'My dear child,' said Mrs Chick, who held it as a duty incumbent on her, to improve the occasion, 'when you are as old as I am—'
“我亲爱的孩子,”奇克夫人说道,她认为她有义不容辞的责任抓住机会来开导她,“当你到了我这样的年纪——”
'Which will be the prime of life,' observed Miss Tox.
“也就是说到了精力充沛的壮年,”托克斯小姐说。
'You will then,' pursued Mrs Chick, gently squeezing Miss Tox's hand in acknowledgment of her friendly remark, 'you will then know that all grief is unavailing, and that it is our duty to submit.'
“那时候你就会知道,”奇克夫人说,一边轻轻地捏了一下托克斯小姐的手,对她友好的讲话表示感谢,“悲痛是无益的,我们的本分是听天由命。”
'I will try, dear aunt I do try,' answered Florence, sobbing.
“我将努力这样去做,亲爱的姑妈,我是这样努力的。”弗洛伦斯抽泣着说。
'I am glad to hear it,' said Mrs Chick, 'because; my love, as our dear Miss Tox —of whose sound sense and excellent judgment, there cannot possibly be two opinions —'
“我很高兴听到你这么说,”奇克夫人说,“因为我亲爱的,正如我们亲爱的托克斯小姐——对于她正确的见解和卓越的判断是不可能有异议的——”
'My dear Louisa, I shall really be proud, soon,' said Miss Tox
“我亲爱的路易莎,说实在的,我立刻就要骄傲起来了。”
—'will tell you, and confirm by her experience,' pursued Mrs Chick, 'we are called upon on all occasions to make an effort It is required of us. If any —my dear,' turning to Miss Tox, 'I want a word. Mis—Mis-'
“正如我们亲爱的托克斯小姐将会告诉你,并且用她的经验来证实的那样,”奇克夫人继续说道,“在任何情况下都要求我们作出努力。要求我们这样做。如果有什么厌——我亲爱的,”她向托克斯小姐说,“我忘了这个词。厌——厌——”
'Demeanour?' suggested Miss Tox.
“厌倦,”托克斯小姐提示说。
'No, no, no,' said Mrs Chic 'How can you! Goodness me, it's on, the end of my tongue. Mis-'
“不是,不是,不是,”奇克夫人说,“你怎么会想出这个词呢!天呀,它已经到了我的嘴边了。厌——”