Laurie lay luxuriously swinging to and fro in his hammock one warm September afternoon, wondering what his neighbours were about, but too lazy to go and find out. He was in one of his moods; for the day had been both unprofitable and unsatisfactory, and he was wishing he could live it over again. The hot weather made him indolent, and he had shirked his studies, tried Mr. Brooke’s patience to the utmost, displeased his grandfather by practising half the afternoon, frightened the maid-servants half out of their wits by mischievously hinting that one of his dogs was going mad, and, after high words with the stableman about some fancied neglect of his horse, he had flung himself into his hammock, to fume over the stupidity of the world in general, till the peace of the lovely day quieted him in spite of himself. Staring up into the green gloom of the horse-chestnut trees above him, he dreamed dreams of all sorts, and was just imagining himself tossing on the ocean, in a voyage round the world, when the sound of voices brought him ashore in a flash. Peeping through the meshes of his hammock, he saw the Marches coming out, as if bound on some expedition.
What in the world are those girls about now?’ thought Laurie, opening his sleepy eyes to take a good look, for there was something rather peculiar in the appearance of his neighbours. Each wore a large, flapping hat, a brown linen pouch slung over one shoulder, and carried a long staff. Meg had a cushion, Jo a book, Beth a basket, and Amy a portfolio. All walked quietly through the garden, out at the little back gate, and began to climb the hill that lay between the house and the river.
Well, that’s cool!’ said Laurie to himself, `to have a picnic and never ask me. They can’t be going in the boat, for they haven’t got the key. Perhaps they forgot it; I’ll take it to them, and see what’s going on.’
Though possessed of half a dozen hats, it took him some time to find one; then there was a hunt for the key, which was at last discovered in his pocket; so that the girls were quite out of sight when he leaped the fence and ran after them.
Taking the shortest way to the boathouse, he waited for them to appear: but no one came, and he went up the hill to take an observation. A group of pines covered one part of it, and from the heart of this green spot came a clearer sound than the soft sigh of the pines or the drowsy chirp of the crickets.
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“风景这边独好!”劳里暗自说了一句。他从灌木丛中偷偷一看,顿时睡意全无,心神畅快。
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Here’s a landscape!’ thought Laurie, peeping through the bushes, and looking wide awake and good-natured already.
It was rather a pretty little picture; for the sisters sat together in the shady nook, with sun and shadow flickering over them, the aromatic wind lifting their hair and cooling their hot cheeks, and all the little wood-people going on with their affairs, as if these were no strangers, but old friends. Meg sat upon her cushion, sewing daintily with her white hands, and looking as fresh and as sweet as a rose, in her pink dress among the green. Beth was sorting the cones that lay thick under the hemlock near by, for she made pretty things of them. Amy was sketching a group of ferns, and Jo was knitting as she read aloud. A shadow passed over the boy’s face as he watched them, feeling that he ought to go away, because uninvited; yet lingering, because home seemed very lonely, and this quiet party in the woods most attractive to his restless spirit. He stood so still that a squirrel, busy with its harvesting, ran down a pine close beside him, saw him suddenly and skipped back, scolding so shrilly that Beth looked up, espied the wistful face behind the birches, and beckoned with a reassuring smile.
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“请问我可以过来吗?会不会令人讨厌?”他问,慢慢走过来。
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8
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May I come in, please? or shall I be a bother?’ he asked, advancing slowly.
Meg lifted her eyebrows, but Jo scowled at her defiantly, and said at once, `Of course you may. We should have asked you before, only we thought you wouldn’t care for such a girl’s game as this.’
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10
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“我一向喜欢你们的游戏;但如果梅格不愿意我来,那我就走开。”
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I always liked your games; but if Meg doesn’t want me, I’ll go away.’
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“我不反对,如果你干点活儿的话,懒惰是违反这里的规矩的,”梅格严肃而又不失优雅地回答。
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I’ve no objection, if you do something; it’s against the rules to be idle here,’ replied Meg, gravely but graciously.
Much obliged; I’ll do anything if you’ll let me stop a bit, for it’s as dull as the Desert of Sahara down there. Shall I sew, read, cone, draw, or do all at once? Bring on your bears; I’m ready,’ and Laurie sat down, with a submissive expression delightful to behold.
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“趁我弄鞋的当儿把这个故事念完吧,”乔说着把书递给他。
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Finish this story while I set my heel,’ said Jo, handing him the book.
You can’t keep a secret. Never mind; it saves trouble now.’ `Go on, please,’ said Laurie, as Jo became absorbed in her work, looking a trifle displeased.
Oh, didn’t she tell you about this new plan of ours? Well, we have tried not to waste our holiday, but each has had a task, and worked at it with a will. The vacation is nearly over, the stints are all done, and we are ever so glad that we didn’t dawdle.’
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29
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“不错,做得不错。”劳里想到自己无所事事地打发日子,十分后悔。
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Yes, I should think so’; and Laurie thought regretfully of his own idle ways.
Mother likes to have us out of doors as much as possible; so we bring our work here, and have nice times. For the fun of it we bring our things in these bags, wear the old hats, use poles to climb the hill, and play pilgrims, as we used to do years ago. We call this hill the "Delectable Mountain", for we can look far away and see the country where we hope to live some time.’
Jo pointed, and Laurie sat up to examine; for through an opening in the wood one could look across the wide blue river, the meadows on the other side, far over the outskirts of the great city, to the green hills that rose to meet the sky. The sun was low, and the heavens glowed with the splendour of an autumn sunset. Gold and purple clouds lay on the hilltops; and rising high into the ruddy light were silvery white peaks, that shone like the airy spires of some Celestial City.
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“真美!”劳里轻声赞叹。他对美的感受能力十分敏锐。
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How beautiful that is!’ said Laurie, softly, for he was quick to see and feel beauty of any kind.
Jo talks about the country where we hope to live some time - the real country, she means, with pigs and chickens and haymaking. It would be nice, but I wish the beautiful country up there was real, and we could ever go to it,’ said Beth, musingly.
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35
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“还有一个比这更美好的地方,我们什么时候积满了德行,就可以进去,”梅格柔声说道。
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There is a lovelier country even than that, where we shall go by and by, when we are good enough,’ answered Meg, with her sweet voice.
You’ll get there, Beth, sooner or later; no fear of that,’ said Jo; `I’m the one that will have to fight and work, and climb and wait, and maybe never get in after all.’
You’ll have me for company, if that’s any comfort. I shall have to do a deal of travelling before I come in sight of your Celestial City. If I arrive late, you’ll say a good word for me, won’t you, Beth?’
Something in the boy’s face troubled his little friend; but she said cheerfully, with her quiet eyes on the changing clouds, `If people really want to go, and really try all their lives, I think they will get in; for I don’t believe there are any locks on that door, or any guards at the gate. I always imagine it is as it is in the picture, where the shining ones stretch out their hands to welcome poor Christian, as he comes up from the river.’
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40
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“如果我们营造的空中楼阁都能成真,而且我们可以住进里头,那不是很有趣吗?”沉默一会之后,乔说道。
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Wouldn’t it be fun if all the castles in the air which we make could come true, and we could live in them?’ said Jo, after a little pause.
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“我的楼阁多得数也数不清,选一个还真难,”劳里平躺在地上说,一面向暴露了他的那只松鼠扔松果。
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I’ve made such quantities it would be hard to choose which I’d have,’ said Laurie, lying flat, and throwing cones at the squirrel who had betrayed him.
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“你得选最喜欢的一个。是什么呢?”梅格问。
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42
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You’d have to take your favourite one. What is it?’ asked Meg.
After I’d seen as much of the world as I want to, I’d like to settle in Germany, and have just as much music as I choose. I’m to be a famous musician myself, and all creation is to rush to hear me; and I’m never to be bothered about money or business, but just enjoy myself, and live for what I like. That’s my favourite castle. What’s yours, Meg?’
Margaret seemed to find it a little hard to tell hers, and waved a brake before her face, as if to disperse imaginary gnats, while she said slowly, `I should like a lovely house, full of all sorts of luxurious things - nice food, pretty clothes, handsome furniture, pleasant people, and heaps of money. I am to be mistress of it, and manage it as I like, with plenty of servants, so I never need work a bit. How I should enjoy it! for I wouldn’t be idle, but do good and make everyone love me dearly.’
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“你的空中楼阁里不要一个男主人么?”劳里狡黠地问。
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Wouldn’t you have a master for your castle in the air?’ asked Laurie, slyly.
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“我说了-合心意的人-,你知道,”梅格一面说一面十分仔细地绑好鞋带,免得大家看到她的脸孔。
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I said "pleasant people", you know’; and Meg carefully tied up her shoe as she spoke, so that no one saw her face.
Why don’t you say you’d have a splendid, wise, good husband, and some angelic little children? You know your castle wouldn’t be perfect without,’ said blunt Jo, who had no tender fancies yet, and rather scorned romance, except in books.
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“你就只会要马匹、墨水台和小说,”梅格生气地回击。
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You’d have nothing but horses, inkstands, and novels in yours,’ answered Meg, petulantly.
Wouldn’t I, though? I’d have a stable full of Arabian steeds, rooms piled with books, and I’d write out of a magic inkstand, so that my works should be as famous as Laurie’s music. I want to do something splendid before I go into my castle - something heroic or wonderful, that won’t be forgotten after I’m dead. I don’t know what, but I’m on the watch for it, and mean to astonish you all some day. I think I shall write books, and get rich and famous: that would suit me, so that is my favourite dream.’
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“我的梦想是和爸爸妈妈平安呆在家里,帮忙料理家务,”贝思满足地说。
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Mine is to stay at home safe with Father and Mother, and help take care of the family,’ said Beth, contentedly.
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“你不想要其他什么吗?”劳里问。
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Don’t you wish for anything else?’ asked Laurie.
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“我有自己的小钢琴便已十分满足。我只求我们能够平平安安,常在一起,再没别的。”
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Since I had my little piano, I am perfectly satisfied. I only wish we may all keep well and be together; nothing else.’
I have ever so many wishes, but the pet one is to be an artist, and go to Rome, and do fine pictures, and be the best artist in the whole world,’ was Amy’s modest desire.
We’re an ambitious set, aren’t we? Every one of us, but Beth, wants to be rich and famous, and gorgeous in every respect. I do wonder if any of us will ever get our wishes,’ said Laurie, chewing grass, like a meditative calf.
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“我已经有打开空中楼阁的钥匙,但能不能把门打开要等将来才能见分晓,”乔神秘兮兮地说。
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I’ve got the key to my castle in the air; but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen,’ observed Jo, mysteriously.
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“我也有开门的钥匙,但可恨不能自由使用。该死的大学!”劳里不耐烦地叹了一口气,咕哝道。
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`I’ve got the key to mine, but I’m not allowed to try it. Hang college!’ muttered Laurie, with an impatient sigh.
Wait and see if it doesn’t bring you something worth having,’ replied the boy, laughing at the thought of a charming little secret which he fancied he knew.
Meg coloured behind the brake, but asked no questions, and looked across the river with the same expectant expression which Mr. Brooke had worn when he told the story of the knight.
If we are all alive ten years hence, let’s meet, and see how many of us have got our wishes, or how much nearer we are then than now,’ said Jo, always ready with a plan.
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“啊约!我那时都要老掉牙了――二十七岁!”梅格叫起来。她虽然年方十七,却觉得自己已经长大成人。
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Bless me! how old I shall be - twenty-seven!’ exclaimed Meg, who felt grown up already, having just reached seventeen.
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70
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“我和你是二十六岁,特迪。贝思二十四,艾美二十二。真是个大团体!”乔说。
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70
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You and I will be twenty-six, Teddy, Beth twenty-four, and Amy twenty-two. What a venerable party!’ said Jo.
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71
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“我希望到那时能做出一点引以为荣的成绩,但我是条大懒虫,只怕会-虚郑(掷)光阴-呢,乔。”
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I hope I shall have done something to be proud of by that time; but I’m such a lazy dog, I’m afraid I shall "dawdle", Jo.’
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“你需要一个动力,妈妈说,一旦有了动力,你肯定就会干得十分出色。”
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72
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You need a motive, Mother says; and when you get it she is sure you’ll work splendidly.’
Is she? By Jupiter! I will, if I only get the chance!’ cried Laurie, sitting up with sudden energy. `I ought to be satisfied to please Grandfather, and I do try, but it’s working against the grain, you see, and comes hard. He wants me to be an India merchant, as he was, and I’d rather be shot. I hate tea and silk and spices, and every sort of rubbish his old ships bring, and I don’t care how soon they go to the bottom when I own them. Going to college ought to satisfy him, for if I give him four years he ought to let me off from business; but he’s set, and I’ve got to do just as he did, unless I break away and please myself, as my father did. If there was anyone left to stay with the old gentleman, I’d do it tomorrow.’
Laurie spoke excitedly, and looked ready to carry his threat into execution on the slightest provocation; for he was growing up very fast, and, in spite of his indolent ways, had a young man’s hatred of subjection, a young man’s restless longing to try the world for himself.
I advise you to sail away in one of your ships, and never come home again till you have tried your own way,’ said Jo, whose imagination was fired by the thought of such a daring exploit, and whose sympathy was excited by what she called `Teddy’s wrongs’.
That’s not right, Jo; you mustn’t talk in that way, and Laurie mustn’t take your bad advice.’You should do just what your grandfather wishes, my dear boy,’ said Meg, in her most maternal tone. `Do your best at college, and when he sees that you try to please him, I’m sure he won’t be hard or unjust to you. As you say, there is no one else to stay with and love him, and you’d never forgive yourself if you left him without his permission. Don’t be dismal, or fret, but do your duty; and you’ll get your reward, as good Mr. Brooke has, by being respected and loved.’
What do you know about him?’ asked Laurie, grateful for the good advice, but objecting to the lecture, and glad to turn the conversation from himself, after his unusual outbreak.
Only what your grandpa told us about him - how he took good care of his own mother till she died, and wouldn’t go abroad as tutor to some nice person, because he wouldn’t leave her; and how he provides now for an old woman who nursed his mother; and never tells anyone, but is just as generous and patient and good as he can be.’
So he is, dear old fellow!’ said Laurie, heartily, as Meg paused, looking flushed and earnest with her story. `It’s like Grandpa to find out all about him without letting him know, and to tell all his goodness to others, so that they might like him. Brooke couldn’t understand why your mother was so kind to him, asking him over with me, and treating him in her beautiful, friendly way. He thought she was just perfect, and talked about it for days and days, and went on about you all in flaming style. If ever I get my wish, you see what I’ll do for Brooke.’
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80
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“不如从现在做起,不要再把他气得七窍生烟,”梅格尖刻地说。
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80
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Begin to do something now, by not plaguing his life out,’ said Meg, sharply.
I can always tell by his face when he goes away. If you have been good, he looks satisfied and walks briskly; if you have plagued him, he’s sober and walks slowly, as if he wanted to go back and do his work better.’
Well, I like that! So you keep an account of my good and bad marks in Brooke’s face, do you! I see him bow and smile as he passes your window, but I didn’t know you’d got up a telegraph.’
We haven’t; don’t be angry, and oh, don’t tell him I said anything! It was only to show that I cared how you get on, and what is said here is said in confidence, you know,’ cried Meg, much alarmed at the thought of what might follow from her careless speech.
I don’t tell tales,’ replied Laurie, with his `high and mighty’ air, as Jo called a certain expression which he occasionally wore, `only, if Brooke is going to be a barometer, I must mind and have fair weather for him to report.’
Please don’t be offended. I didn’t mean to preach or tell tales or be silly; I only thought Jo was encouraging you in a feeling which you’d be sorry for by and by. You are so kind to us, we feel as if you were our brother, and say just what we think. Forgive me. I meant it kindly.’ And Meg offered her hand with a gesture both affectionate and timid.
Ashamed of his momentary pique, Laurie squeezed the kind little hand, and said frankly, `I’m the one to be forgiven; I’m cross, and have been out of sorts all day. I like to have you tell me my faults and be sisterly, so don’t mind if I am grumpy sometimes; I thank you all the same.’
Bent on showing that he was not offended, he made himself as agreeable as possible - wound cotton for Meg, recited poetry to please Jo, shook down cones for Beth, and helped Amy with her ferns, proving himself a fit person to belong to the `Busy Bee Society’. In the midst of an animated discussion on the domestic habits of turtles (one of those amiable creatures having strolled up from the river), the faint sound of a bell warned them that Hannah had put the tea `to draw’, and they would just have time to get home to supper.
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89
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“我可以再来吗?”劳里问。
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89
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May I come again?’ asked Laurie.
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90
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“可以,但你要听话,并要热爱读书,就像识字课本里要求孩子们所做的那样,“梅格微笑说。
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Yes, if you are good, and love your book, as the boys in the primer are told to do,’ said Meg, smiling.
Then you may come, and I’ll teach you to knit as the Scotchmen do; there’s a demand for socks just now,’ added Jo, waving hers, like a big, blue worsted banner, as they parted at the gate.
That night, when Beth played to Mr. Laurence in the twilight, Laurie, standing in the shadow of the curtain, listened to the little David, whose simple music always quieted his moody spirit, and watched the old man, who sat with his grey head on his hand, thinking tender thoughts of the dead child he had loved so much. Remembering the conversation of the afternoon, the boy said to himself, with the resolve to make the sacrifice cheerfully, `I’ll let my castle go, and stay with the dear old gentleman while he needs me, for I am all he has.’