曼斯菲尔德庄园 Chapter 25

CHAPTER XXV ,The intercourse ¹ of the two families was at this period more nearly restored to what it had been in the autumn, than any member of the old intimacy ² had thought ever likely to be again. The return of Henry Crawford, and the arrival of William Price, had much to do with it, but much was still owing to Sir Thomas's more than toleration of the neighbourly attempts at the Parsonage. His mind, now disengaged from the cares which had pressed on him at first, was at leisure to find the Grants and their young inmates ³ really worth visiting; and though infinitely ⁴ above scheming or contriving ⁵ for any the most advantageous ⁶ matrimonial establishment that could be among the apparent possibilities of any one most dear to him, and disdaining ⁷ even as a littleness the being quick-sighted on such points, he could not avoid perceiving, in a grand and careless way, that Mr. Crawford was somewhat distinguishing his niece-- nor perhaps refrain (though unconsciously) from giving a more willing assent ⁸ to invitations on that account. ,His readiness, however, in agreeing to dine at the Parsonage, when the general invitation was at last hazarded, after many debates and many doubts as to whether it were worth while, "because Sir Thomas seemed so ill inclined, and Lady Bertram was so indolent!" proceeded from good-breeding and goodwill ⁹ alone, and had nothing to do with Mr. Crawford, but as being one in an agreeable group: for it was in the course of that very visit that he first began to think that any one in the habit of such idle observations _would_ _have_ _thought_ that Mr. Crawford was the admirer of Fanny Price. ,The meeting was generally felt to be a pleasant one, being composed in a good proportion of those who would talk and those who would listen; and the dinner itself was elegant and plentiful ¹⁰, according to the usual style of the Grants, and too much according to the usual habits of all to raise any emotion except in Mrs. Norris, who could never behold ¹¹ either the wide table or the number of dishes on it with patience, and who did always contrive ¹² to experience some evil from the passing of the servants behind her chair, and to bring away some fresh conviction of its being impossible among so many dishes but that some must be cold. ,In the evening it was found, according to the predetermination of Mrs. Grant and her sister, that after making up the whist-table there would remain sufficient for a round game, and everybody being as perfectly ¹³ complying and without a choice as on such occasions they always are, speculation ¹⁴ was decided ¹⁵ on almost as soon as whist; and Lady Bertram soon found herself in the critical situation of being applied ¹⁶ to for her own choice between the games, and being required either to draw a card for whist or not. She hesitated. Luckily Sir Thomas was at hand. ,"What shall I do, Sir Thomas? Whist and speculation; which will amuse me most?" ,"Very well," was her ladyship's contented ¹⁷ answer; "then speculation, if you please, Mrs. Grant. I know nothing about it, but Fanny must teach me." ,Here Fanny interposed, however, with anxious protestations of her own equal ignorance; she had never played the game nor seen it played in her life; and Lady Bertram felt a moment's indecision again; but upon everybody's assuring her that nothing could be so easy, that it was the easiest game on the cards, and Henry Crawford's stepping forward with a most earnest request to be allowed to sit between her ladyship and Miss Price, and teach them both, it was so settled; and Sir Thomas, Mrs. Norris, and Dr. and Mrs. Grant being seated at the table of prime intellectual state and dignity, the remaining six, under Miss Crawford's direction, were arranged round the other. It was a fine arrangement for Henry Crawford, who was close to Fanny, and with his hands full of business, having two persons' cards to manage as well as his own; for though it was impossible for Fanny not to feel herself mistress of the rules of the game in three minutes, he had yet to inspirit her play, sharpen her avarice ¹⁸, and harden her heart, which, especially in any competition with William, was a work of some difficulty; and as for Lady Bertram, he must continue in charge of all her fame and fortune through the whole evening; and if quick enough to keep her from looking at her cards when the deal began, must direct her in whatever was to be done with them to the end of it. ,He was in high spirits, doing everything with happy ease, and preeminent ¹⁹ in all the lively turns, quick resources, and playful impudence ²⁰ that could do honour to the game; and the round table was altogether a very comfortable contrast to the steady sobriety and orderly silence of the other. ,Twice had Sir Thomas inquired into the enjoyment ²¹ and success of his lady, but in vain; no pause was long enough for the time his measured manner needed; and very little of her state could be known till Mrs. Grant was able, at the end of the first rubber, to go to her and pay her compliments. ,"I hope your ladyship is pleased with the game." ,There was close intercourse between them.他们过往很密。,His claims to an intimacy with the President are somewhat exaggerated.他声称自己与总统关系密切，这有点言过其实 。