拜訪她。達西證明他沒有撒謊，同時鞠了個躬。達西正打算把眼睛從伊莉莎白身上移開，這時突然看到了那個陌生人。只見他們兩人面面相覷，大驚失色，伊莉莎白看到這個邂逅相遇的場合，覺得很是驚奇。兩個人都變了臉色，一個慘白，一個通紅，過了一會兒，韋翰先生按了按帽子，達西先生勉強回了一下禮。這是什麼意思呢？既叫人無從想像，又叫人不能不想去打聽一下。又過了一會兒，彬格萊先生若無其事地跟她們告別了，騎著馬跟他朋友管自走了。

　　丹呢先生和韋翰先生陪著幾位年輕的小姐，走到腓力普家門口，麗迪雅小姐硬要他們進去，甚至腓力普太太也打開了窗戶，大聲地幫著她邀請，他們卻鞠了個躬告辭而去。

　　腓力普太太一向喜歡看到她的侄女們，那大的兩個新近不常見面，因此特別受歡迎。她懇切地說。她們姐妹倆突然回家來，真叫她非常驚奇，要不是碰巧在街上遇到鍾斯醫生的藥鋪子里那個跑街的小夥子告訴她，說是班納特家的兩位小姐都已回家了呢，這是因為她們家裡沒有打發馬車去接她們的緣故，正當她們這樣閑談的時候，吉英向她介紹柯林斯先生，她不得不跟他寒喧幾句，她極其客氣地表示歡迎他，他也加倍客氣地應酬她而且向她道歉，說是素昧生平，不該這麼冒冒失失闖到她府上來，又說他畢竟還是非常高興，因為介紹他的那幾位年輕小姐和他還有些親戚關係，因此他的冒昧前來也還勉強說得過去。這種過分的禮貌使腓力普太太受寵若驚。不過，正當她仔細量著這一位生客的時候，她們姐妹倆卻又把另一位生客的事情，大驚小怪地提出來向她問長問短，她只得又來回答她們的話，可是她能夠說給侄女兒們聽的，也無非是她們早已知道了的一些情形。她說那位生客是丹尼先生剛從倫敦帶來的，他將要在某某郡擔任起一個中尉的職責，又說，他剛剛在街上走來走去的時候，她曾經對他望了整整一個鐘頭之久。這時如果韋翰先生從這兒經過，吉蒂和麗迪雅一定還要繼續張望他一番；可惜現在除了幾位軍官之外，根本沒有人從視窗走過，而這些軍官們同韋翰先生一比較，都變成一些"愚蠢討厭的傢伙"了。有幾個軍官明天要上腓力普家裡來吃飯。姨母說，倘若她們一家人明天晚上能從浪博恩趕來，那麼她就要打發她的丈夫去拜訪韋翰先生一次，約他也來。大家都同意了；腓力普太太說，明天要給她們來一次熱鬧而有趣的抓彩票的玩藝兒，玩過之後再吃一頓晚飯。想到了明天這一場歡樂真叫人興奮，因此大家分別的時候都很快樂。柯林斯先生走出門來，又再三道謝，主人也禮貌周全地請他不必過分客氣。

　　回家的時候，伊莉莎白一路上把剛剛親眼看見的那兩位先生之間的一幕情景說給吉英聽。假使他們兩人之間真有什麼宿怨，吉英一定要為他們兩人中間的一人辯護，或是為兩人辯護，只可惜她跟她妹妹一樣，對於這兩個人的事情完全摸不著頭腦。

　　柯林斯先生回來之後，大大稱讚腓力普太太的殷勤好客，班納特太太聽得很滿意。柯林斯說，除了咖苔琳夫人母女之外，他生平從來沒見過更風雅的女人，因為他雖然和她素昧生平，她卻對他禮貌周全，甚至還指明要請他明天一同去吃晚飯。他想，這件事多少應該歸功於他和她們的親戚關係。可是這樣殷勤好客的事，他還是生平第一次碰到呢。

Chapter 16

As no objection was made to the young people's engagement with their aunt, and all Mr. Collins's scruples of leaving Mr. and Mrs. Bennet for a single evening during his visit were most steadily resisted, the coach conveyed him and his five cousins at a suitable hour to Meryton; and the girls had the pleasure of hearing, as they entered the drawing-room, that Mr. Wickham had accepted their uncle's invitation, and was then in the house.
When this information was given, and they had all taken their seats, Mr. Collins was at leisure to look around him and admire, and he was so much struck with the size and furniture of the apartment, that he declared he might almost have supposed himself in the small summer breakfast parlour at Rosings; a comparison that did not at first convey much gratification; but when Mrs. Philips understood from him what Rosings was, and who was its proprietor, when she had listened to the description of only one of Lady Catherine's drawing-rooms, and found that the chimney-piece alone had cost eight hundred pounds, she felt all the force of the compliment, and would hardly have resented a comparison with the housekeeper's room.
In describing to her all the grandeur of Lady Catherine and her mansion, with occasional digressions in praise of his own humble abode and the improvements it was receiving, he was happily employed until the gentlemen joined them; and he found in Mrs. Philips a very attentive listener, whose opinion of his consequence increased with what she heard, and who was resolving to retail it all among her neighbours as soon as she could. To the girls, who could not listen to their cousin, and who had nothing to do but to wish for an instrument, and examine their own indifferent imitations of china on the mantlepiece, the interval of waiting appeared very long. It was over at last, however. The gentlemen did approach; and when Mr. Wickham walked into the room, Elizabeth felt that she had neither been seeing him before, nor thinking of him since, with the smallest degree of unreasonable admiration. The officers of the -----shire were in general a very creditable, gentlemanlike set, and the best of them were of the present party; but Mr. Wickham was as far beyond them all in person, countenance, air, and walk, as they were superior to the broad-faced stuffy uncle Philips, breathing port wine, who followed them into the room.
Mr. Wickham was the happy man towards whom almost every female eye was turned, and Elizabeth was the happy woman by whom he finally seated himself; and the agreeable manner in which he immediately fell into conversation, though it was only on its being a wet night, and on the probability of a rainy season, made her feel that the commonest, dullest, most threadbare topic might be rendered interesting by the skill of the speaker.
With such rivals for the notice of the fair, as Mr. Wickham and the officers, Mr. Collins seemed likely to sink into insignificance; to the young ladies he certainly was nothing; but he had still at intervals a kind listener in Mrs. Philips, and was, by her watchfulness, most abundantly supplied with coffee and muffin.
When the card tables were placed, he had an opportunity of obliging her in return, by sitting down to whist.
"I know little of the game, at present," said he, "but I shall be glad to improve myself, for in my situation of life --" Mrs. Philips was very thankful for his compliance, but could not wait for his reason.
Mr. Wickham did not play at whist, and with ready delight was he received at the other table between Elizabeth and Lydia. At first there seemed danger of Lydia's engrossing him entirely for she was a most determined talker; but being likewise extremely fond of lottery tickets, she soon grew too much interested in the game, too eager in making bets and exclaiming after prizes, to have attention for any one in particular. Allowing for the common demands of the game, Mr. Wickham was therefore at leisure to talk to Elizabeth, and she was very willing to hear him, though what she chiefly wished to hear she could not hope to be told, the history of his acquaintance with Mr. Darcy. She dared not even mention that gentleman. Her curiosity however was unexpectedly relieved. Mr. Wickham began the subject himself. He inquired how far Netherfield was from Meryton; and, after receiving her answer, asked in an hesitating manner how long Mr. Darcy had been staying there.
"About a month," said Elizabeth; and then, unwilling to let the subject drop, added, "He is a man of very large property in Derbyshire, I understand."
"Yes," replied Wickham; -- "his estate there is a noble one. A clear ten thousand per annum. You could not have met with a person more capable of giving you certain information on that head than myself -- for I have been connected with his family in a particular manner from my infancy."
Elizabeth could not but look surprised.
"You may well be surprised, Miss Bennet, at such an assertion, after seeing, as you probably might, the very cold manner of our meeting yesterday. -- Are you much acquainted with Mr. Darcy?"
"As much as I ever wish to be," cried Elizabeth warmly, -- "I have spent four days in the same house with him, and I think him very disagreeable."
"I have no right to give my opinion," said Wickham, "as to his being agreeable or otherwise. I am not qualified to form one. I have known him too long and to well to be a fair judge. It is impossible for me to be impartial. But I believe your opinion of him would in general astonish -- and perhaps you would not express it quite so strongly anywhere else. -- Here you are in your own family."
"Upon my word I say no more here than I might say in any house in the neighbourhood, except Netherfield. He is not at all liked in Hertfordshire. Every body is disgusted with his pride. You will not find him more favourably spoken of by any one."
"I cannot pretend to be sorry," said Wickham, after a short interruption, "that he or that any man should not be estimated beyond their deserts; but with him I believe it does not often happen. The world is blinded by his fortune and consequence, or frightened by his high and imposing manners, and sees him only as he chuses to be seen."
"I should take him, even on my slight acquaintance, to be an ill-tempered man." Wickham only shook his head.
"I wonder," said he, at the next opportunity of speaking, "whether he is likely to be in this country much longer."
"I do not at all know; but I heard nothing of his going away when I was at Netherfield. I hope your plans in favour of the ----shire will not be affected by his being in the neighbourhood."
"Oh! no -- it is not for me to be driven away by Mr. Darcy. If he wishes to avoid seeing me, he must go. We are not on friendly terms, and it always gives me pain to meet him, but I have no reason for avoiding him but what I might proclaim to all the world; a sense of very great ill-usage, and most painful regrets at his being what he is. His father, Miss Bennet, the late Mr. Darcy, was one of the best men that ever breathed, and the truest friend I ever had; and I can never be in company with this Mr. Darcy without being grieved to the soul by a thousand tender recollections. His behaviour to myself has been scandalous; but I verily believe I could forgive him any thing and every thing, rather than his disappointing the hopes and disgracing the memory of his father."
Elizabeth found the interest of the subject increase, and listened with all her heart; but the delicacy of it prevented farther inquiry.
Mr. Wickham began to speak on more general topics, Meryton, the neighbourhood, the society, appearing highly pleased with all that he had yet seen, and speaking of the latter especially, with gentle but very intelligible gallantry.
"It was the prospect of constant society, and good society," he added, "which was my chief inducement to enter the ----shire. I knew it to be a most respectable, agreeable corps, and my friend Denny tempted me farther by his account of their present quarters, and the very great attentions and excellent acquaintance Meryton had procured them. Society, I own, is necessary to me. I have been a disappointed man, and my spirits will not bear solitude. I must have employment and society. A military life is not what I was intended for, but circumstances have now made it eligible. The church ought to have been my profession -- I was brought up for the church, and I should at this time have been in possession of a most valuable living, had it pleased the gentleman we were speaking of just now."
"Indeed!"
"Yes -- the late Mr. Darcy bequeathed me the next presentation of the best living in his gift. He was my godfather, and excessively attached to me. I cannot do justice to his kindness. He meant to provide for me amply, and thought he had done it; but when the living fell, it was given elsewhere."
"Good heavens!" cried Elizabeth; "but how could that be? -- How could his will be disregarded? -- Why did not you seek legal redress?"
"There was just such an informality in the terms of the bequest as to give me no hope from law. A man of honour could not have doubted the intention, but Mr. Darcy chose to doubt it -- or to treat it as a merely conditional recommendation, and to assert that I had forfeited all claim to it by extravagance, imprudence, in short any thing or nothing. Certain it is, that the living became vacant two years ago, exactly as I was of an age to hold it, and that it was given to another man; and no less certain is it, that I cannot accuse myself of having really done any thing to deserve to lose it. I have a warm, unguarded temper, and I may perhaps have sometimes spoken my opinion of him, and to him, too freely. I can recall nothing worse. But the fact is, that we are very different sort of men, and that he hates me."
"This is quite shocking! -- He deserves to be publicly disgraced."
"Some time or other he will be -- but it shall not be by me. Till I can forget his father, I can never defy or expose him."
Elizabeth honoured him for such feelings, and thought him handsomer than ever as he expressed them.
"But what," said she after a pause, "can have been his motive? -- what can have induced him to behave so cruelly?"
"A thorough, determined dislike of me -- a dislike which I cannot but attribute in some measure to jealousy. Had the late Mr. Darcy liked me less, his son might have borne with me better; but his father's uncommon attachment to me, irritated him I believe very early in life. He had not a temper to bear the sort of competition in which we stood -- the sort of preference which was often given me."
"I had not thought Mr. Darcy so bad as this -- though I have never liked him, I had not thought so very ill of him -- I had supposed him to be despising his fellow-creatures in general, but did not suspect him of descending to such malicious revenge, such injustice, such inhumanity as this!"
After a few minutes reflection, however, she continued, "I do remember his boasting one day, at Netherfield, of the implacability of his resentments, of his having an unforgiving temper. His disposition must be dreadful."
"I will not trust myself on the subject," replied Wickham, "I can hardly be just to him."
Elizabeth was again deep in thought, and after a time exclaimed, "To treat in such a manner, the godson, the friend, the favourite of his father!" -- She could have added, "A young man too, like you, whose very countenance may vouch for your being amiable" -- but she contented herself with "And one, too, who had probably been his own companion from childhood, connected together, as I think you said, in the closest manner!"
"We were born in the same parish, within the same park, the greatest part of our youth was passed together; inmates of the same house, sharing the same amusements, objects of the same parental care. My father began life in the profession which your uncle, Mr. Philips, appears to do so much credit to -- but he gave up every thing to be of use to the late Mr. Darcy, and devoted all his time to the care of the Pemberley property. He was most highly esteemed by Mr. Darcy, a most intimate, confidential friend. Mr. Darcy often acknowledged. himself to be under the greatest obligations to my father's active superintendance, and when immediately before my father's death, Mr. Darcy gave him a voluntary promise of providing for me, I am convinced that he felt it to be as much a debt of gratitude to him, as of affection to myself."
"How strange!" cried Elizabeth. "How abominable! -- I wonder that the very pride of this Mr. Darcy has not made him just to you! -- If from no better motive, that he should not have been too proud to be dishonest, -- for dishonesty I must call it."
"It is wonderful," -- replied Wickham, -- "for almost all his actions may be traced to pride; -- and pride has often been his best friend. It has connected him nearer with virtue than any other feeling. But we are none of us consistent; and in his behaviour to me, there were stronger impulses even than pride."
"Can such abominable pride as his, have ever done him good?"
"Yes. It has often led him to be liberal and generous, -- to give his money freely, to display hospitality, to assist his tenants, and relieve the poor. Family pride, and filial pride, for he is very proud of what his father was, have done this. Not to appear to disgrace his family, to degenerate from the popular qualities, or lose the influence of the Pemberley House, is a powerful motive. He has also brotherly pride, which with some brotherly affection, makes him a very kind and careful guardian of his sister; and you will hear him generally cried up as the most attentive and best of brothers."
"What sort of a girl is Miss Darcy,?"
He shook his head. -- "I wish I could call her amiable. It gives me pain to speak ill of a Darcy. But she is too much like her brother, -- very, very proud. -- As a child, she was affectionate and pleasing, and extremely fond of me; and I have devoted hours and hours to her amusement. But she is nothing to me now. She is a handsome girl, about fifteen or sixteen, and, I understand, highly accomplished. Since her father's death, her home has been London, where a lady lives with her, and superintends her education."
After many pauses and many trials of other subjects, Elizabeth could not help reverting once more to the first, and saying,
"I am astonished at his intimacy with Mr. Bingley! How can Mr. Bingley, who seems good humour itself, and is, I really believe, truly amiable, be in friendship with such a man? How can they suit each other? -- Do you know Mr. Bingley?"
"Not at all."
"He is a sweet tempered, amiable, charming man. He cannot know what Mr. Darcy is."
"robably not; -- but Mr. Darcy can please where he chuses. He does not want abilities. He can be a conversible companion if he thinks it worth his while. Among those who are at all his equals in consequence, he is a very different man from what he is to the less prosperous. His pride never deserts him; but with the rich, he is liberal-minded, just, sincere, rational, honourable, and perhaps agreeable, -- allowing something for fortune and figure."
The whist party soon afterwards breaking up, the players gathered round the other table, and Mr. Collins took his station between his cousin Elizabeth and Mrs. Philips. -- The usual inquiries as to his success were made by the latter. It had not been very great; he had lost every point; but when Mrs. Philips began to express her concern thereupon, he assured her with much earnest gravity that it was not of the least importance, that he considered the money as a mere trifle, and begged she would not make herself uneasy.
"I know very well, madam," said he, "that when persons sit down to a card table, they must take their chance of these things, -- and happily I am not in such circumstances as to make five shillings any object. There are undoubtedly many who could not say the same, but thanks to Lady Catherine de Bourgh, I am removed far beyond the necessity of regarding little matters."
Mr. Wickham's attention was caught; and after observing Mr. Collins for a few moments, he asked Elizabeth in a low voice whether her relation were very intimately acquainted with the family of de Bourgh.
"Lady Catherine de Bourgh," she replied, "has very lately given him a living. I hardly know how Mr. Collins was first introduced to her notice, but he certainly has not known her long."
"You know of course that Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Lady Anne Darcy were sisters; consequently that she is aunt to the present Mr. Darcy."
"No, indeed, I did not. -- I knew nothing at all of Lady Catherine's connections. I never heard of her existence till the day before yesterday."
"Her daughter, Miss de Bourgh, will have a very large fortune, and it is believed that she and her cousin will unite the two estates."
This information made Elizabeth smile, as she thought of poor Miss Bingley. Vain indeed must be all her attentions, vain and useless her affection for his sister and her praise of himself, if he were already self-destined to another.
"Mr. Collins," said she, "speaks highly both of Lady Catherine and her daughter; but from some particulars that he has related of her ladyship, I suspect his gratitude misleads him, and that in spite of her being his patroness, she is an arrogant, conceited woman."
"I believe her to be both in a great degree," replied Wickham; "I have not seen her for many years, but I very well remember that I never liked her, and that her manners were dictatorial and insolent. She has the reputation of being remarkably sensible and clever; but I rather believe she derives part of her abilities from her rank and fortune, part from her authoritative manner, and the rest from the pride of her nephew, who chuses that every one connected with him should have an understanding of the first class."
Elizabeth allowed that he had given a very rational account of it, and they continued talking together with mutual satisfaction till supper put an end to cards; and gave the rest of the ladies their share of Mr. Wickham's attentions. There could be no conversation in the noise of Mrs. Philips's supper party, but his manners recommended him to every body. Whatever he said, was said well; and whatever he did, done gracefully. Elizabeth went away with her head full of him. She could think of nothing but of Mr. Wickham, and of what he had told her, all the way home; but there was not time for her even to mention his name as they went, for neither Lydia nor Mr. Collins were once silent. Lydia talked incessantly of lottery tickets, of the fish she had lost and the fish she had won, and Mr. Collins, in describing the civility of Mr. and Mrs. Philips, protesting that he did not in the least regard his losses at whist, enumerating all the dishes at supper, and repeatedly fearing that he crouded his cousins, had more to say than he could well manage before the carriage stopped at Longbourn House.

第 16 章

　　年輕的小姐們跟她們姨媽的約會，並沒有遭受到反對。柯林斯只覺得來此作客，反而把班納特夫婦整晚丟在家裡，未免有些過意不去，可是他們叫他千萬不要放在心上。於是他和他的五個表妹便乘著馬車，準時到了麥里屯。小姐們一走進客廳，就聽說韋翰先生接受了她們姨爹的邀請，而且已經駕到，覺得很是高興。

　　大家聽到這個消息之後，便都坐了下來。柯林斯先生悠閑自在地朝四下望望，瞻仰瞻仰一切；屋子的尺寸和裡面的傢俱使他十分驚羨，他說他好象進了咖苔琳夫人在羅新斯的那間消夏的小飯廳。這個比喻開頭並不怎麼叫主人家滿意，可是接下來腓力普太太弄明白了羅新斯是一個什麼地方，它的主人是誰，又聽他說起咖苔琳夫人的一個會客間的情形，光是一隻壁爐架就要值八百英鎊，她這才體會到他那個譬喻實在太恭維她了，即使把她家裡比作羅新斯管家奶奶的房間，她也不反對了。

　　柯林斯在講述咖苔琳夫人和她公館的富麗堂皇時，偶然還要穿插上幾句話，來誇耀他自己的寒舍，說他的住宅正在裝璜改善中等，他就這樣自得其樂地一直扯到男客們進來為止。他發覺腓力普太太很留心聽他的話，她愈聽就愈把他看得了不起，而且決定一有空就把他的話傳播出去。至於小姐們，實在覺得等得太久了，因為她們不高興聽她們表兄的閑扯，又沒事可做，想彈彈琴又不成，只有照著壁爐架上那些瓷器的樣子，漫不經心地畫些小玩藝兒消遺消遺。等待的時間終於過去了，男客們來了。韋翰先生一走進來，伊莉莎白就覺得，無論是上次看見他的時候也好，從上次見面以來想起他的時候也好，她都沒有錯愛了他。某某郡的軍官們都是一批名譽很好的紳士氣派的人物，參加這次宴會的尤其是他們之中的精華。韋翰先生無論在人品上，相貌上，風度上，地位上，都遠遠超過他們，正如他們遠遠超過那位姨爹一樣──瞧那位肥頭大耳，大腹便便的姨爹，他正帶著滿口葡萄酒味，跟著他們走進屋來。

　　韋翰先生是當天最得意的男子，差不多每個女人的眼睛都朝著他看；伊莉莎白是當天最得意的女子，韋翰終於在她的身旁坐了下來。他馬上就跟她攀談，雖然談的只是些當天晚上下雨和雨季可能就要到來之類的話，可是他那麼和顏悅色，使她不禁感覺到即使最平凡、最無聊、最陳舊的話，只要說話的人有技巧，還是一樣可以說得動聽。

　　說起要博得女性的青眼，柯林斯先生遇到象韋翰先生和軍官們這樣的勁敵，真變得無足輕重了。他在小姐們眼睛里實在算不上什麼，幸虧好心的腓力普太太有時候還聽聽他談主，她又十分細心，盡量把咖啡和鬆餅敬給他吃。

　　一張張牌桌擺好以後，柯林斯便坐下來一同玩"惠斯脫"，總算有了一個機會報答她的好意。

　　他說："我對這玩藝兒簡直一竅不通，不過我很願意把它學會，以我這樣的身份來說──"腓力普太太很感激他的好意可是卻不願意聽他談論什麼身份地位。

　　韋翰先生沒有玩"惠斯脫"，因為他被小姐們高高興興地請到另一張桌子上去玩牌，坐在伊莉莎白和麗迪雅之間。開頭的形勢很叫人擔憂，因為麗迪雅是個十足的健談家，大有把他獨佔下來的可能；好在她對於摸獎也同樣愛好，立刻對那玩藝兒大感興趣，一股勁兒下注，得獎之後又大叫大嚷，因此就無從特別注意到某一個人身上去了。韋翰先生一面跟大家應付這玩藝兒，一面從容不迫地跟伊莉莎白談話。伊莉莎白很願意聽他說話，很想了解一下他和達西先生過去的關係，可是她要聽的他未必肯講。於是她提也不敢提到那位先生。後來出人意料之外，韋翰先生竟自動地談到那個問題上去了。因此她的好奇心到底還是得到了滿足。韋翰先生問起尼日斐花園離開麥里屯有多遠。她回答了他以後，他又吞吞吐吐地問起達西先生已經在那兒待了多久。

　　伊莉莎白說："大概有一個月了。"為了不願意讓這個話題放鬆過去，她又接著說："據我所知，他是德比郡一個大財主。"是的，"韋翰回答道。"他的財產很可觀──每年有一萬鎊的凈收入。說起這方面，誰也沒有我知道得確實，因為我從小就和他家裡有特別的關係。"

　　伊莉莎白不禁顯出詫異的神氣。班納特小姐，你昨天也許看到我們見面時那種冷冰冰的樣子了吧，難怪你聽了我的話會覺得詫異。你同達西先生很熟嗎？"我也只希望跟他這麼熟就夠了，"伊莉莎白冒火地叫道。"我和他在一起待了四天，覺得他很討厭。"

　　韋翰說："他究竟討人喜歡還是討人厭，我可沒有權利說出我的意見。我不便發表意見。我認識他太久，跟他也處得太熟，因此很難做個公正的判斷人。我不可能做到大公無私。不過我敢說，你對他的看法大致可以說是駭人聽聞的，或許你在別的地方就不會說得這樣過火吧。這兒都是你自己人呢。"老實說，除了在尼日斐花以外，我到附近任何人家去都會這樣說。哈福德郡根本就沒有人喜歡他。他那副傲慢的氣派，哪一個見了都討厭。你絕不會聽到人家說他一句好話。"

　　歇了一會兒，韋翰說："說句問心無愧的話，不管是他也好，是別人也好，都不應該受到人家過分的抬舉。不過他這個人，我相信不大會有人過分抬舉他的。他的有錢有勢蒙蔽了天下人的耳目，他那目空一切、盛氣凌人的氣派又嚇壞了天下人，弄得大家只有順著他的心意去看待他。"我雖然跟他並不太熟，可是我認為他是個脾氣很壞的人。"韋翰聽了這話，只是搖頭。

　　等到有了說話的機會，他又接下去說："我不知道他是否打算在這個村莊里多住些時候。"我完全不知道；不過，我在尼日斐花園的時候，可沒有聽說他要走。你既然喜歡某某郡，打算在那裡工作，我但願你不要因為他在附近而影響了你原來的計劃。"噢，不；我才不會讓達西先生趕走呢。要是他不願意看到我，那就得他走。我們兩個人的交情搞壞了，我見到他就不好受，可是我沒有理由要避開他，我只是要讓大家知道他是怎樣虧待了我，他的為人處世怎樣使我痛心。班納特小姐，他那去世的父親，那位老達西先生，卻是天下最好心的人，也是我生平最最真心的朋友；每當我同現在這位達西先生在一起的時候就免不了逗起千絲萬縷溫存的回憶，從心底里感到苦痛。他對待我的行為真是惡劣萬分；可是我千真萬確地相信，我一切都能原諒他，只是不能容忍他辜負他先人的厚望，辱沒他先人的名聲。"

　　伊莉莎白對這件事越來越感到興趣，因此聽得很專心。但是這件事很蹊蹺，她不便進一步追問。

　　韋翰先生又隨便談了些一般的事情。他談到麥里屯，談到四鄰八舍和社交之類的事，凡是他所看到的事情，他談起來都非常欣喜，特別是談到社交問題的時候，他的談吐舉止更顯得溫雅殷勤。

　　他又說："我所以喜愛某某郡，主要是為了這兒的社交界都是些上等人，又講交情，我又知道這支部隊名聲很好，受到大家愛護，加上我的朋友丹尼為了勸我上這兒來，又講起他們目前的營房是多麼好，麥里屯的眾對待他們又多麼殷勤，他們在麥里屯又結交了多少好朋友。我承認我是少不了社交生活的。我是個失意的人。精神上受不了孤寂。我一定要有職業和社交生活。我本來不打算過行伍生活，可是由於環境所迫，現在也只好去參加軍隊了。我本應該做牧師的，家裡的意思本來也是要培養我做牧師；要是我博得了我們剛剛談到的這位先生的喜歡，說不定我現在也有一份很可觀的牧師俸祿呢。"是嗎？"怎麼會不是！老達西先生遺囑上說明，牧師職位一有了最好的空缺就給我。他是我的教父，非常疼愛我。他待我的好意，我真無法形容。他要使我衣食豐裕，而且他自以為已經做到了這一點，可是等到牧師職位有了空缺的時候，卻落到別人名下去了。"天哪！"伊莉莎白叫道；"怎麼會有那種事情，怎麼能夠不依照他的遺囑辦事？你幹嗎不依法申訴？"遺囑上講到遺產的地方，措辭很含混，因此我未必可以依法申訴。照說，一個要面子的人是不會懷疑先人的意圖的；可是達西先生偏偏要懷疑，或者說，他認為遺囑上也只是說明有條件地提拔我，他硬要說我浪費和荒唐，因此要取消我一切的權利。總而言之，不說則已，說起來樣樣壞話都說到了。那個牧師位置居然在兩年前空出來了，那正是我夠年齡掌握那份俸祿的那年，可是卻給了另一個人。我實在無從責備我自己犯了什麼過錯而活該失掉那份俸祿，除非說我性子急躁，心直口快，有時候難免在別人面前說他幾句直話，甚至還當面頂撞他。也不過如此而已。只不過我們完全是兩樣的人，他因此懷恨我。"這真是駭人聽聞！應該公開地叫他丟丟臉。"遲早總會有人來叫他丟臉，可是我決不會去難為他的。除非我對他的先人忘恩負義，我決不會揭發我，跟他作對。"

　　伊莉莎白十分欽佩他這種見地，而且覺得他把這種同見地講出來以後，他越發顯得英俊了。

　　歇了一會兒，她又說道："可是他究竟是何居心？他為什麼要這樣作踐人呢？"無非是決心要跟我結成不解的怨恨，人認為他這種結怨是出於某種程度上的嫉妒。要是老達西先生對待我差一些，他的兒子自然就會跟我處得好一些。我相信就是因為他的父親太疼愛我了，這才使他從小就感到所氣惱。他肚量狹窄，不能容忍我跟他競爭，不能容忍我比他強。我想不到達西先生竟會這麼壞。雖說我從來沒有對他有過好感，可也不十分有惡感。我只以為他看不起人，卻不曾想到他卑鄙到這樣的地步──竟懷著這樣惡毒的報復心，這樣的不講理，沒有人道！"

　　她思索了一會兒，便接下去說："我的確記得，有一次他還在尼日斐花園裡自鳴得意地說起，他跟人家結下了怨恨就無法消解，他生性就受記仇。他的性格上一定叫人家很厭惡。"

　　韋翰回答道："在這件事情上，我的意見不一定靠得住，因為我對他難免有成見。"

　　伊莉莎白又深思了一會兒，然後大聲說道："你是他父親的教子，朋友，是他父親所器重的人，他怎麼竟這樣作踐你！"她幾乎把這樣的話也說出口來："他怎麼竟如此對待象你這樣一個青年，光是憑你一副臉蛋兒就準會叫人喜愛。"不過，她到底還是改說了這樣幾句話："何況你從小就和他在一起，而且象你所說的，關係非常密切。"我們是在同一個教區，同一個花園裡長大的。我們的少年時代部分是在一起過的──同住一幢房子，同在一起玩耍，受到同一個父親的疼愛。我父親所乾的行業就是您姨爹腓力普先生得心應手的那門行業，可是先父管家有方，使他受惠非淺，因此在先父臨終的時候，他便自動提出負擔我一切的生活費用。我相信他所以這樣做，一方面是對先父感恩，另一方面是為了疼愛我。"

　　伊莉莎白叫道："多奇怪！多可惡！我真不明白，這位達西先生既然這樣有自尊心，怎麼又這樣虧待你！要是沒有別的更好的理由，那麼，他既是這麼驕傲，就應該不屑於這樣陰險DD我一定要說是陰險。"的確稀奇，"韋翰回答道："歸根結底來說，差不多他的一切行動都是出於傲慢，傲慢成了他最要好的朋友。照說他既然傲慢，就應該最講求道德。可是人總免不了有自相矛盾的地方，他對待我就是意氣用事多於傲慢。"象他這種可惡的傲慢，對他自己有什麼好處？"有好處；常常使他做起人來慷慨豪爽──花錢不吝嗇，待人殷勤，資助佃戶，救濟貧苦人。他所以會這樣，都是因為門第祖先使他感到驕傲，他對於他父親的為人也很引為驕傲。他主要就是為了不要有辱家聲，有違眾望，不要失掉彭伯里族的聲勢。他還具有做哥哥身份的驕傲，這種驕傲，再加上一些手足的情份，使他成了他妹妹的親切而細心的保護人；你自會聽到大家都一致贊他是位體貼入微的最好哥哥。"達西小姐是個怎麼樣的姑娘？"

　　韋翰搖搖頭。"我但願能夠說她一聲可愛。凡是達西家裡的人，我都不忍心說他們一句壞話。可是她的確太象她的哥哥了──非常非常傲慢。她小時候很親切，很討人喜愛，而且特別喜歡我。我常常陪她接連玩上幾個鐘頭。可是現在我可不把她放在心上了。她是個漂亮姑娘，大約十五六歲，而且據我知道，她也極有才幹。她父親去世以後，她就住在倫敦，有位太太陪她住在一起，教她讀書。"

　　他們又東拉西扯地談了好些別的話，談談歇歇，後來伊莉莎白不禁又扯到原來的話題上來。她說：我真奇怪，他竟會和彬格萊先生這樣知已。彬格萊先生的性情那麼好，而且他的為人也極其和藹可親，怎麼會跟這樣一個人交起朋友來？他們怎麼能夠相處呢？你認識彬格萊先生嗎？"我不認識。"他的確是個和藹可親的好性子的人。他根本不會明白達西先生是怎樣一個人。"也許不明白；不過達西先生討人歡喜的時候，他自有辦法。他的手腕很高明。只要他認為值得跟人家攀談，他也會談笑風生。他在那些地位跟他相等的人面前，在那些處境不及他的人面前，完全是兩個人。他處處傲慢，可是跟有錢的闊人在一起的時候，他就顯得胸襟磊落、公正誠實、講道理、要面子、也許還會和和氣氣，這都是看在人家的身價地位的份上。"惠斯脫"牌散場了，玩牌的人都圍到另一張桌子上來，柯林斯先生站在他的表妹伊莉莎白和腓力普太太之間。腓力普太太照例問他贏了沒有。他沒有贏，他完全輸了。腓力普太太表示為他惋惜，於是他慎重其事地告訴她說，區區小事何必擺在心上，因為他根本不看重錢，請她不要覺得心裡不安。

　　他說："我很明白，太太，人只要坐上了牌桌，一切就得看自己的運氣了，幸虧我並不把五個先令當作一回事。當然好些人就不會象我這樣說法，也是多虧咖苔琳?德?包爾夫人，有了她，我就不必為這點小數目心痛了。"

　　這話引起了韋翰先生的注意。韋翰看了柯林斯先生幾眼，便低聲問伊莉莎白，她這位親戚是不是同德?包爾家很相熟。

　　伊莉莎白回答道："咖苔琳?德?包爾夫人最近給了他一個牧師職位。我簡直不明白柯林斯先生是怎麼受到她常識的，不過他一定沒有認識她多久。"想你一定知道咖苔琳?德?包爾夫人和安妮?達西夫人是姐妹吧。咖苔琳夫人正是現在這位達西先生的姨母呢。"不知道，我的確不知道。關於咖苔琳夫人的親戚，我半點兒都不知道。我還是前天才曉得有她這個人的。"她的女兒德?包爾小姐將來會承受到一筆很大的財產，大家都相信她和她的姨表兄將來會把兩份家產合併起來。"

　　這話不禁叫伊莉莎白笑了起來，因為這使她想起了可憐的彬格萊小姐。要是達西果真已經另有心上人，那麼，彬格萊小姐的百般殷勤都是枉然，她對達西妹妹的關懷以及對達西本人的讚美，也完全白費了。柯林斯先生對咖苔琳夫人母女倆真是讚不絕口，可是聽他講起那位夫人來，有些地方真叫我不得不懷疑他說得有些過分，對她感激得迷住了心竅。儘管她是他的恩人，她仍然是個既狂妄又自大的女人。"我相信她這兩種毛病都很嚴重，"韋翰回答道。"我有多少年沒見過她了，可是我刻我自己一向討厭她，因為她為人處世既專橫又無禮。大家都說她非常通情達理；不過我總以為人家所以誇她能幹，一方面是因為她有錢有勢，一方面因為她盛氣凌人，加上她又有那麼了不起的一個姨侄，只有那些具有上流社會教養的人，才巴結上他。"

　　伊莉莎白承認他這番話說得很有理。他們倆繼續談下去，彼此十分投機，一直談到打牌散場吃晚飯的時候，別的小姐們才有機會分享一點韋翰先生的殷勤。腓力普太太宴請的這些客人們正在大聲喧嘩，簡直叫人無法談話，好在光憑他的舉止作風，也就足以博得每個人的歡心了。他一言一語十分風趣，一舉一動非常溫雅。伊莉莎白臨走時，腦子裡只想到他一個人。她在回家的路上一心只想到韋翰先生，想到他跟她說過的那些話，可是一路上麗迪雅和柯林斯先生全沒有住過嘴，因此她連提到他名字的機會也沒有。麗迪雅不停地談到抓彩票，談到她哪一次輸了又哪一次贏了；柯林斯先生盡說些腓力普先生和腓力普太太的殷勤款待，又說打"惠斯脫"輸了幾個錢他毫不在乎，又把晚餐的菜肴一盤盤背出來，幾次三番地說是怕自己擠了表妹們。他要說的話太多，當馬車停在浪博恩的屋門口時，他的話還沒有說完。

綺拉奈特莉的開朗與努力特質爭取到《傲慢與偏見》演出併入圍金球獎女主角（圖/環球）


綺拉的漂亮導演原不看好 新作《傲慢與偏見》入圍金球獎


珍奧斯汀（Jane Austen）的經典愛情小說《傲慢與偏見》（Pride & Prejudice）廣受世人喜愛，這部充滿浪漫愛情、幽默對白以及感人故事的經典小說，在經過65年的漫長等待之後，終於再度搬上大銀幕，並且入圍2005年金球獎 (音樂與喜劇類) 最佳影片和女主角，然而導演卻說她當初並非最佳人選呢！

《傲慢與偏見》曾經多次被拍成電視劇（1938年、1952年、1967年、1980年和1995年），但是卻只有在1940年被拍成電影，由勞倫斯奧立佛（Laurence Olivier）及葛麗亞嘉遜（Greer Garson）領銜主演。暌違數十年後，終於再度將這個經典故事重新搬上大銀幕。主要演員包括綺拉奈特莉（Keira Knightley）、馬修麥迪恩（Matthew MacFadyen）、布蘭達碧蕾辛（Brenda Blethyn）、唐納蘇德蘭（Donald Sutherland）、及茱蒂丹契（Judi Dench）。



《傲慢與偏見》是一部浪漫愛情劇（圖/環球）


這個關於愛情與誤會的經典愛情故事發生在十八世紀末的英國，班奈特家的五千金從小就被她們的母親洗腦都立志要找到一個金龜婿，只有聰明活潑的伊麗莎白受到父親的影響，一心想要為自己打造一個更寬廣的未來。小說迷和影迷都非常強烈認同伊麗莎白貝內特這個角色，在片中飾演她的綺拉奈特莉認為她是每個女孩夢想中的完美女孩，但是導演喬萊特（Joe Wright）坦承一開始並沒有考慮要讓綺拉這麼漂亮的女生來演這角色，但是他見到綺拉奈特莉后發現她很好問，個性其實很男孩子氣，同時她非常賣力，而且她願意打開心房接納其他演員的意見，導演的慧眼也讓綺拉奈特莉因此片而獲得2005年金球獎 (音樂與喜劇類) 最佳女主角入圍。

綺拉奈特莉最為人知的作品就是和強尼戴普及奧蘭多布魯領銜主演的賣座鉅片《神鬼奇航：鬼盜船魔咒》。她目前則正在同時拍攝《神鬼奇航》續集《神鬼奇航2：聚魂棺》以及《神鬼奇航3》。她的銀幕處女作是《星際大戰首部曲：威脅潛伏》，她的作品還有史詩鉅作《亞瑟王》、驚悚片《顫慄時空》、恐怖片《鬼地方》以及《俠盜公主》等片。

曾主演《神鬼奇航》《亞瑟王》的綺拉奈特莉在《傲慢與偏見》中飾演伊莉莎白（圖/環球）


綺拉奈特莉的《傲慢與偏見》


珍奧斯汀（Jane Austen）的經典愛情小說《傲慢與偏見》（Pride & Prejudice）廣受世人喜愛，這部充滿浪漫愛情、幽默對白以及感人故事的經典小說，在經過65年的漫長等待之後，終於再度搬上大銀幕。《傲慢與偏見》一片完全在英國實地拍攝，以忠於原著小說的拍攝手法讓這個經典的愛情故事重現大銀幕。
這個關於愛情與誤會的經典愛情故事發生在十八世紀末的英國，班奈特家的五千金－小名莉茲的伊莉莎白（綺拉奈特莉Keira Knightley飾）、珍、莉蒂亞、瑪莉以及琪蒂－從小就被她們的母親（布蘭達碧蕾辛Brenda Blethyn飾）洗腦，她的每個女兒都立志要找到一個金龜婿，過著安定美滿的婚姻生活，只有聰明活潑的伊麗莎白受到寵愛她的父親（唐納蘇德蘭Donald Sutherland飾）的影響，一心想要為自己打造一個更寬廣的未來。

當一名有錢的黃金單身漢賓里先生（賽門伍德茲Simon Woods飾）搬到班奈特家附近的豪宅，他們全家上下都感到非常興奮，因為他們都認為這位交遊廣闊的黃金單身漢搬來以後，他在倫敦結識的有錢公子哥兒和年輕帥氣的軍官一定會經常來訪，這下班奈特家的五個姊妹花絕對不乏追求者。班奈特家的長女珍不但人長得美，個性又溫柔恬靜，她似乎一心想獲得賓里先生的青睞，至於麗茲則認識了英俊卻傲慢的達西先生（馬修麥迪恩Matthew MacFadyen飾），一場男女之間的性別大戰就此展開。

麗茲和達西先生經常有機會碰面，而且每次的相遇都擦出火花，因此麗茲更是拒她的遠房表親柯林先生於千里之外，甚至斷然拒絕他對她的求婚，雖然她這個決定得到她父親的支持，但是卻讓她的母親和柯林先生錯愕不已。然而當個性隨和的賓里先生突然回到倫敦，讓對他抱著希望的班家長女珍傷心欲絕，麗茲卻誤以為是達西先生讓她的姊姊心碎，但是後來她的小妹莉蒂亞發生一場危機，麗茲這才真正了解她和達西先生之間的微妙關係。他們這段錯綜複雜的感情關係造成極大的震撼，最後讓班奈特一家人以及他們身邊的每一個人確認了人生最重要的東西到底是什麼。

本片導演是喬萊特（Joe Wright），主要演員包括綺拉奈特莉、馬修麥迪恩、布蘭達碧蕾辛、唐納蘇德蘭、湯姆哈倫德、露莎蒙碧姬、吉娜瑪隆以及茱蒂丹契（Judi Dench）。台灣將於1月27日農曆新年檔期上映。

Chapter 17

ELIZABETH related to Jane the next day, what had passed between Mr. Wickham and herself. Jane listened with astonishment and concern; -- she knew not how to believe that Mr. Darcy could be so unworthy of Mr. Bingley's regard; and yet, it was not in her nature to question the veracity of a young man of such amiable appearance as Wickham. -- The possibility of his having really endured such unkindness, was enough to interest all her tender feelings; and nothing therefore remained to be done, but to think well of them both, to defend the conduct of each, and throw into the account of accident or mistake, whatever could not be otherwise explained.
"They have both," said she, "been deceived, I dare say, in some way or other, of which we can form no idea. Interested people have perhaps misrepresented each to the other. It is, in short, impossible for us to conjecture the causes or circumstances which may have alienated them, without actual blame on either side."
"Very true, indeed; -- and now, my dear Jane, what have you got to say in behalf of the interested people who have probably been concerned in the business? -- Do clear them too, or we shall be obliged to think ill of somebody."
"Laugh as much as you chuse, but you will not laugh me out of my opinion. My dearest Lizzy, do but consider in what a disgraceful light it places Mr. Darcy, to be treating his father's favourite in such a manner, -- one, whom his father had promised to provide for. -- It is impossible. No man of common humanity, no man who had any value for his character, could be capable of it. Can his most intimate friends be so excessively deceived in him? oh! no."
"I can much more easily believe Mr. Bingley's being imposed on, than that Mr. Wickham should invent such a history of himself as he gave me last night; names, facts, every thing mentioned without ceremony. -- If it be not so, let Mr. Darcy contradict it. Besides, there was truth in his looks."
"It is difficult indeed -- it is distressing. -- One does not know what to think."
"I beg your pardon; -- one knows exactly what to think."
But Jane could think with certainty on only one point, -- that Mr. Bingley, if he had been imposed on, would have much to suffer when the affair became public.
The two young ladies were summoned from the shrubbery where this conversation passed, by the arrival of some of the very persons of whom they had been speaking; Mr. Bingley and his sisters came to give their personal invitation for the long expected ball at Netherfield, which was fixed for the following Tuesday. The two ladies were delighted to see their dear friend again, called it an age since they had met, and repeatedly asked what she had been doing with herself since their separation. To the rest of the family they paid little attention; avoiding Mrs. Bennet as much as possible, saying not much to Elizabeth, and nothing at all to the others. They were soon gone again, rising from their seats with an activity which took their brother by surprise, and hurrying off as if eager to escape from Mrs. Bennet's civilities.
The prospect of the Netherfield ball was extremely agreeable to every female of the family. Mrs. Bennet chose to consider it as given in compliment to her eldest daughter, and was particularly flattered by receiving the invitation from Mr. Bingley himself, instead of a ceremonious card; Jane pictured to herself a happy evening in the society of her two friends, and the attention of their brother; and Elizabeth thought with pleasure of dancing a great deal with Mr. Wickham, and of seeing a confirmation of every thing in Mr. Darcy's looks and behaviour. The happiness anticipated by Catherine and Lydia, depended less on any single event, or any particular person, for though they each, like Elizabeth, meant to dance half the evening with Mr. Wickham, he was by no means the only partner who could satisfy them, and a ball was at any rate, a ball. And even Mary could assure her family that she had no disinclination for it.
"While I can have my mornings to myself," said she, "it is enough. -- I think it no sacrifice to join occasionally in evening engagements. Society has claims on us all; and I profess myself one of those who consider intervals of recreation and amusement as desirable for every body."
Elizabeth's spirits were so high on the occasion that, though she did not often speak unnecessarily to Mr. Collins, she could not help asking him whether he intended to accept Mr. Bingley's invitation, and, if he did, whether he would think it proper to join in the evening's amusement; and she was rather surprised to find that he entertained no scruple whatever on that head, and was very far from dreading a rebuke either from the Archbishop, or Lady Catherine de Bourgh, by venturing to dance.
"I am by no means of opinion, I assure you," said he, "that a ball of this kind, given by a young man of character to respectable people, can have any evil tendency; and I am so far from objecting to dancing myself, that I shall hope to be honoured with the hands of all my fair cousins in the course of the evening, and I take this opportunity of soliciting yours, Miss Elizabeth, for the two first dances especially, -- a preference which I trust my cousin Jane will attribute to the right cause, and not to any disrespect for her."
Elizabeth felt herself completely taken in. She had fully proposed being engaged by Wickham for those very dances: -- and to have Mr. Collins instead! her liveliness had been never worse timed. There was no help for it however. Mr. Wickham's happiness and her own was perforce delayed a little longer, and Mr. Collins's proposal accepted with as good a grace as she could. She was not the better pleased with his gallantry from the idea it suggested of something more. -- It now first struck her that she was selected from among her sisters as worthy of being the mistress of Hunsford Parsonage, and of assisting to form a quadrille table at Rosings, in the absence of more eligible visitors. The idea soon reached to conviction, as she observed his increasing civilities toward herself, and heard his frequent attempt at a compliment on her wit and vivacity; and though more astonished than gratified herself by this effect of her charms, it was not long before her mother gave her to understand that the probability of their marriage was exceedingly agreeable to her. Elizabeth, however, did not chuse to take the hint, being well aware that a serious dispute must be the consequence of any reply. Mr. Collins might never make the offer, and till he did, it was useless to quarrel about him.
If there had not been a Netherfield ball to prepare for and talk of, the younger Miss Bennets would have been in a pitiable state at this time, for from the day of the invitation to the day of the ball, there was such a succession of rain as prevented their walking to Meryton once. No aunt, no officers, no news could be sought after; -- the very shoe-roses for Netherfield were got by proxy. Even Elizabeth might have found some trial of her patience in weather which totally suspended the improvement of her acquaintance with Mr. Wickham; and nothing less than a dance on Tuesday, could have made such a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday endurable to Kitty and Lydia.

　　第 17 章

　　第二天，伊莉莎白把韋翰先生跟她自己說的那些話全告訴了吉英。吉英聽得又是驚奇又是關心。她簡直不能相信，達西先生會這樣地不值得彬格萊先生器重，可是，象韋翰這樣一個青年美男子，她實在無從懷疑他說話不誠實。一想到韋翰可能真的受到這些虧待，她就不禁起了憐惜之心；因此她只得認為他們兩位先生都是好人，替他們雙方辨白，把一切無法解釋的事都解釋做意外和誤會。

　　吉英說："我認為他們雙方都受了人家的蒙蔽，至於是怎樣受到蒙蔽的，我們當然無從猜測，也許是哪一個有關的人從中挑撥是非。簡單地說，除非是我們有確確實實的根據可以責怪任何一方面，我們就無從憑空猜想出他們是為了什麼事才不和睦的。"你這話說得不錯。那麼，親愛的吉英，你將替這種有關的人說些什麼話呢？你也得替這種人辨白一下呀，否則我們又不得不怪到某一個人身上去了。"你受怎麼取笑就怎麼取笑吧，反正你總不能把我的意見笑掉。親愛的麗萃，你且想一想，達西先生的父親生前那樣地疼愛這個人，而且答應要瞻養他，如今達西先生本人卻這般虧待他，那他簡直太不象話了。這是不可能的。一個人只要還有點起碼的人道之心，只要多少還尊重自己的人格，就不會做出這種事來。難道他自己的最知已的朋友，竟會被他蒙蔽到這種地步嗎？噢！不會的。"我還是認為彬格萊先生受了他的蒙蔽，並不認為韋翰先生昨兒晚上跟我說和話是捏造的。他把一個個的人名，一樁樁的事實，都說得很有根有據，毫無虛偽做作。倘若事實並非如此，那麼讓達西先生自己來辨白吧。你只要看看韋翰那副神氣，就知道他沒有說假話。"這的確叫人很難說DD也叫人難受。叫人不知道怎麼想法才好。"說句你不見怪的話，人家完全知道該怎麼樣想法。"

　　吉英只有一樁事情是猜得準的，那就是說，要是彬格萊先生果真受了蒙蔽，那麼，一旦真想大白，他一定會萬分痛心。

　　兩位年輕的小姐正在矮樹林里談得起勁，忽然家裡派人來叫她們回去，因為有客人上門來──事情真湊巧，來的正是她們所談到的那幾位。原來尼日斐花園下星期二要舉行一次盼望了好久的舞會，彬格萊先生跟他的姐妹們特地親自前來邀請她們參加。兩位娘兒們和自己要好的朋友重逢，真是非常高興。她們說，自從分別以來，恍若隔世，又一再地問起吉英別來做些什麼。她們對班納特府上其餘的人簡直不理不睬。她們盡量避免班納特太太的糾纏，又很少跟伊莉莎白談，至於對別的人，那就根本一句話也不說了。她們一會兒告辭了，而且那兩個娘兒們出於她們的兄弟彬格萊先生的意料之外，一骨碌從座位上站了起來，拔腿就走，好象急於要避開班納特太太那些糾纏不清的繁文縟節似的。

　　尼日斐花園要舉行舞會，這一件事使這一家太太小姐都高興到極點。班納特太太認為這次舞會是為了恭維她的大女兒才開的，而且這次舞會由彬格萊先生親自登門邀請，而不是發請貼來請，這叫她更加高興。吉英心裡只是想像著，到了那天晚上，便可以和兩個好朋友促膝談心，又可以受到他們兄弟的殷勤待候；伊莉莎白得意地想到跟韋翰先生痛痛快快地狂跳一下，又可以從達西先生的神情舉止中把事情的底細看個水落石出。至於咖苔琳和麗迪雅，她們可不把開心作樂寄託於某一件事或某一個人身上，雖然她們倆跟伊莉莎白一樣，想要和韋翰先生跳上大半夜，可是跳舞會上能夠使她們跳個痛快的舞伴決不止他一個人，何況跳舞會究竟是跳舞會。甚至連曼麗也告訴家裡人說，她對於這次舞會也不是完全不感到興趣。

　　曼麗說："只要每天上午的時間能夠由我自己支配就夠了。我認為偶然參加參加晚會並不是什麼犧牲。我們大家都應該有社交生活。我認為誰都少不了要不些消遣和娛樂。"

　　伊莉莎白這會兒真太高興了；她雖然本來不大跟柯林斯先生多話，現在也不禁問他是不是願意上彬格萊先生那兒去作客，如果願意，參加晚會是不是合適。出乎伊莉莎白的意料之外，柯林斯先生對於作客問題毫無猶豫，而且還敢跳舞，一點不怕大主教或咖苔琳?德?包爾夫人的指責。

　　他說："老實告訴你，這樣的舞會，主人是一個品格高尚的青年，賓客又是些體面人，我決不認為會有什麼不好的傾向。我非但不反對自己跳舞，而且希望當天晚上表妹們都肯賞臉。伊莉莎白小姐，我就利用這次機會請你陪我跳頭兩場舞，我相信吉英表妹一定還會怪我對她有什麼失禮吧，因為我這樣儘先盡後有正當的理由。"

　　伊莉莎白覺得自己完全上了當。她本來一心要跟韋翰跳開頭幾場，如今卻來了個柯林斯先生從中作梗！她從來沒有象現在這樣掃興過，不過事到如今，已無法補救。韋翰先生的幸福跟她自己的幸福不得不耽擱一下了，她於是極其和顏悅色地答應了柯林斯先生的請求。她一想到柯林斯此番殷勤乃是別有用心，她就不太樂意。她首先就想到他已經在她的幾個姐妹中間看中了她自己，認為她配做漢斯福牧師家裡的主婦，而且當羅新斯沒有更適當的賓客時，打起牌來要是三缺一，她也可以湊湊數。她這個想法立該得到了證實，因為她觀察到他對她越來越殷勤，只聽得他老是恭維她聰明活潑。雖然從這場風波足以想見她的誘人的魅力，她可並不因此得意，反而感到驚奇，她的母親不久又跟她說，他們倆是可能結婚的，這叫她做母親的很喜歡。伊莉莎白對母親這句話只當作沒有聽見，因為她非常明白，只要跟母親搭起腔來，就免不了要大吵一場。柯林斯先生也許不會提出求婚，既然他還沒有明白提出，那又何必為了他爭吵。

　　自從尼日斐花園邀請班納特家幾位小姐參加跳舞的那天起，到開舞會的那天為止，雨一直下個不停，弄得班家幾個年紀小的女兒們沒有到麥里屯去過一次，也無從去看望姨母，訪問軍官和打聽新聞，要不是把參加舞會的事拿來談談，準備準備，那她們真要可憐死了。她們連蹯鞋上要用的玫瑰花也是叫別人去代買的。甚至伊莉莎白也對這種天氣厭惡透了，就是這種天氣弄得她和韋翰先生的友誼毫無進展。總算下星期二有個跳舞會，這才使吉蒂和麗迪雅熬過了星期五，星期六，星期日和星期一。

Chapter 18 (part 1)

TILL Elizabeth entered the drawing-room at Netherfield and looked in vain for Mr. Wickham among the cluster of red coats there assembled, a doubt of his being present had never occurred to her. The certainty of meeting him had not been checked by any of those recollections that might not unreasonably have alarmed her. She had dressed with more than usual care, and prepared in the highest spirits for the conquest of all that remained unsubdued of his heart, trusting that it was not more than might be won in the course of the evening. But in an instant arose the dreadful suspicion of his being purposely omitted for Mr. Darcy's pleasure in the Bingleys' invitation to the officers; and though this was not exactly the case, the absolute fact of his absence was pronounced by his friend Mr. Denny, to whom Lydia eagerly applied, and who told them that Wickham had been obliged to go to town on business the day before, and was not yet returned; adding, with a significant smile,
"I do not imagine his business would have called him away just now, if he had not wished to avoid a certain gentleman here."
This part of his intelligence, though unheard by Lydia, was caught by Elizabeth, and as it assured her that Darcy was not less answerable for Wickham's absence than if her first surmise had been just, every feeling of displeasure against the former was so sharpened by immediate disappointment, that she could hardly reply with tolerable civility to the polite inquiries which he directly afterwards approached to make. -- Attention, forbearance, patience with Darcy, was injury to Wickham. She was resolved against any sort of conversation with him, and turned away with a degree of ill humour, which she could not wholly surmount even in speaking to Mr. Bingley, whose blind partiality provoked her.
But Elizabeth was not formed for ill-humour; and though every prospect of her own was destroyed for the evening, it could not dwell long on her spirits; and having told all her griefs to Charlotte Lucas, whom she had not seen for a week, she was soon able to make a voluntary transition to the oddities of her cousin, and to point him out to her particular notice. The two first dances, however, brought a return of distress; they were dances of mortification. Mr. Collins, awkward and solemn, apologising instead of attending, and often moving wrong without being aware of it, gave her all the shame and misery which a disagreeable partner for a couple of dances can give. The moment of her release from him was exstacy.
She danced next with an officer, and had the refreshment of talking of Wickham, and of hearing that he was universally liked. When those dances were over she returned to Charlotte Lucas, and was in conversation with her, when she found herself suddenly addressed by Mr. Darcy, who took her so much by surprise in his application for her hand, that, without knowing what she did, she accepted him. He walked away again immediately, and she was left to fret over her own want of presence of mind; Charlotte tried to console her.
"I dare say you will find him very agreeable."
"Heaven forbid! -- That would be the greatest misfortune of all! -- To find a man agreeable whom one is determined to hate! -- Do not wish me such an evil."
When the dancing recommenced, however, and Darcy approached to claim her hand, Charlotte could not help cautioning her, in a whisper, not to be a simpleton, and allow her fancy for Wickham to make her appear unpleasant in the eyes of a man of ten times his consequence. Elizabeth made no answer, and took her place in the set, amazed at the dignity to which she was arrived in being allowed to stand opposite to Mr. Darcy, and reading in her neighbours' looks their equal amazement in beholding it. They stood for some time without speaking a word; and she began to imagine that their silence was to last through the two dances, and at first was resolved not to break it; till suddenly fancying that it would be the greater punishment to her partner to oblige him to talk, she made some slight observation on the dance. He replied, and was again silent. After a pause of some minutes, she addressed him a second time with:
"It is your turn to say something now, Mr. Darcy. -- I talked about the dance, and you ought to make some kind of remark on the size of the room, or the number of couples."
He smiled, and assured her that whatever she wished him to say should be said.
"Very well. -- That reply will do for the present. -- Perhaps by and by I may observe that private balls are much pleasanter than public ones. -- But now we may be silent."
"Do you talk by rule then, while you are dancing?"
"Sometimes. One must speak a little, you know. It would look odd to be entirely silent for half an hour together, and yet for the advantage of some, conversation ought to be so arranged as that they may have the trouble of saying as little as as possible."
"Are you consulting your own feelings in the present case, or do you imagine that you are gratifying mine?"
"Both," replied Elizabeth archly; "for I have always seen a great similarity in the turn of our minds. -- We are each of an unsocial, taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to posterity with all the eclat of a proverb."
"This is no very striking resemblance of your own character, I am sure," said he. "How near it may be to mine, I cannot pretend to say. -- You think it a faithful portrait undoubtedly."
"I must not decide on my own performance."
He made no answer, and they were again silent till they had gone down the dance, when he asked her if she and her sisters did not very often walk to Meryton. She answered in the affirmative, and, unable to resist the temptation, added, "When you met us there the other day, we had just been forming a new acquaintance."
The effect was immediate. A deeper shade of hauteur overspread his features, but he said not a word, and Elizabeth, though blaming herself for her own weakness, could not go on. At length Darcy spoke, and in a constrained manner said,
"Mr. Wickham is blessed with such happy manners as may ensure his making friends -- whether he may be equally capable of retaining them, is less certain."
"He has been so unlucky as to lose your friendship," replied Elizabeth with emphasis, "and in a manner which he is likely to suffer from all his life."
Darcy made no answer, and seemed desirous of changing the subject. At that moment Sir William Lucas appeared close to them, meaning to pass through the set to the other side of the room; but on perceiving Mr. Darcy he stopt with a bow of superior courtesy, to compliment him on his dancing and his partner.
"I have been most highly gratified indeed, my dear Sir. Such very superior dancing is not often seen. It is evident that you belong to the first circles. Allow me to say, however, that your fair partner does not disgrace you, and that I must hope to have this pleasure often repeated, especially when a certain desirable event, my dear Miss Eliza (glancing at her sister and Bingley), shall take place. What congratulations will then flow in! I appeal to Mr. Darcy: -- but let me not interrupt you, Sir. -- You will not thank me for detaining you from the bewitching converse of that young lady, whose bright eyes are also upbraiding me."
The latter part of this address was scarcely, heard by Darcy; but Sir William's allusion to his friend seemed to strike him forcibly, and his eyes were directed with a very serious expression towards Bingley and Jane, who were dancing together. Recovering himself, however, shortly, he turned to his partner, and said,
"Sir William's interruption has made me forget what we were talking of."
"I do not think we were speaking at all. Sir William could not have interrupted any two people in the room who had less to say for themselves. -- We have tried two or three subjects already without success, and what we are to talk of next I cannot imagine."
"What think you of books?" said he, smiling.
"Books -- Oh! no. -- I am sure we never read the same, or not with the same feelings."
"I am sorry you think so; but if that be the case, there can at least be no want of subject. -- We may compare our different opinions."
"No -- I cannot talk of books in a ball-room; my head is always full of something else."
"The present always occupies you in such scenes -- does it?" said he, with a look of doubt.
"Yes, always," she replied, without knowing what she said, for her thoughts had wandered far from the subject, as soon afterwards appeared by her suddenly exclaiming,
"I remember hearing you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly ever forgave, that your resentment once created was unappeasable. You are very cautious, I suppose, as to its being created."
"I am," said he, with a firm voice.
"And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?"
"I hope not."
"It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first."
"May I ask to what these questions tend?"
"Merely to the illustration of your character," said she, endeavouring to shake off her gravity. "I am trying to make it out."
"And what is your success?"
She shook her head. "I do not get on at all. I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly."
"I can readily believe," answered he gravely, "that report may vary greatly with respect to me; and I could wish, Miss Bennet, that you were not to sketch my character at the present moment, as there is reason to fear that the performance would reflect no credit on either."
"But if I do not take your likeness now, I may never have another opportunity."
"I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours," he coldly replied. She said no more, and they went down the other dance and parted in silence; on each side dissatisfied, though not to an equal degree, for in Darcy's breast there was a tolerable powerful feeling towards her, which soon procured her pardon, and directed all his anger against another.
They had not long separated when Miss Bingley came towards her, and with an expression of civil disdain thus accosted her,
"So, Miss Eliza, I hear you are quite delighted with George Wickham! -- Your sister has been talking to me about him, and asking me a thousand questions; and I find that the young man forgot to tell you, among his other communications, that he was the son of old Wickham, the late Mr. Darcy's steward. Let me recommend you, however, as a friend, not to give implicit confidence to all his assertions; for as to Mr. Darcy's using him ill, it is perfectly false; for, on the contrary, he has been always remarkably kind to him, though George Wickham has treated Mr. Darcy, in a most infamous manner. I do not know the particulars, but I know very well that Mr. Darcy is not in the least to blame, that he cannot bear to hear George Wickham mentioned, and that though my brother thought he could not well avoid including him in his invitation to the officers, he was excessively glad to find that he had taken himself out of the way. His coming into the country at all, is a most insolent thing indeed, and I wonder how he could presume to do it. I pity you, Miss Eliza, for this discovery of your favorite's guilt; but really, considering his descent one could not expect much better."
"His guilt and his descent appear by your account to be the same," said Elizabeth angrily; "for I have heard you accuse him of nothing worse than of being the son of Mr. Darcy's steward, and of that, I can assure you, he informed me himself."
"I beg your pardon," replied Miss Bingley, turning away with a sneer. "Excuse my interference. -- It was kindly meant."
"Insolent girl!" said Elizabeth to herself. -- "You are much mistaken if you expect to influence me by such a paltry attack as this. I see nothing in it but your own wilful ignorance and the malice of Mr. Darcy." She then sought her eldest sister, who had undertaken to make inquiries on the same subject of Bingley. Jane met her with a smile of such sweet complacency, a glow of such happy expression, as sufficiently marked how well she was satisfied with the occurrences of the evening. -- Elizabeth instantly read her feelings, and at that moment solicitude for Wickham, resentment against his enemies and every thing else gave way before the hope of Jane's being in the fairest way for happiness.
"I want to know," said she, with a countenance no less smiling than her sister's, "what you have learnt about Mr. Wickham. But perhaps you have been too pleasantly engaged to think of any third person, in which case you may be sure of my pardon."
"No," replied Jane, "I have not forgotten him; but I have nothing satisfactory to tell you. Mr. Bingley does not know the whole of his history, and is quite ignorant of the circumstances which have principally offended Mr. Darcy; but he will vouch for the good conduct, the probity and honour of his friend, and is perfectly convinced that Mr. Wickham has deserved much less attention from Mr. Darcy than he has received; and I am sorry to say that by his account as well as his sister's, Mr. Wickham is by no means a respectable young man. I am  he has been very imprudent, and has deserved to lose Mr. Darcy's regard."
"Mr. Bingley does not know Mr. Wickham himself?"
"No; he never saw him till the other morning at Meryton."
"This account then is what he has received from Mr. Darcy. I am perfectly satisfied. But what does he say of the living?"
"He does not exactly recollect the circumstances, though he has heard them from Mr. Darcy more than once, but he believes that it was left to him conditionally only."
"I have not a doubt of Mr. Bingley's sincerity," said Elizabeth warmly; "but you must excuse my not being convinced by assurances only. Mr. Bingley's defence of his friend was a very able one I dare say, but since he is unacquainted with several parts of the story, and has learnt the rest from that friend himself, I shall venture still to think of both gentlemen as I did before."

　　第 18 章 (上)

　　伊莉莎白走進尼日斐花園的會客室，在一群穿著"紅制服"的人們裡面尋找韋翰先生，找來找去都找不著，這時候她才懷疑他也許不會來了。她本以為他一定會來，雖然想起了過去的種種事情而頗為擔心，可是她的信心並沒有因此受到影響，她比平常更小心地打扮了一番，高高興興地準備要把他那顆沒有被征服的心全部征服，她相信在今天的晚會上，一定會讓她把他那顆心完全贏到手。但是過了一會兒，她起了一種可怕的懷疑：莫不是彬格萊先生請軍官們的時候，為了討達西先生的好，故意沒有請韋翰嗎？雖然事實並非如此，不過他缺席的原委馬上就由他的朋友丹尼先生宣布了。這是因為麗迪雅迫不及待地問丹尼，丹尼就告訴她們說，韋翰前一天上城裡有事去了，還沒有回來，又帶著意味深長的微笑補充了幾句："我想，他要不是為了要迴避這兒的某一位先生，決不會就這麼湊巧，偏偏這時候因事缺席。"

　　他這個消息麗迪雅雖然沒有聽見，卻給伊莉莎白聽見了。伊莉莎白因此斷定：關於韋翰缺席的原因，雖然她開頭沒有猜對，卻依舊是達西先生一手造成的。她覺得非常掃興，對達西也就越發起了反感，因此接下來當達西走上前來向她問好的時候，她簡直不能好聲好氣地回答他。要知道，對達西殷勤，寬容，忍耐，就等於傷害韋翰。她決定不跟他說一句話，怏怏不樂地掉過頭來就走，甚至跟彬格萊先生說起話來也不大快樂，因為他對達西的盲目偏愛引起了她的氣憤。

　　伊莉莎白天生不大會發脾氣，雖然她今天晚上大為掃興，可是她情緒上並沒有不愉快多少時候。她先把滿腔的愁苦都告訴了那位一星期沒有見面的夏綠蒂?盧卡斯小姐，過了一會兒又自告奮勇地把她表兄奇奇怪怪的情形講給她聽，一面又特別把他指出來給他看。頭兩場舞重新使他覺得煩惱，那是兩場活受罪的跳舞。柯林斯先生又呆笨又刻板，只知道道歉，卻不知道小心一些，往往腳步弄錯了自己還不知道。他真是個十足叫人討厭的舞伴，使她丟盡了臉，受盡了罪。因此，從他手裡解脫出來，真叫她喜歡欲狂。

　　她接著跟一位軍官跳舞，跟他談起韋翰的事。聽他說，韋翰是個到處討人喜愛的人，於是她精神上舒服了許多。跳過這幾場舞以後，她就回到夏綠蒂?盧卡斯身邊，跟她談話，這時候突然聽到達西先生叫她，出其不意地請她跳舞，她吃了一驚，竟然不由自主地答應了他。達西跳過以後便立刻走開了，於是她口口聲聲怪自己為什麼這樣沒主意。夏綠蒂儘力安慰她。你將來一定會發覺他很討人喜歡的。"天不容！那才叫做倒了大的霉呢！下定決心去恨一個人，竟會一下子又喜歡起他來！別這樣咒我吧。"

　　當跳舞重新開始，達西又走到她跟前來請她跳舞的時候，夏綠蒂禁不住跟她咬了咬耳朵，提醒她別做傻瓜，別為了對韋翰有好感，就寧可得罪一個比韋翰的身價高上十倍的人。伊莉莎白沒有回答便下了舞池，她想不到居然會有這樣的體面，跟達西先生面對面跳舞，她看見身旁的人們也同樣露出了驚奇的目光。他們倆跳了一會兒，一句話也沒有交談。她想像著這兩場舞可能一直要沉默到底，開頭決定不要打破這種沉默，後來突然異想天開，認為如果逼得她的舞伴不得不說幾句話，那就會叫他受更大的罪，於是她就說了幾句關於跳舞方面的話。他回答了她的話，接著又是沉默。歇了幾分鐘，她第二次跟他攀談：現在該輪到你談談啦，達西先生。我既然談了跳舞，你就得談談舞池的大小以及有多少對舞伴之類的問題。"

　　他笑了笑，告訴她說，她要他說什麼他就說什麼。好極了；這種回答眼前也說得過去了。待一忽兒我或許會談到私人舞會比公共場所的跳舞會來得好；不過，我們現在可以不必作聲了。"那麼說，你跳起舞來照例總得要談上幾句嗎？"有時候要的。你知道，一個人總得要說些話。接連半個鐘頭待在一塊兒一聲不響，那是夠彆扭的。不過有些人就偏偏巴不得說話愈少愈好，為這些人著想，談話也不妨安排得少一點。"在目前這樣的情況下，你是在照顧你自已的情緒呢，還是想要使我情緒上快慰？"一舉兩得，"伊莉莎白油滑地回答道。"因為我老是感覺到我們倆轉的念頭很相同。你我的性格跟人家都不大合得來，又不願意多說話，難得開口，除非想說幾句一鳴驚人的話，讓大家當作格言來流傳千古。"

　　他說："我覺得你的性格並不見得就是這樣，我的性格是否有很近似這方面，我也不敢說。你一定覺得你自己形容得很恰當吧。"我當然不能自己下斷語。"

　　他沒有回答，他們倆又沉默了，直等到又下池去跳舞，他這才問她是不是常常和姐妹們上麥里屯去溜達。她回答說常常去。她說到這裡，實在按捺不住了，便接下去說："你那天在那兒碰到我們的時候，我們正在結交一個新朋友呢。"

　　這句話立刻發生了效果。一陣傲慢的陰影罩上了他的臉，可是他一句話也沒有說。伊莉莎白說不下去了，不過她心裡卻在埋怨自己軟弱。後來還是達西很勉強地先開口說：韋翰先生生來滿面春風，交起朋友來得心應手。至於他是不是能和朋友們長久相處，那就不大靠得住了。"

　　伊莉莎白加重語氣回答道："他真不幸，竟失去了您的友誼，而且弄成那麼尷尬的局面，可能會使他一輩子都感受痛苦。"

　　達西沒有回答，好象想換個話題。就在這當兒，威廉?盧卡斯爵士走近他們身邊，打算穿過舞池走到屋子的尋一邊去，可是一看到達西先生，他就停住了，禮貌周全地向他鞠了一躬，滿口稱讚他跳舞跳得好，舞伴又找得好。我真太高興了，親愛的先生，跳得這樣一手好舞，真是少見。你毫無問題是屬於第一流的人材。讓我再嘮叨一句，你這位漂亮的舞伴也真配得上你，我真希望常常有這種眼福，特別是將來有一天某一樁好事如願的時候，親愛的伊莉莎白小姐。"（他朝著她的姐姐和彬格萊望了一眼）"那時候將會有多熱鬧的祝賀場面啊。我要求達西先生：──可是我還是別打攪你吧，先生。你正在和這位小姐談得心醉神迷，如果我耽擱了你，你是不會感激我的，瞧她那了雙明亮的眼睛也在責備我呢。"

　　後半段話達西幾乎沒有聽見。可是威廉爵士提起他那位朋友，卻不免叫他心頭大受震動，於是他一本正經去望著那正在跳舞的彬格萊和吉英。他馬上又鎮定了下來，掉轉頭來對他自己的舞伴說：威廉爵士打斷了我們的話，我簡直記不起我們剛剛談些什麼了。"我覺得我們根本就沒有談什麼。這屋子裡隨便哪兩個人都不比我們說話說得少的，因此威廉爵士打斷不了什麼話。我們已經換過兩三次話題，總是談不投機，以後還要談些什麼，我實在想不出了。"談談書本如何？"他笑著說。書本！噢，不；我相信我們讀過的書不會一樣，我們的體會也各有不同。"你會這樣想，我真抱歉；假定真是那樣，也不見得就無從談起。我們也可以把不同見解比較一下。"不──我無法在舞場里談書本；我腦子裡老是想著些別的事。"你老是在為眼前的場合煩神，是不是？"他帶著猶疑的眼光問。是的，老是這樣，"她答道。其實她並不知道自己在說些什麼，她的思想跑到老遠的地方去了，你且聽她突然一下子說出這樣的話吧："達西先生，我記得有一次聽見你說，你生來不能原諒別人──你和別人一結下了怨，就消除不掉。我想，你結的時候總該很慎重的吧？"正是，"他堅決地說。你從來不會受到偏見和蒙蔽嗎？"我想不會。"對於某些堅持已見的人說來，在拿定一個主張的時候，開頭應該特別慎重地考慮一下。"是否可以允許我請教你一聲，你問我這些話用意何在？"

　　她竭力裝出若無其事的神氣說："只不過為了要解釋解釋你的性格罷了，我想要把你的性格弄個明白。"那麼你究竟弄明白了沒有？"

　　她搖搖頭。"我一點兒也弄不明白。我聽到人家對於你的看法極不一致，叫我不知道相信誰的話才好。"

　　他嚴肅的答道："人家對於我的看法極不一致，我相信其中一定大有出入。班納特小姐，我希望你目前還是不要刻畫我的性格，我怕這樣做，結果對於你我都沒有好處。"可是，倘若我現在不了解你一下，以後就沒有機會了。"

　　於是他冷冷地答道："我決不會打斷你的興頭。"她便沒有再說下去。他們倆人又跳了一次舞，於是就默默無言地分手了。兩個人都怏怏不樂，不過程度上不同罷了。達西心裡對她頗有好感，因此一下子就原諒了她，把一肚子氣憤都轉到另一個人身上去了。

　　他們倆分手了不多一會兒，彬格萊小姐就走到伊莉莎白跟前來，帶著一種又輕藐又客氣的神氣對她說：噢，伊麗莎小姐，我聽說你對喬治?韋翰很有好感！你姐姐剛才還跟我談到他，問了我一大堆的話。我發覺那年輕的官人雖然把什麼事都說給你聽了，可就偏偏忘了說他自己是老達西先生的帳房老韋翰的兒子。他說達西先生待他不好，那完全是胡說，讓我站在朋友的立場奉勸你，不要盲目相信他的話。達西先生一直待他太好了，只有喬治?韋翰用卑鄙的手段對待達西先生。詳細情形我不清楚，不過這件事我完全知道，一點兒也不應該怪達西先生。達西一聽見人家提到喬治?韋翰就受不了。我哥哥這次宴請軍官們，本來也很難把他剔開，總算他自己知趣，避開了，我哥哥真高興。他跑到這個村裡來真是太荒謬了，我不懂他怎麼竟敢這樣做。伊麗莎小姐，我對你不起，揭穿了你心上人的過錯。可是事實上你只要看看他那種出身，當然就不會指望他干出什麼好事來。"

　　伊莉莎白生氣地說："照你的說法，他的過錯和他的出身好象是一回事啦，我倒沒有聽到你說他別的不是，只聽到他罵他是達西先生的帳房的兒子，老實告訴你，這一點他早已親自跟我講過了。"對不起，請原諒我好管閑事；不過我是出於一片好意。"彬格萊小姐說完這話，冷笑了一下，便走開了。無禮的小妞兒！"伊莉莎白自言自語地說。"你可轉錯了念頭啦，你以為這樣卑鄙地攻擊人家一下，就影響了我對人家的看法嗎？你這種攻擊，倒叫我看穿了你自己的頑固無知和達西先生的陰險。"她接著便去找她自己的姐姐，因為姐姐也向彬格萊問起過這件事。只見吉英滿臉堆笑，容光煥發，這足以說明當天晚會上的種種情景使她多麼滿意。伊莉莎白頓時就看出了她的心情；於是頃刻之間就把她自己對於韋翰的想念、對於他仇人們的怨憤，以及其他種種感覺，都打消了，一心只希望吉英能夠順利走上幸福的道路。

　　她也和姐姐同樣滿面堆笑地說道："我想問問你，你不沒有聽到什麼有關韋翰先生的事？也許你太高興了，想不到第三個人身上去吧；果真是那樣的話，我一定可以諒解你的。"沒有的事，"吉英回答道，"我並沒有忘記他，可惜我沒有什麼滿意的消息可以告訴你。彬格萊先生並不了解他的全部底細，至於他主要在哪些方面得罪了達西先生，彬格萊先生更是一無所知；不過他可以擔保他自己的朋友品行良好，誠實正派，他並且以為達西先生過去對待韋翰先生已經好得過分了。說來遺憾，從他的話和她妹妹的話來看韋翰先生決不是一個正派的青年。我怕他果真是太莽撞，也難怪達西先生不去理睬他。"難道彬格萊先生自己不認識韋翰先生嗎？"不認識，那天上午在麥里屯他還是初次和他見面。"那麼，他這番話是從達西先生那兒聽來的啦。我滿意極了。關於那個牧師的職位的問題，他是怎麼說的？"他只不過聽達西先生說起過幾次，詳細情況他可記不清了，可是他相信，那個職位雖然規定了是給韋翰先生的，可也是有條件的。"

　　伊莉莎白激動地說："彬格萊先生當然是個誠實君子嘍，可是請你原諒，光憑幾句話並不能叫我信服。彬格萊先生袒護他自己朋友的那些話，也許說得很有力；不過，他既然弄不清這件事的某些情節，而且另外一些情節又是聽他朋友自己說的，那麼，我還是不願意改變我原來對他們兩位先生的看法。"

Chapter 18 (part 2)

She then changed the discourse to one more gratifying to each, and on which there could be no difference of sentiment. Elizabeth listened with delight to the happy, though modest hopes which Jane entertained of Bingley's regard, and said all in her power to heighten her confidence in it. On their being joined by Mr. Bingley himself, Elizabeth withdrew to Miss Lucas; to whose inquiry after the pleasantness of her last partner she had scarcely replied, before Mr. Collins came up to them and told her with great exultation that he had just been so fortunate as to make a most important discovery.
"I have found out," said he, "by a singular accident, that there is now in the room a near relation of my patroness. I happened to overhear the gentleman himself mentioning to the young lady who does the honours of this house the names of his cousin Miss de Bourgh, and of her mother Lady Catherine. How wonderfully these sort of things occur! Who would have thought of my meeting with -- perhaps -- a nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh in this assembly! -- I am most thankful that the discovery is made in time for me to pay my respects to him, which I am now going to do, and trust he will excuse my not having done it before. My total ignorance of the connection must plead my apology."
"You are not going to introduce yourself to Mr. Darcy?"
"Indeed I am. I shall intreat his pardon for not having done it earlier. I believe him to be Lady Catherine's nephew. It will be in my power to assure him that her ladyship was quite well yesterday se'nnight."
Elizabeth tried hard to dissuade him from such a scheme; assuring him that Mr. Darcy would consider his addressing him without introduction as an impertinent freedom, rather than a compliment to his aunt; that it was not in the least necessary there should be any notice on either side, and that if it were, it must belong to Mr. Darcy, the superior in consequence, to begin the acquaintance. -- Mr. Collins listened to her with the determined air of following his own inclination and when she ceased speaking, replied thus,
"My dear Miss Elizabeth, I have the highest opinion in the world of your excellent judgment in all matters within the scope of your understanding, but permit me to say that there must be a wide difference between the established forms of ceremony amongst the laity, and those which regulate the clergy; for give me leave to observe that I consider the clerical office as equal in point of dignity with the highest rank in the kingdom -- provided that a proper humility of behaviour is at the same time maintained. You must therefore allow me to follow the dictates of my conscience on this occasion, which leads me to perform what I look on as a point of duty. Pardon me for neglecting to profit by your advice, which on every other subject shall be my constant guide, though in the case before us I consider myself more fitted by education and habitual study to decide on what is right than a young lady like yourself." And with a low bow he left her to attack Mr. Darcy, whose reception of his advances she eagerly watched, and whose astonishment at being so addressed was very evident. Her cousin prefaced his speech with a solemn bow, and though she could not hear a word of it, she felt as if hearing it all, and saw in the motion of his lips the words "apology," "Hunsford," and "Lady Catherine de Bourgh." -- It vexed her to see him expose himself to such a man. Mr. Darcy was eyeing him with unrestrained wonder, and when at last Mr. Collins allowed him time to speak, replied with an air of distant civility. Mr. Collins, however, was not discouraged from speaking again, and Mr. Darcy's contempt seemed abundantly increasing with the length of his second speech, and at the end of it he only made him a slight bow, and moved another way. Mr. Collins then returned to Elizabeth.
"I have no reason, I assure you," said he, "to be dissatisfied with my reception. Mr. Darcy seemed much pleased with the attention. He answered me with the utmost civility, and even paid me the compliment of saying that he was so well convinced of Lady Catherine's discernment as to be certain she could never bestow a favour unworthily. It was really a very handsome thought. Upon the whole, I am much pleased with him."
As Elizabeth had no longer any interest of her own to pursue, she turned her attention almost entirely on her sister and Mr. Bingley, and the train of agreeable reflections which her observations gave birth to, made her perhaps almost as happy as Jane. She saw her, in idea, settled in that very house, in all the felicity which a marriage of true affection could bestow; and she felt capable, under such circumstances, of endeavouring even to like Bingley's two sisters. Her mother's thoughts she plainly saw were bent the same way, and she determined not to venture near her, lest she might hear too much. When they sat down to supper, therefore, she considered it a most unlucky perverseness which placed them within one of each other; and deeply was she vexed to find that her mother was talking to that one person (Lady Lucas) freely, openly, and of nothing else but of her expectation that Jane would be soon married to Mr. Bingley. -- It was an animating subject, and Mrs. Bennet seemed incapable of fatigue while enumerating the advantages of the match. His being such a charming young man, and so rich, and living but three miles from them, were the first points of self-gratulation; and then it was such a comfort to think how fond the two sisters were of Jane, and to be certain that they must desire the connection as much as she could do. It was, moreover, such a promising thing for her younger daughters, as Jane's marrying so greatly must throw them in the way of other rich men; and lastly, it was so pleasant at her time of life to be able to consign her single daughters to the care of their sister, that she might not be obliged to go into company more than she liked. It was necessary to make this circumstance a matter of pleasure, because on such occasions it is the etiquette, but no one was less likely than Mrs. Bennet to find comfort in staying at home at any period of her life. She concluded with many good wishes that Lady Lucas might soon be equally fortunate, though evidently and triumphantly believing there was no chance of it.
In vain did Elizabeth endeavour to check the rapidity of her mother's words, or persuade her to describe her felicity in a less audible whisper; for to her inexpressible vexation, she could perceive that the chief of it was overheard by Mr. Darcy, who sat opposite to them. Her mother only scolded her for being nonsensical.
"What is Mr. Darcy to me, pray, that I should be  of him? I am sure we owe him no such particular civility as to be obliged to say nothing he may not like to hear."
"For heaven's sake, madam, speak lower. -- What advantage can it be to you to offend Mr. Darcy? -- You will never recommend yourself to his friend by so doing."
Nothing that she could say, however, had any influence. Her mother would talk of her views in the same intelligible tone. Elizabeth blushed and blushed again with shame and vexation. She could not help frequently glancing her eye at Mr. Darcy, though every glance convinced her of what she dreaded; for though he was not always looking at her mother, she was convinced that his attention was invariably fixed by her. The expression of his face changed gradually from indignant contempt to a composed and steady gravity.
At length however Mrs. Bennet had no more to say; and Lady Lucas, who had been long yawning at the repetition of delights which she saw no likelihood of sharing, was left to the comforts of cold ham and chicken. Elizabeth now began to revive. But not long was the interval of tranquillity; for when supper was over, singing was talked of, and she had the mortification of seeing Mary, after very little entreaty, preparing to oblige the company. By many significant looks and silent entreaties, did she endeavour to prevent such a proof of complaisance, -- but in vain; Mary would not understand them; such an opportunity of exhibiting was delightful to her, and she began her song. Elizabeth's eyes were fixed on her with most painful sensations; and she watched her progress through the several stanzas with an impatience which was very ill rewarded at their close; for Mary, on receiving amongst the thanks of the table, the hint of a hope that she might be prevailed on to favour them again, after the pause of half a minute began another. Mary's powers were by no means fitted for such a display; her voice was weak, and her manner affected. -- Elizabeth was in agonies. She looked at Jane, to see how she bore it; but Jane was very composedly talking to Bingley. She looked at his two sisters, and saw them making signs of derision at each other, and at Darcy, who continued however impenetrably grave. She looked at her father to entreat his interference, lest Mary should be singing all night. He took the hint, and when Mary had finished her second song, said aloud,
"That will do extremely well, child. You have delighted us long enough. Let the other young ladies have time to exhibit."
Mary, though pretending not to hear, was somewhat disconcerted; and Elizabeth sorry for her, and sorry for her father's speech, was  her anxiety had done no good. -- Others of the party were now applied to.
"If I," said Mr. Collins, "were so fortunate as to be able to sing, I should have great pleasure, I am sure, in obliging the company with an air; for I consider music as a very innocent diversion, and perfectly compatible with the profession of a clergyman. -- I do not mean however to assert that we can be justified in devoting too much of our time to music, for there are certainly other things to be attended to. The rector of a parish has much to do. -- In the first place, he must make such an agreement for tithes as may be beneficial to himself and not offensive to his patron. He must write his own sermons; and the time that remains will not be too much for his parish duties, and the care and improvement of his dwelling, which he cannot be excused from making as comfortable as possible. And I do not think it of light importance that he should have attentive and conciliatory manners towards every body, especially towards those to whom he owes his preferment. I cannot acquit him of that duty; nor could I think well of the man who should omit an occasion of testifying his respect towards any body connected with the family." And with a bow to Mr. Darcy, he concluded his speech, which had been spoken so loud as to be heard by half the room. -- Many stared. -- Many smiled; but no one looked more amused than Mr. Bennet himself, while his wife seriously commended Mr. Collins for having spoken so sensibly, and observed in a half-whisper to Lady Lucas, that he was a remarkably clever, good kind of young man.
To Elizabeth it appeared, that had her family made an agreement to expose themselves as much as they could during the evening, it would have been impossible for them to play their parts with more spirit, or finer success; and happy did she think it for Bingley and her sister that some of the exhibition had escaped his notice, and that his feelings were not of a sort to be much distressed by the folly which he must have witnessed. That his two sisters and Mr. Darcy, however, should have such an opportunity of ridiculing her relations was bad enough, and she could not determine whether the silent contempt of the gentleman, or the insolent smiles of the ladies, were more intolerable.
The rest of the evening brought her little amusement. She was teazed by Mr. Collins, who continued most perseveringly by her side, and though he could not prevail with her to dance with him again, put it out of her power to dance with others. In vain did she entreat him to stand up with somebody else, and offer to introduce him to any young lady in the room. He assured her that as to dancing, he was perfectly indifferent to it; that his chief object was by delicate attentions to recommend himself to her, and that he should therefore make a point of remaining close to her the whole evening. There was no arguing upon such a project. She owed her greatest relief to her friend Miss Lucas, who often joined them, and good-naturedly engaged Mr. Collins's conversation to herself.
She was at least free from the offence of Mr. Darcy's farther notice; though often standing within a very short distance of her, quite disengaged, he never came near enough to speak. She felt it to be the probable consequence of her allusions to Mr. Wickham, and rejoiced in it.
The Longbourn party were the last of all the company to depart; and by a manoeuvre of Mrs. Bennet, had to wait for their carriages a quarter of an hour after every body else was gone, which gave them time to see how heartily they were wished away by some of the family. Mrs. Hurst and her sister scarcely opened their mouths except to complain of fatigue, and were evidently impatient to have the house to themselves. They repulsed every attempt of Mrs. Bennet at conversation, and by so doing, threw a languor over the whole party, which was very little relieved by the long speeches of Mr. Collins, who was complimenting Mr. Bingley and his sisters on the elegance of their entertainment, and the hospitality and politeness which had marked their behaviour to their guests. Darcy said nothing at all. Mr. Bennet, in equal silence, was enjoying the scene. Mr. Bingley and Jane were standing together, a little detached from the rest, and talked only to each other. Elizabeth preserved as steady a silence as either Mrs. Hurst or Miss Bingley; and even Lydia was too much fatigued to utter more than the occasional exclamation of "Lord how tired I am!" accompanied by a violent yawn.
When at length they arose to take leave, Mrs. Bennet was most pressingly civil in her hope of seeing the whole family soon at Longbourn; and addressed herself particularly to Mr. Bingley, to assure him how happy he would make them by eating a family dinner with them at any time, without the ceremony of a formal invitation. Bingley was all grateful pleasure, and he readily engaged for taking the earliest opportunity of waiting on her, after his return from London, whither he was obliged to go the next day for a short time.
Mrs. Bennet was perfectly satisfied; and quitted the house under the delightful persuasion that, allowing for the necessary preparations of settlements, new carriages, and wedding clothes, she should undoubtedly see her daughter settled at Netherfield in the course of three or four months. Of having another daughter married to Mr. Collins, she thought with equal certainty, and with considerable, though not equal, pleasure. Elizabeth was the least dear to her of all her children; and though the man and the match were quite good enough for her, the worth of each was eclipsed by Mr. Bingley and Netherfield.

　　第 18 章(下)

　　她於是換了一個話題，使她們倆都能談得更稱心。她們倆在這方面的意見是完全一致的。伊莉莎白高興地聽著吉英談起，她在彬格萊先生身上雖然不敢存奢望，卻寄託著多少幸福的心愿；她於是盡心竭力說了多少話來增加姐姐的信念。一會兒，彬格萊先生走到她們這裡來了，伊莉莎白便退到盧卡斯小姐身邊去。盧卡斯小姐問她跟剛才那位舞伴跳得是否愉快，她還沒有來得及回答，只見柯林斯先生走上前來，欣喜欲狂地告訴她們說，他真幸運，發現了一件極其重要的事。

他說："這真是完全出於我意料之外，我竟然發現這屋子裡有一位是我女施主的至親。我湊巧聽到一位先生跟主人家的那位小姐說，他自己的表妹德?包爾小姐和他的姨母咖苔琳夫人。這些事真是太巧合了！誰想到我會在這次的舞會上碰到咖苔琳?德?包爾夫人的姨侄呢！謝天謝地，我這個發現正是時候，還來得及去問候他吧。我根本就不知道有這門親戚，因此還有道歉的餘地。"你打算去向達西先生自我介紹嗎？"我當然打算去。我一定去求他原諒，請他不要怪我沒有早些問候他。我相信他是咖苔琳夫人的姨侄。我可以告訴他說，上星期我還見到她老人家，她身體著實健康。"

　　伊莉莎白竭力勸他不要那麼做，她說，他如果不經過人家介紹就去招呼達西先生，達西先生一定會認為他冒昧唐突，而不會認為他是奉承他姨母，又說雙方根本不必打交道，即使要打交道，也應該由地位比較高的達西先生來跟他通候。柯林斯先生聽她這麼說，便顯出一副堅決的神氣，表示非照著自己的意思去做不可，等她說完了，他回答道：親愛的伊莉莎白小姐，你對於一切的問題都有卓越的見解。我非常敬佩，可是請你聽我說一句：俗人的禮節跟教士們的禮節大不相同。請聽我說，我認為從尊嚴方面看來，一個教士的位置可以比得上一個君侯，只要你能同時保持相當的謙虛。所以，這一次你應該讓我照著我自己的良心的吩咐，去做好我認為應該做的事情。請原諒我沒有領受你的指教，要是在任何其他的問題上，我一定把你的指教當作座右銘，不過對於當前這個問題，我覺得，由於我還算讀書明理，平日也曾稍事鑽研，由我自己來決定比由你這樣一位年輕小姐來決定要合適些；"他深深鞠了一躬，便離開了她，去向達西先生糾纏。於是她迫不及待地望著達西先生怎樣對待他這種冒失行為，料想達西先生對於這種問候方式一定要大為驚訝，只見她這位表兄先恭恭敬敬地對達西鞠了一躬，然後再開口跟他說話。伊莉莎白雖然一句也沒聽到他說些什麼，卻又好象聽到了他所有的話，因為從他那蠕動嘴唇的動作看來，他無非口口聲聲盡說些"道歉"、"漢斯福"、"咖苔琳?德?包爾夫人"之類的話。她看到表兄在這樣的一個人面前出醜，心中好不氣惱。達西先生帶著毫不掩飾的驚奇目光斜睨著他，等到後來柯林斯先生嘮叨夠了，達西才帶著一副敬而遠之的神氣，敷衍了他幾句。柯林斯先生卻並不因此而灰心掃興，一再開口。等他第二次開口嘮叨的時候，達西先生的輕蔑的神氣顯得更露骨了。他說完以後，達西先生隨便拱了拱身子就走開了。柯林斯先生這才回到伊莉莎白跟前來，跟伊莉莎白說："告訴你，他那樣接待我，我實在沒有理由感到不滿意。達西聽到我的殷勤問候，好象十分高興。他禮貌周全地回答了我的話，甚至恭維我說，他非常佩服咖苔琳夫人的眼力，沒有提拔錯了人。這的確是個聰明的想法。大體上說，我很滿意他。"

　　伊莉莎白既然對舞會再也沒有什麼興味，於是幾乎把全部注意力都轉移她的姐姐和彬格萊先生身上去了。她把當場的情景都看在眼裡，想像出了多少可喜的事情，幾乎跟吉英自己感到同樣的快活。她想像著姐姐做了這幢房子里的主婦，夫婦之間恩愛彌篤，幸福無比。她覺得如果真有這樣一天，那麼，連彬格萊的兩個姐妹，她也可以盡量對她們發生好感。她看見她母親也明明正在轉著同樣的念頭，因此她決定不要冒險走到母親跟前去，免得又要聽她嘮叨個沒完。因此當大家坐下來吃飯的時候，她看到母親的座位跟他隔得那麼近，她覺得真是受罪。只見母親老是跟那個人（盧卡斯太太）在信口亂說，毫無忌諱，而且盡談些她怎樣盼望吉英馬上跟彬格萊先生結婚之類的話，這叫伊莉莎白越發氣惱。她們對這件事越談越起勁，班納特太太一個勁兒數說著這門姻緣有多少多少好處。首先彬格萊先生是那麼漂亮的一個青年，那麼有錢，住的地方離她們只有三英里路，這些條件是令人滿意的。其次，他的兩個姐妹非常喜歡吉英，一定也象她一樣地希望能夠結成這門親，這一點也很令人快慰。再其次，吉英的親事既然攀得這麼稱心如意，那麼，幾個小女兒也就有希望碰上別的闊人。最後再說到她那幾個沒有出嫁的女兒，關於她們的終身大事，從此也可以委託給大女兒，不必要她自己再為她們去應酬交際了，於情於理，這都是一件值得高興的事，怎奈班納特太太生平就不慣於守在家裡。她又預祝盧卡斯太太馬上也會有同樣的幸運，其實也明明是在趾高氣揚地料定她沒有這個福份。

　　伊莉莎白一心想要挫挫她母親的談鋒，便勸她談起得意的事情來要放得小聲小氣一點，因為達西先生就坐在她們對面，可見得大部份的話都讓他聽到了。可是勸也無用，她的母親只顧罵她廢話，她真是說不出的氣惱。我倒請問你，達西先生與我有什麼關係，我幹嗎要怕他？我沒有理由要在他面前特別講究禮貌，難道他不愛聽的話我就不能說嗎？"看老天份上，媽媽，小聲點兒說吧。你得罪了達西先生有什麼好處？你這樣做，他的朋友也不會看得起你的。"

　　不過，任憑她怎麼說都沒有用。她的母親偏偏要大聲發表高見。伊莉莎白又羞又惱，臉蛋兒紅了又紅。她禁不住一眼眼望著達西先生，每望一眼就越發證實了自己的疑慮，因為達西雖然並沒有老是瞧著她的母親，可是他一直目不轉睛地在望著伊莉莎白。他臉上先是顯出氣憤和厭惡的表情，慢慢地變得冷靜莊重，一本正經。

　　後來班納特太太說完了，盧卡斯太太聽她談得那樣志得意滿，自己又沒個份兒，早已呵欠連連，現在總算可以來安心享受一點冷肉冷雞了。伊莉莎白現在也算鬆了口氣。可惜她耳朵里並沒有清凈多久，因為晚飯一吃完，大家就談起要唱歌。伊莉莎白眼看著曼麗經不起人家稍微慫恿一下就答應了大家的請求，覺得很難受。她曾經頻頻向曼麗遞眼色，又再三地默默勸告她，竭力叫她不要這樣討好別人，可惜終於枉費心機。曼麗毫不理會她的用意。這種出風頭的機會她是求之不得的，於是她就開始唱起來了。伊莉莎白極其苦痛地把眼睛盯在她身上，帶著焦慮的心情聽她唱了幾節，等到唱完了，她的焦慮絲毫沒有減輕，因為曼麗一聽到大家對她稱謝，還有人隱約表示要她再賞他們一次臉，於是歇了半分鐘以後，她又唱起了另一支歌。曼麗的才力是不適宜於這種表演的，因為她嗓子細弱，態度又不自然。伊莉莎白真急得要命。她看了看吉英，看看她是不是受得了，只見，吉英正在安安靜靜地跟彬格萊先生談天。她又看見彬格萊的兩位姐妹正在彼此擠眼弄眉，一面對著達西做手勢，達西依舊面孔鐵板。她最後對自己的父親望了一眼，求他老人家來攔阻一下，免得曼麗通宵唱下去。父親領會了她的意思，他等曼麗唱完了第二支歌，便大聲說道：你這樣盡夠啦，孩子。你使我們開心得夠久啦。留點時間給別的小姐們表演表演吧。"

　　曼麗雖然裝做沒聽見，心裡多少有些不自在。伊莉莎白為她感到不好受，也為她爸爸的那番話感到不好受，生怕自己一片苦心完全白費。好在這會兒大家請別人來唱歌了。

　　只聽得柯林斯先生說："假如我僥倖會唱歌，那我一定樂意給大家高歌一曲；我認為音樂是一種高尚的娛樂，和牧師的職業絲毫沒有抵觸。不過我並不是說，我們應該在音樂上花上太多的時間，因為的確還有許多別的事情要做。負責一個教區的主管牧師在多少事要做啊，首先他得制訂什一稅的條例，既要訂得於自己有利，又要不侵犯地主的利益。他得自己編寫講道辭，這一來剩下的時間就不多了。他還得利用這點兒時間來安排教區里的事務，照管和收拾自己的住宅──住宅總少不了要盡量弄得舒舒服服。還有一點我認為也很重要；他對每一個人都得殷勤和藹，特別是那些提拔他的人。我認為這是他應盡的責任。再說，遇到施主家的親友，凡是在應該表示尊敬的場合下，總得表示尊敬，否則是不象話的。"他說到這裡，向達西先生鞠了一躬，算是結束了他的話。他這一席話說得那麼響亮，半個屋子裡的人都聽得見。多少人看呆了，多少人笑了，可是沒有一個人象班納特先生那樣聽得有趣，他的太太卻一本正經地誇獎柯林斯先生的話真說得合情合理，她湊近了盧卡斯太太說，他顯然是個很聰明優秀的青年。

　　伊莉莎白覺得她家裡人好象是約定今天晚上到這兒來盡量出醜，而且可以說是從來沒有那樣起勁，從來沒有那樣成功。她覺得姐姐和彬格萊先生真幸運，有些出醜的場面沒有看到，好豐彬格萊先生即使看到了一些可笑的情節，也不會輕易感到難受。不過他的兩個姐妹和達西先生竟抓住這個機會來嘲笑她家裡人，這已經是夠難堪的了，那位先生的無聲的蔑視和兩個娘兒們的無禮的嘲笑，究竟哪一樣更叫人難堪，她可不能斷定。

　　晚會的後半段時間也沒有給她帶來什麼樂趣。柯林斯先生還是一直不肯離開她身邊，和她打趣。雖然他無法請她再跟他跳一次舞，可是卻弄得她也無法跟別人跳。她要求他跟別人去跳，並且答應給他介紹一位小姐，可是他不肯。他告訴她說，講到跳舞，他完全不發生興趣，他的主要用意就是要小心等候她，她博得她的歡心，因此他打定主意整個晚上待在她身邊。無論怎樣跟解釋也沒用。多虧她的朋友盧卡斯小姐常常來到他們身邊，好心好意地和柯林斯先生攀談攀談，她才算覺得好受一些。

　　至少達西先生可以不再來惹她生氣了。他雖然常常站得離她很近，邊上也沒有人，卻一直沒有走過來跟她說話。她覺得這可能是因為她提到了韋翰先生的緣故，她因此不禁暗暗自喜。

　　在全場賓客中，浪博恩一家人最後走，而且班納特太太還用了點手腕，藉口等候馬車，一直等到大家走完了，她們一家人還多待了一刻鐘。她們在這一段時間裡看到主人家有些人非常指望她們趕快走。赫斯脫太太姐妹倆簡直不開口說話，只是嚷著疲倦，顯然是在下逐客令了。班納特太太一開口想跟她們攀談，就被她們拒絕了，弄得大家都沒精打采。柯林斯先生儘管在發表長篇大論，恭維彬格萊先生和他的姐妹們，說他們家的宴席多麼精美，他們對待客人多麼殷勤有禮，可是他的話也沒有能給大家增加一些生氣。達西一句話也沒有說。班納特先生同樣沒做聲，站在那兒袖手旁觀。彬格萊和吉英站得離大家遠一些，正在親親密密地交談。伊莉莎白象赫斯脫太太和彬格萊小姐一樣，始終不開口。連麗迪雅也覺得太疲乏了，沒有說話，只是偶然叫一聲："天啊，我多麼疲倦！"接著便大聲打了一個呵欠。

　　後來她們終於起身告辭了，班納特太太懇切務至地說，希望在最短時間以內，彬格萊先生闔府都到浪博恩去玩，又特別對彬格萊先生本人說，要是那天他能上她們家去吃頓便飯，也不要正式下請帖，那她們真是榮幸之至。彬格萊先生欣喜異常，連忙說，他明天就要動身到倫敦去待一個短時期，等他回來以後，一有機會就去拜望她。

　　班納特太太滿意極了，走出屋來，一路打著如意算盤；不出三四個月光景，她就可以看到自己的女兒在尼日斐花園找到歸宿了，她少不了要準備一些財產、嫁妝和新的馬車。她同樣相信另一個女兒一定會嫁給柯林斯先生，對這門親事她雖然沒有對那門親事那樣高興，可也相當高興。在所有的女兒裡面，她最不喜歡伊莉莎白。儘管姑爺的人品和門第，配她已經綽綽有餘，可是比起彬格萊先生和尼日斐花園來，就顯得黯然失色了

Chapter 19

THE next day opened a new scene at Longbourn. Mr. Collins made his declaration in form. Having resolved to do it without loss of time, as his leave of absence extended only to the following Saturday, and having no feelings of diffidence to make it distressing to himself even at the moment, he set about it in a very orderly manner, with all the observances which he supposed a regular part of the business. On finding Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth, and one of the younger girls together soon after breakfast, he addressed the mother in these words,
"May I hope, Madam, for your interest with your fair daughter Elizabeth, when I solicit for the honour of a private audience with her in the course of this morning?"
Before Elizabeth had time for any thing but a blush of surprise, Mrs. Bennet instantly answered,
"Oh dear! -- Yes -- certainly. -- I am sure Lizzy will be very happy -- I am sure she can have no objection. -- Come, Kitty, I want you up stairs." And gathering her work together, she was hastening away, when Elizabeth called out,
"Dear Ma'am, do not go. -- I beg you will not go. -- Mr. Collins must excuse me. -- He can have nothing to say to me that any body need not hear. I am going away myself."
"No, no, nonsense, Lizzy. -- I desire you will stay where you are." -- And upon Elizabeth's seeming really, with vexed and embarrassed looks, about to escape, she added, "Lizzy, I insist upon your staying and hearing Mr. Collins."
Elizabeth would not oppose such an injunction -- and a moment's consideration making her also sensible that it would be wisest to get it over as soon and as quietly as possible, she sat down again, and tried to conceal by incessant employment the feelings which were divided between distress and diversion. Mrs. Bennet and Kitty walked off, and as soon as they were gone Mr. Collins began.
"Believe me, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that your modesty, so far from doing you any disservice, rather adds to your other perfections. You would have been less amiable in my eyes had there not been this little unwillingness; but allow me to assure you that I have your respected mother's permission for this address. You can hardly doubt the purport of my discourse, however your natural delicacy may lead you to dissemble; my attentions have been too marked to be mistaken. Almost as soon as I entered the house I singled you out as the companion of my future life. But before I am run away with by my feelings on this subject, perhaps it will be advisable for me to state my reasons for marrying -- and moreover for coming into Hertfordshire with the design of selecting a wife, as I certainly did."
The idea of Mr. Collins, with all his solemn composure, being run away with by his feelings, made Elizabeth so near laughing that she could not use the short pause he allowed in any attempt to stop him farther, and he continued:
"My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances (like myself) to set the example of matrimony in his parish. Secondly, that I am convinced it will add very greatly to my happiness; and thirdly -- which perhaps I ought to have mentioned earlier, that it is the particular advice and recommendation of the very noble lady whom I have the honour of calling patroness. Twice has she condescended to give me her opinion (unasked too!) on this subject; and it was but the very Saturday night before I left Hunsford -- between our pools at quadrille, while Mrs. Jenkinson was arranging Miss de Bourgh's foot-stool, that she said, "Mr. Collins, you must marry. A clergyman like you must marry. -- Chuse properly, chuse a gentlewoman for my sake; and for your own, let her be an active, useful sort of person, not brought up high, but able to make a small income go a good way. This is my advice. Find such a woman as soon as you can, bring her to Hunsford, and I will visit her." Allow me, by the way, to observe, my fair cousin, that I do not reckon the notice and kindness of Lady Catherine de Bourgh as among the least of the advantages in my power to offer. You will find her manners beyond any thing I can describe; and your wit and vivacity I think must be acceptable to her, especially when tempered with the silence and respect which her rank will inevitably excite. Thus much for my general intention in favour of matrimony; it remains to be told why my views were directed to Longbourn instead of my own neighbourhood, where I assure you there are many amiable young women. But the fact is, that being, as I am, to inherit this estate after the death of your honoured father (who, however, may live many years longer), I could not satisfy myself without resolving to chuse a wife from among his daughters, that the loss to them might be as little as possible, when the melancholy event takes place -- which, however, as I have already said, may not be for several years. This has been my motive, my fair cousin, and I flatter myself it will not sink me in your esteem. And now nothing remains for me but to assure you in the most animated language of the violence of my affection. To fortune I am perfectly indifferent, and shall make no demand of that nature on your father, since I am well aware that it could not be complied with; and that one thousand pounds in the 4 per cents, which will not be yours till after your mother's decease, is all that you may ever be entitled to. On that head, therefore, I shall be uniformly silent; and you may assure yourself that no ungenerous reproach shall ever pass my lips when we are married."
It was absolutely necessary to interrupt him now.
"You are too hasty, Sir," she cried. "You forget that I have made no answer. Let me do it without farther loss of time. Accept my thanks for the compliment you are paying me, I am very sensible of the honour of your proposals, but it is impossible for me to do otherwise than decline them."
"I am not now to learn," replied Mr. Collins, with a formal wave of the hand, "that it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he first applies for their favour; and that sometimes the refusal is repeated a second or even a third time. I am therefore by no means discouraged by what you have just said, and shall hope to lead you to the altar ere long."
"Upon my word, Sir," cried Elizabeth, "your hope is rather an extraordinary one after my declaration. I do assure you that I am not one of those young ladies (if such young ladies there are) who are so daring as to risk their happiness on the chance of being asked a second time. I am perfectly serious in my refusal. -- You could not make me happy, and I am convinced that I am the last woman in the world who would make you so, -- Nay, were your friend Lady Catherine to know me, I am persuaded she would find me in every respect ill qualified for the situation."
"Were it certain that Lady Catherine would think so," said Mr. Collins very gravely -- "but I cannot imagine that her ladyship would at all disapprove of you. And you may be certain that when I have the honour of seeing her again I shall speak in the highest terms of your modesty, economy, and other amiable qualifications."
"Indeed, Mr. Collins, all praise of me will be unnecessary. You must give me leave to judge for myself, and pay me the compliment of believing what I say. I wish you very happy and very rich, and by refusing your hand, do all in my power to prevent your being otherwise. In making me the offer, you must have satisfied the delicacy of your feelings with regard to my family, and may take possession of Longbourn estate whenever it falls, without any self-reproach. This matter may be considered, therefore, as finally settled." And rising as she thus spoke, she would have quitted the room, had not Mr. Collins thus addressed her,
"When I do myself the honour of speaking to you next on this subject I shall hope to receive a more favourable answer than you have now given me; though I am far from accusing you of cruelty at present, because I know it to be the established custom of your sex to reject a man on the first application, and perhaps you have even now said as much to encourage my suit as would be consistent with the true delicacy of the female character."
"Really, Mr. Collins," cried Elizabeth with some warmth, "you puzzle me exceedingly. If what I have hitherto said can appear to you in the form of encouragement, I know not how to express my refusal in such a way as may convince you of its being one."
"You must give me leave to flatter myself, my dear cousin, that your refusal of my addresses is merely words of course. My reasons for believing it are briefly these: -- It does not appear to me that my hand is unworthy your acceptance, or that the establishment I can offer would be any other than highly desirable. My situation in life, my connections with the family of De Bourgh, and my relationship to your own, are circumstances highly in its favor; and you should take it into farther consideration that in spite of your manifold attractions, it is by no means certain that another offer of marriage may ever be made you. Your portion is unhappily so small that it will in all likelihood undo the effects of your loveliness and amiable qualifications. As I must therefore conclude that you are not serious in your rejection of me, I shall chuse to attribute it to your wish of increasing my love by suspense, according to the usual practice of elegant females."
"I do assure you, Sir, that I have no pretension whatever to that kind of elegance which consists in tormenting a respectable man. I would rather be paid the compliment of being believed sincere. I thank you again and again for the honour you have done me in your proposals, but to accept them is absolutely impossible. My feelings in every respect forbid it. Can I speak plainer? Do not consider me now as an elegant female intending to plague you, but as a rational creature speaking the truth from her heart."
"You are uniformly charming!" cried he, with an air of awkward gallantry; "and I am persuaded that when sanctioned by the express authority of both your excellent parents, my proposals will not fail of being acceptable."
To such perseverance in wilful self-deception, Elizabeth would make no reply, and immediately and in silence withdrew; determined, that if he persisted in considering her repeated refusals as flattering encouragement, to apply to her father, whose negative might be uttered in such a manner as must be decisive, and whose behaviour at least could not be mistaken for the affectation and coquetry of an elegant female.

　　第 19 章

　　第二天，浪博恩發生了一件新的事情。柯林斯先生正式提出求婚了。他的假期到下星期六就要滿期，於是決定不再耽擱時間，況且當時他絲毫也不覺得有什麼不好意思，便有條不紊地著手進行起來，凡是他認為必不可少的正常步驟，他都照辦了。剛一吃過早飯，看到班納特太太、伊莉莎白和一個小妹妹在一起，他便對那位做母親的這樣說：太太今天早上我想要請令嬡伊莉莎白賞光，跟我作一次私人談話，你贊成嗎？"噢，好極了，當然可以。我相信麗萃也很樂意的，我相信她還會反對。──來，吉蒂；跟我上樓去。"她把針線收拾了一下，便匆匆忙忙走開了，這時伊莉莎白叫起來了：親愛的媽，別走。我求求你別走。柯林斯先生一定會原諒我。他要跟我說和話，別人都可以聽的。我也要走了。"不，不；你別胡扯，麗萃。我要你待在這兒不動。"只見伊莉莎白又惱又窘，好象真要逃走的樣子，於是她又說道："我非要你待在這兒聽柯林斯先生說話不可。"

　　伊莉莎白不便違抗母命。她考慮了一會兒，覺得能夠趕快悄悄地把事情解決了也好，於是她重新坐了下來，時時刻刻當心著，不讓啼笑皆非的心情流露出來。班納特太太和吉蒂走開了，她們一走，柯林斯先生便開口說話：說真的，伊莉莎白小姐，你害羞怕臊，非但對你沒有絲毫損害，而且更增加了你的天生麗質。要是你不這樣稍許推委一下，我反而不會覺得你這麼可愛了。可是請你允許我告訴你一聲，我這次跟你求婚，是獲得了令堂大人的允許的。儘管你天性羞怯，假痴假呆，可是我對你的百般殷勤，已經表現得非常明顯，你一定會明白我說話的用意。我差不多一進這屋子，就挑中你做我的終身伴侶。不過關於這個問題，也許最好趁我現在還控制得住我自己感情的時候，先談談我要結婚的理由，更要談一談我來到哈福德郡擇偶的打算，因為我的確是存著那種打算的。"

　　想到柯林斯這麼一本正經的樣子，居然會控制不住他自己的感情，伊莉莎白不禁覺得非常好笑，因此他雖然說話停了片刻，她可沒有來得及阻止他往下說：我所以要結婚，有這樣幾點理由：第一，我認為凡是象我這樣生活寬裕的牧師，理當給全教區樹立一個婚姻的好榜樣；其次，我深信結婚會大大地促進我的幸福；第三（這一點或許我應該早提出來），我三生有幸，能夠等候上這樣高貴的一個女施主，她特別勸告我結婚，特別贊成我結婚。蒙她兩次替我在這件事情上提出了意見（而且並不是我請教她的！），就在我離開漢斯福的前一個星期六晚上，我們正在玩牌，姜金生太太正在為德?包爾小姐安放腳蹬，夫人對我說：'柯林斯先生，你必須結婚。象你這樣的一個牧師，必須結婚。好好兒去挑選吧，挑選一個好人家的女兒，為了我，也為了你自己；人要長得活潑，要能做事，不求出身高貴，但要會算計，把一筆小小的收入安排得妥妥貼貼。這就是我的意見。趕快找個這樣的女人來吧，把她帶到漢斯福來，我自會照料她的。'好表妹，讓我說給你聽吧，咖苔琳?德?包爾夫人對我的體貼照顧，也可以算是我一個優越的條件。她的為人我真無法形容，你有一天會看到的。我想，你這樣的聰明活潑一定會叫她喜歡，只要你在她那樣身份高貴的人面前顯得穩重端莊些，她就會特別喜歡你。大體上我要結婚就是為的這些打算；現在還得說一說，我們自己村裡多的是年輕可愛的姑娘，我為什麼看中了浪博恩，而沒有看中我自己村莊的呢？事情是這樣的：往後令尊過世（但願他長命百歲），得由我繼承財產，因此我打算娶他的個女兒作家室，使得將來這件不愉快的事發生的時候，你們的損失可以盡量輕一些，否則我實在過意不去。當然，正如我剛才說過的，這事情也許要在多少年以後才會發生。我的動機就是這樣，好表妹，恕我不揣冒昧地說一句，你不至於因此就看不起我吧。現在我的話已經說完，除非是再用最激動的語言把我最熱烈的感情向你傾訴。說到妝奩財產，我完全無所謂，我決不會在這方面向你父親提出什麼要求，我非常了解，他的能力也辦不到，你名下應得的財產，一共不過是一筆年息四厘的一千鎊存款，還得等你媽死後才歸你所得。因此關於那個問題，我也一聲不響，而且請你放心，我們結婚以後，我決不會說一句小氣話。"

　　現在可非打斷他的話不可了。你太心急了吧，先生，"她叫了起來。"你忘了我根本沒有回答你呢。別再浪費時間，就讓我來回答你吧。謝謝你的誇獎。你的求婚使我感到榮幸，可惜我除了謝絕之外，別無辦法。"

　　柯林斯先生鄭重其事地揮手回答道："年輕的姑娘們遇到人家第一次未婚，即使心裡願意答應，口頭上總是拒絕；有時候甚至會拒絕兩次三次。這樣看來，你剛才所說的話決不會叫我灰心，我希望不久就能領你到神壇跟前去呢。"

　　伊莉莎白嚷道："不瞞你說，先生，我既然話已經說出了口，你還要存著指望，那真太奇怪了。老實跟你說，如果世上真有那麼膽大的年輕小姐，拿自己的幸福去冒險，讓人家提出第二次請求，那我也不是這種人。我的謝絕完全是嚴肅的。你不能使我幸福，而且我，相信我也絕對不能使你幸福。唔，要是你的朋友咖苔琳夫人認識我的話，我相信她一定會發覺，我無論在哪一方面，都不配做你的太太。"

　　柯林斯先生嚴肅地說："就算咖苔琳夫人會有這樣的想法，我想她老人家也決不會不贊成你。請你放心，我下次有幸見到她的時候，一定要在她面前把你的淑靜、節儉、以及其他種種可愛的優點，大大誇獎一番。"說實話，柯林斯先生，任你怎麼誇獎我，都是浪費唇舌。這自己的事自己會有主張，只要你相信我所說的話，就是賞我的臉了。我祝你幸福豪富。我所以放縱你的求婚，也就是為了免得你發生什麼意外。而你呢，既然向我提出了求婚，那麼，你對於我家裡的事情，也就不必感到有什麼不好意思了，將來浪博恩莊園一旦輪到你做評價，你就可以取之無愧了。這件事就這樣一言為定吧。"她一面說，一面站起身來，要不是柯林斯先生向她說出下面的話，她早就走出屋子了。要是下趟我有幸再跟你談到這個問題，我希望你能夠給我一個比這次滿意點的回答。我不怪你這次冷酷無情，因為我知道，你們姑娘們對於男人第一次的求婚，照例總是拒絕，也許你剛剛聽說的一番話，正符合女人家微妙的性格，反而足以鼓勵我繼續追求下去。"

　　伊莉莎白一聽此話，不免有些氣惱，便大聲叫道："柯林斯先生，你真弄得我太莫名其妙了。我的話已經說到這個地步，要是你還覺得這是鼓勵你的話，那我可不知道該怎麼樣放縱你，才能使你死心塌地。"親愛的表妹，請允許我說句自不量力的話：我相信你拒絕我的求婚，不過是照例說說罷了。我所以會這樣想，簡單說來，有這樣幾點理由：我覺得我向你求婚，並不見得就不值得你接受，我的家產你決不會不放在眼裡。我的社會地位，我同德?包爾府上的關係，以及跟你府上的親戚關係，都是我非常優越的條件。我得提請你考慮一下：儘管你有許多吸引人的地方，不幸你的財產太少，這就把你的可愛、把你許多優美的條件都抵消了，不會有另外一個人再向你求婚了，因此我就不得不認為：你這一次並不是一本正經地拒絕我，而是仿效一般高貴的女性的通例，欲擒故縱，想要更加博得我的喜愛。"先生，我向你保證，這決沒有冒充風雅，故意作弄一位有面子的紳士。但願你相信我說的是真話，我就很有面子了，承蒙不棄，向我求婚，我真是感激不盡，但要我接受，是絕對不可能的。我感情上怎麼也辦不到。難道我說得不夠明白嗎？請你別把我當作一個故意作弄你的高貴女子，而要把我看作一個說真心話的平凡人。"

　　他大為狼狽，又不得不裝出滿臉的殷勤神氣叫道："你始終都那麼可愛！我相信只要令尊令堂作主應承了我，你就決不會拒絕。"

　　他再三要存心自欺欺人，伊莉莎白可懶得再去理他，馬上不聲不響地走開了。她打定了主意：倘若他一定要把她幾次三番的拒絕看作是有意討他的好，有意鼓勵他，那麼她就只得去求助於她父親，叫他斬釘截鐵地回絕他。柯林斯總不見得再把她父親的拒絕，看作一個高貴女性的裝腔作勢和賣弄風情了吧。