曼斯菲尔德庄园 Chapter 35

CHAPTER XXXV ,Edmund had determined ¹ that it belonged entirely ² to Fanny to chuse whether her situation with regard to Crawford should be mentioned between them or not; and that if she did not lead the way, it should never be touched on by him; but after a day or two of mutual ³ reserve, he was induced by his father to change his mind, and try what his influence might do for his friend. ,A day, and a very early day, was actually fixed ⁴ for the Crawfords' departure; and Sir Thomas thought it might be as well to make one more effort for the young man before he left Mansfield, that all his professions and vows ⁵ of unshaken attachment ⁶ might have as much hope to sustain them as possible. ,Sir Thomas was most cordially anxious for the perfection of Mr. Crawford's character in that point. He wished him to be a model of constancy; and fancied the best means of effecting it would be by not trying him too long. ,Edmund was not unwilling ⁷ to be persuaded to engage in the business; he wanted to know Fanny's feelings. She had been used to consult him in every difficulty, and he loved her too well to bear to be denied her confidence now; he hoped to be of service to her, he thought he must be of service to her; whom else had she to open her heart to? If she did not need counsel, she must need the comfort of communication. Fanny estranged ⁸ from him, silent and reserved, was an unnatural ⁹ state of things; a state which he must break through, and which he could easily learn to think she was wanting him to break through. ,"I will speak to her, sir: I will take the first opportunity of speaking to her alone," was the result of such thoughts as these; and upon Sir Thomas's information of her being at that very time walking alone in the shrubbery, he instantly joined her. ,She assented ¹⁰ to it all rather by look than word. Her spirits were low. ,"But, Fanny," he presently added, "in order to have a comfortable walk, something more is necessary than merely pacing this gravel ¹¹ together. You must talk to me. I know you have something on your mind. I know what you are thinking of. You cannot suppose me uninformed. Am I to hear of it from everybody but Fanny herself?" ,Fanny, at once agitated ¹² and dejected, replied, "If you hear of it from everybody, cousin, there can be nothing for me to tell." ,"Not of facts, perhaps; but of feelings, Fanny. No one but you can tell me them. I do not mean to press you, however. If it is not what you wish yourself, I have done. I had thought it might be a relief." ,"I am afraid we think too differently for me to find any relief in talking of what I feel." ,He determined to view the rooms behind the office.他决定查看一下办公室后面的房间。,The fire was entirely caused by their neglect of duty. 那场火灾完全是由于他们失职而引起的 。