As spring came on, a new set of amusements became the fashion, and the lengthening days gave long afternoons for work and play of all sorts. —
随着春天的到来,一系列新的娱乐方式流行起来,白天变长,给了很长的下午来做各种工作和玩乐。 —

The garden had to be put in order, and each sister had a quarter of the little plot to do what she liked with. —
花园需要整理,每个姐妹都有四分之一的小地块可以随心所欲地处理。 —

Hannah used to say, ‘I’d know which each of them gardings belonged to, ef I see ‘em in Chiny’; —
汉娜常说:“如果我在中国看到它们,我会知道它们分别属于哪个姑娘的花园。” —

and so she might, for the girls’ tastes differed as much as their characters. —
她可能是对的,因为姐妹们的口味和性格都不同。 —

Meg’s had roses and heliotrope, myrtle, and a little orange tree in it. —
梅格的花园里有玫瑰、天人菊、桂花和一棵小橙树。 —

Jo’s bed was never alike two seasons, for she was always trying experiments; —
乔的花坛从不相同。因为她总是试验各种不同的植物。 —

this year it was to be a plantation of sunflowers, the seeds of which cheerful and aspiring plant were to feed ‘Aunt Cockle-top’ and her family of chicks. —
今年她打算种植一片向日葵,这种愉快而向上的植物的种子将用于喂养“阿姨鸡妈妈”及其一家小鸡。 —

Beth had old-fashioned, fragrant flowers in her garden - sweet peas and mignonette, larkspur, pinks, pansies, and southernwood, with chickweed for the bird, and catnip for the pussies. —
贝丝的花园里有老式的芬芳花卉 - 甜豌豆和麝香草、骆驼脚、康乃馨、三色堇和南方木质花,还有鸟儿喜欢吃的马齿苋和猫儿爱吃的猫薄荷。 —

Amy had a bower in hers - rather small and earwiggy, but very pretty to look at - with honeysuckles and morning-glories hanging their coloured horns and bells in graceful wreaths all over it; —
艾米的花架上有一个小而多蛀虫的花架,但非常漂亮,有金银花和牵牛花挂着各种颜色的喇叭和钟状的装饰; —

tall white lilies, delicate ferns, and as many brilliant, picturesque plants as would consent to blossom there.
高高的百合花、精致的蕨类植物和尽可能多的鲜艳、风景如画的植物都同意在那里开花。

Gardening, walks, rows on the river, and flower-hunts employed the fine days; —
花园、步行、船划和寻花活动都占据了好天气的日子; —

and for rainy ones they had house diversions, some old, some new - all more or less original. —
而对于下雨天,她们有一些家庭娱乐活动,有些是新的,有些是旧的——全部都是或多或少原创的。 —

One of these was the ‘P.C.’; —
其中一个是“P.C.”; —

for, as secret societies were the fashion, it was thought proper to have one; —
因为秘密社团风行,所以认为应该有一个; —

and, as all of the girls admired Dickens, they called themselves the Pickwick Club. With a few interruptions, they had kept this up for a year, and met every Saturday evening in the big garret, on which occasions the ceremonies were as follows: —
由于所有的女孩都喜欢狄更斯,她们把自己称为皮克威克俱乐部。除了一些打断,她们保持了这个俱乐部一年了,每个星期六晚上都在大阁楼上见面,仪式如下: —

Three chairs were arranged in a row before a table, on which was a lamp, also four white badges, with a big “P.C.” in different colours on each, and the weekly newspaper, called The Pickwick Portfolio, to which all contributed something; —
三把椅子摆放在一张桌子前面,桌子上有一盏灯,还有四个白色徽章,每个徽章上有不同颜色的大号“P.C.”字样,还有一份周报纸,名叫《皮克威克选集》,所有人都会有所贡献; —

while Jo, who revelled in pens and ink, was the editor. —
而乔,热衷于笔和墨水,是编辑。 —

At seven o’clock the four members ascended to the club room, tied their badges round their heads, and took their seats with great solemnity. —
七点钟时,四个成员上楼到了俱乐部会议室,将徽章系在头上,庄重地坐下。 —

Meg, as the eldest, was Samuel Pickwick; Jo, being of a literary turn, Augustus Snodgrass; Beth, because she was round and rosy, Tracy Tupman; —
作为最年长的,梅格扮演塞缪尔·皮克威克;热爱文学的乔扮演奥古斯都·斯诺格拉斯;因为圆圆胖胖红扑扑的样子,贝丝扮演特雷西·图普曼; —

and Amy, who was always trying to do what she couldn’t, was Nathaniel Winkle. —
而一直试图做自己做不到的事情的艾米扮演纳撒尼尔·温克尔。 —

Pickwick, the president, read the paper, which was filled with original tales, poetry, local news, funny advertisements, and hints, in which they good-naturedly reminded each other of their faults and shortcomings. —
作为主席的皮克威克读报纸,报纸中充满了原创故事、诗歌、本地新闻、有趣的广告以及一些暗示,他们友好地提醒彼此的缺点和不足之处。 —

On one occasion Mr. Pickwick put on a pair of spectacles without any glasses, rapped upon the table, hemmed, and, having stared hard at Mr. Snodgrass, who was tilting back in his chair till he arranged himself properly, began to read:
在某个场合,皮克威克先生戴上了一副没有眼镜的眼镜,敲打了桌子,清了清嗓子,然后盯着斯诺格拉斯先生,他正倚在椅子上,直到他恢复了正常的姿势,开始阅读:

THE PICKWICK PORTFOLIO
《皮克威克的作品集》

MAY 20, 18——
18——年5月20日

Poet’s Corner.
诗人角落

ANNIVERSARY ODE.
周年纪念颂歌

Again we meet to celebrate, With badge and solemn rite, Our fifty-second anniversary,
我们再次相聚,庆祝第52个周年,佩戴着标志和庄重的仪式,在皮克威克大厅的今晚。我们都身体健康,没有一个人离开我们小小的团队;

In Pickwick Hall, to-night. —
我们再次见到了每一张熟悉的面孔, —

We all are here in perfect health, None gone from our small band; —
并握住了每一只友好的手。 —

Again we see each well-known face, And press each friendly hand.
我们的皮克威克,总是履行职责,我们对他表示敬意,他戴着眼镜在读着我们装满文字的每周报纸。

Our Pickwick, always at his post, With reverence we greet, As, spectacles on nose, he reads Our well-filled weekly sheet.
尽管他患了一场感冒,我们很高兴听他说话,因为他的智慧之言,无论是喘息还是尖叫,都能传递出来。

Although he suffers from a cold, We joy to hear him speak, For words of wisdom from him fall, In spite of croak or squeak.
6英尺高的斯诺格拉斯先生高大地现身,带着象一般的优雅,他用棕色和欢乐的面孔朝着大家微笑。

Old six-foot Snodgrass looms on high With elephantine grace, And beams upon the company With brown and jovial face.

Poetic fire lights up his eye, He struggles ‘gainst his lot Behold ambition on his brow, And on his nose a blot!
他眼中燃起着诗意的火焰,他与命运斗争。瞧!他额头上的雄心壮志,他的鼻子上却有个瑕疵!

Next our peaceful Tupman comes, So rosy, plump, and sweet, Who chokes with laughter at the puns, And tumbles off his seat.
接下来是我们平和的图普曼,他红润、丰满而甜美,对俏皮话笑个不停,结果从座位上摔了下来。

Prim little Winkle too is here, With every hair in place, A model of propriety, Though he hates to wash his face.
还有一位正派的温克尔小伙子,每一根头发都整整齐齐,是端庄的模范,尽管憎恶洗脸。

The year is gone, we still unite To joke and laugh and read, And tread the path of literature That doth to glory lead.
一年过去了,我们仍然团结一致,共同开怀畅笑,阅读文学之路,通往光荣。

Long may our paper prosper well, Our club unbroken be, And coming years their blessings pour On the useful gay “P.C.”
愿我们的报纸蒸蒸日上,我们的俱乐部不破裂,未来岁月将倾注祝福在这个有用又欢乐的“P.C.”上。

A. SNODGRASS
A.斯诺格拉斯

THE MASKED MARRIAGE.
那盖了面纱的婚姻。

A TALE OF VENICE
威尼斯的故事。

Gondola after gondola swept up to the marble steps, and left its lovely load to swell the brilliant throng that filled the stately halls of Count de Adelon. —
一艘又一艘帆船驶向大理石台阶,将迷人的负载留下,膨胀成装点华丽的贵族厅堂里的熙熙攘攘的人群。 —

Knights and ladies, elves and pages, monks and flower-girls, all mingled gaily in the dance. —
骑士和女士、小精灵和侍从、修士和花女,热闹地混杂在舞会上。 —

Sweet voices and rich melody filled the air; —
甜美的声音和悠扬的旋律充斥着空气。 —

and so with mirth and music the masquerade went on.
于是,欢笑和音乐交织,舞会继续下去。

‘Has your Highness seen the Lady Viola tonight?’ asked a gallant troubadour of the fairy queen who floated down the hall upon his arm.
“尊贵的殿下,您是否见过今晚的维奥拉夫人?”一个风度翩翩的吟游诗人问着那位仙后,在他的臂弯中飘然而下大厅。

‘Yes; is she not lovely, though so sad? —
“是的,她不仅美丽,而且悲伤。 —

Her dress is well chosen, too, for in a week she weds Count Antonio, whom she passionately hates.’
她的服饰也选得很好,因为她将在一周后与她深恶痛绝的安东尼奥伯爵成婚。”

‘By my faith, I envy him. —
“呵呵,我真羡慕他。看, —

Yonder he comes arrayed like a bridegroom, except the black mask. —
他穿着新郎般的装束走来,只是没有戴上黑色面具。” —

When that is off we shall see how he regards the fair maid whose heart he cannot win, though her stern father bestows her hand,’ returned the troubadour.
“当这一切结束后,我们将看到他对待那位他无法赢得芳心的美丽少女的态度,尽管她严厉的父亲把她嫁给了他,” 吟游诗人回答道。

“Tis whispered that she loves the young English artist who haunts her steps, and is spurned by the old count,’ said the lady, as they joined the dance.
“有传闻说她爱上了那位经常跟随她的年轻英国艺术家,而被那位年老的伯爵所拒绝,” 女士说道,他们加入了舞蹈。

The revel was at its height when a priest appeared, and, withdrawing the young pair to an alcove hung with purple velvet, he motioned them to kneel. —
派对正处于最高潮时,一位牧师出现了,将年轻的新婚夫妇带到了一间挂着紫色天鹅绒的隔间,示意他们跪下。 —

Instant silence fell upon the gay throng; and not a sound, but the dash of fountains or the rustle of orange-groves sleeping in the moonlight, broke the hush, as Count de Adelon spoke thus——
欢乐的人群立刻陷入了寂静;只有喷泉的声音或是月光下静谧的橙树丛沙沙作响,打破了这种安静,伯爵德阿德隆这样说道——

‘My lords and ladies, pardon the ruse by which I have gathered you here to witness the marriage of my daughter. —
“诸位贵族和女士们,请原谅我利用诡计将你们聚集在这里,见证我女儿的婚礼。神父, —

Father we wait your services.’
我们等待您的服务。”

All eyes turned toward the bridal party, and a low murmur of amazement went through the throng, for neither bride nor groom removed their masks. —
所有的目光都转向了新婚礼物,一阵惊讶的低语传遍了人群,因为新娘和新郎都没有摘下面具。 —

Curiosity and wonder possessed all hearts, but respect restrained all tongues till the holy rite was over. —
好奇心和惊奇占据了所有人的心,但尊重控制住了所有人的舌头,直到神圣的仪式结束。 —

Then the eager spectators gathered round the count, demanding an explanation.
然后,急切的观众们围着伯爵,要求他解释。

‘Gladly would I give it if I could; —
‘如果我知道我会很乐意告诉你们的。 —

but I only know that it was the whim of my timid Viola, and I yielded to it. —
但我只知道这是我胆怯的维奥拉的突发奇想,而且我答应了她。 —

Now, my children, let the play end. —
现在,我的孩子们,让我们结束这个游戏。 —

Unmask, and receive my blessing.’
揭下面具,接受我的祝福。

But neither bent the knee; for the young bridegroom replied, in a tone that startled all listeners, as the mask fell, disclosing the noble face of Ferdinand Devereux, the artist lover; —
但是两人都没有跪下;就在面具掉落的一瞬间,揭示了画家恋人费迪南德·德维鲁克斯的高贵面容; —

and, leaning on the breast where now flashed the star of an English earl, was the lovely Viola, radiant with joy and beauty.
而且,依偎在现在闪耀着英国伯爵之星的胸前的是可爱的维奥拉,充满了喜悦和美丽。

‘My lord, you scornfully bade me claim your daughter when I could boast as high a name and vast a fortune as the Count Antonio. —
‘我的贵族,当我拥有与安东尼奥伯爵一样高贵的名字和庞大的财富时,你曾轻蔑地叫我来要你的女儿。 —

I can do more; —
我能做得更多。’ —

for even your ambitious soul cannot refuse the Earl of Devereux and De Vere, when he gives his ancient name and boundless wealth in return for the beloved hand of this fair lady now my wife.’
即使你雄心勃勃的灵魂也无法拒绝德弗鲁伊伊尔爵士,当他以他古老的名字和无尽的财富换取我妻子这位美丽女子的手时。

The count stood like one changed to stone; and, turning to the bewildered crowd, Ferdinand added, with a gay smile of triumph,
伯爵站在那里,像一座变成石头的雕像;转向迷惑的人群,费迪南德得意洋洋地补充道,

“To you, my gallant friends, I can only wish that your wooing may prosper as mine has done; —
“对于你们,我勇敢的朋友们,我只能祝愿你们的求爱能如同我的一样顺利; —

and that you may all win as fair a bride as I have by this masked marriage.”
希望你们都能得到一位像我通过这次匿名婚姻获得的一样美丽的新娘。”

S. PICKWICK.
S. 皮克威克。

Why is the P.C. like the Tower of Babel? —
为什么警察局会像巴别塔? —

It is full of unruly members.
因为那里充满了不守规矩的成员。

THE HISTORY OF A SQUASH.
《一只南瓜的故事》。

Once upon a time a farmer planted a little seed in his garden, and after a while it sprouted and became a vine, and bore many squashes. —
从前有个农民在自家的花园里种下了一颗小种子,过了一段时间,它发芽并变成了一株藤蔓,结出了很多南瓜。 —

One day in October, when they were ripe, he picked one and took it to market. —
有一天十月份的某天,当南瓜成熟时,他摘下了一颗南瓜,带去了市场。 —

A grocerman bought and put it in his shop. —
一位杂货店老板买下并将其放在了他的店里。 —

That same morning, a little girl, in a brown hat and blue dress, with a round face and a snub nose, went and bought it for her mother. —
就在那个早晨,一个小姑娘戴着棕色帽子,穿着蓝色连衣裙,圆脸扁鼻子,去买了这颗南瓜给她的妈妈。 —

She lugged it home, cut it up, and boiled it in the big pot; —
她费力地把它扛回家,切碎了,放在大锅里煮; —

mashed some of it, with salt and butter, for dinner; —
晚餐时,加入了盐和黄油,捣碎了一部分; —

and to the rest she added a pint of milk, two eggs, four spoons of sugar, nutmeg, and some crackers; —
剩下的部分,她加入了一品脱牛奶,两个鸡蛋,四勺糖,肉豆蔻和一些饼干; —

put it in a deep dish, and baked it till it was brown and nice; —
把它放在一个深盘子里,烤到金黄香脆; —

and next day it was eaten by a family named March.
第二天,这道菜被一个名叫马奇的家庭吃掉了。

T. TUPMAN.
T. TUPMAN.

MR PICKWICK, Sir:——
皮克威克先生:——

I address you upon the subject of sin the sinner I mean is a man named Winkle who makes trouble in his club by laughing and sometimes won’t write his piece in this fine paper I hope you will pardon his badness and let him send a French fable because he can’t write out of his head as he has so many lessons to do and no brains in future I will try to take time by the fetlock and prepare some work which will be all commy la fo that means all right I am in haste as it is nearly school time. —
我写信来谈论罪孽的问题,罪人指的是一个名叫温克尔的人,他因为笑闹而在他的俱乐部里制造麻烦,有时他也不愿意在这家很好的报纸上写作品,我希望您能原谅他的恶劣行为,并允许他发表一则法国寓言,因为他没办法头脑中写作,他有很多功课要做而且没什么才华,在未来我会尽快准备一些作品,这一切都会是充满乐趣的,我急于行动,因为快到上学的时间了。 —

Yours respectably, N. WINKLE.
致以敬意,N. 温克尔。

[The above is a manly and handsome acknowledgement of past misdemeanours. —
【以上是对过去不当行为的男子气概和英俊认可。 —

If our young friend studied punctuation, it would be well.]
如果我们年轻的朋友学习标点符号,那将是很好的。】

A SAD ACCIDENT
一个悲伤的意外

On Friday last we were startled by a violent shock in our basement, followed by cries of distress. —
在上周五,我们被地下室传来的剧烈冲击声和痛苦呼喊声所震惊。 —

On rushing, in a body, to the cellar, we discovered our beloved President prostrate on the floor, having tripped and fallen while getting wood for domestic purposes. —
我们齐心协力地赶往地窖时,发现我们心爱的总统躺在地板上,因在为家庭用途取木头时绊倒摔倒了。 —

A perfect scene of ruin met our eyes; —
我们看到了一幕完全的破坏: —

for in his fall Mr Pickwick had plunged his head and shoulders into a tub of water, upset a keg of soft soap upon his manly form, and torn his garments badly. —
因为摔倒,皮克威克先生将头和肩膀都浸入了一个桶的水中,将一桶软肥皂倒在了他英俊的身上,并且衣服被撕破了。 —

On being removed from his perilous situation, it was discovered that he had suffered no injury but several bruises; —
在被解救出险境后,发现他没有受伤,只是有几处擦伤; —

and, we are happy to add, is now doing well. ED.
我们很高兴地补充说,他现在恢复良好。ED.

The Public Bereavement.
公众的丧失。

It is our painful duty to record the sudden and mysterious disappearance of our cherished friend, Mrs Snowball Pat Paw. This lovely and beloved cat was the pet of a large circle of warm and admiring friends; —
我们痛苦地记录下我们疼爱的朋友Snowball Pat Paw突然而神秘地失踪。这只可爱而受人喜爱的猫咪是一个庞大而仰慕她的朋友团的宠物; —

for her beauty attracted all eyes, her grace and virtues endeared her to all hearts, and her loss is deeply felt by the whole community.
她的美丽吸引了所有人的目光,她的优雅和美德让所有人都深深地爱戴她,她的失踪在整个社区中引起了深深的悲痛。

When last seen, she was sitting at the gate, watching the butcher’s cart; —
上一次看到她时,她正坐在门口看着肉贩的马车;我们担心, —

and it is feared that some villain, tempted by her charms, basely stole her. —
一些被她的魅力所吸引的恶棍卑鄙地偷走了她。 —

Weeks have passed but no trace of her has been discovered; —
几周过去了,但没有发现她的任何蛛丝马迹; —

and we relinquish all hope, tie a black ribbon to her basket, set aside her dish, and weep for her as one lost to us for ever.
我们放弃了所有希望,给她的篮子系上一条黑丝带,留着她的碗,为她哭泣,似乎她永远离开了我们。

A sympathising friend sends the following gem:——
一位同情的朋友寄来以下的一首诗:——

A LAMENT. FOR S. B. PAT PAW.
哀悼。为S. B. Pat Paw。

We mourn the loss of our little pet, And sigh o’er her hapless fate, For never more by the fire she’ll sit, Nor play by the old green gate.
我们为我们失去的小宠物哀悼,为她不幸的命运叹息,因为她再也不会坐在火炉旁边,也不会在旧绿色的门旁嬉戏了。

The little grave where her infant sleeps Is ‘neath the chestnut tree; —
小宝宝安眠的小坟墓就在栗树下; —

But o’er her grave we may not weep, We know not where it may be.

Her empty bed, her idle ball, Will never see her more; —
她空无一人的床,她无所事事的球, —

No gentle tap, no loving purr Is heard at the parlour door.
再也无法见到她了;

Another cat comes after her mice, A cat with a dirty face; —
另一只猫在追赶她的老鼠, —

But she does not hunt as our darling did, Nor play with her airy grace.
一只脏脏的猫;

Her stealthy paws tread the very hall Where Snowball used to play, But she only spits at the dogs our pet So gallantly drove away.
她悄无声息地在曾经Snowball玩耍的大厅里行走,但她只会对我们心爱的狗咕嘟嘟地叫;

She is useful and mild, and does her best, But she is not fair to see; —
她很实用和温顺,并尽力而为,但她不像你一样美丽, —

And we cannot give her your place, dear, Nor worship her as we worship thee.
我们无法将她当作你的位置,亲爱的,我们崇拜你;

A. S.
A.S.;

ADVERTISEMENTS.
广告;

Miss Oranthy Bluggage, the accomplished Strong-Minded Lecturer, will deliver her famous Lecture on “WOMAN AND HER POSITION”, at Pickwick Hall, next Saturday Evening, after the usual performances.
Oranthy Bluggage小姐,有着出色的坚强思想的演讲者,将在下周六晚上在Pickwick Hall发表她著名的关于“女性和她的地位”的演讲,演讲结束后将进行正常的表演。

A weekly meeting will be held at Kitchen Place, to teach young ladies how to cook. —
在Kitchen Place将举行一次周会,教导年轻女士们如何烹饪。 —

Hannah Brown will preside; —
汉娜·布朗将主持会议, —

and all are invited to attend.
欢迎所有人参加。

The dustpan society will meet on Wednesday next, and parade in the upper story of the Club House. All members to appear in uniform and shoulder their brooms at nine precisely.
扫帚协会将于下周三举行会议,并在俱乐部楼上进行游行。所有会员需穿着制服,准时九点扛起扫帚出席。

Mrs Beth Bouncer Will open her new assortment of Doll’s Millinery next week. —
贝丝·邦瑟夫人将在下周推出一系列娃娃帽。 —

The latest Paris Fashions have arrived, and orders are respectfully solicited.
最新的巴黎时尚已经到货,恭请各位下订单。

A new play will appear at the Barnville Theatre, in the course of a few weeksh will surpass anything ever seen on the American stage. —
不久将在巴恩维尔剧院上演一部新剧,将超越美国舞台上以往的一切。 —

“The Greek Slave, or Constantine the Avenger”, is the name of this thrilling drama!
这部扣人心弦的戏剧名为“希腊奴隶,或复仇者康斯坦丁”。

HINTS.
提示。

If S. P. didn’t use so much soap on his hands, he wouldn’t always be late at breakfast. —
如果S. P.不在洗手时使用太多肥皂,就不会总是迟到吃早餐。 —

A. S. is requested not to whistle in the street. —
请求A. S.不要在街上吹口哨。 —

T. T. please don’t forget Amy’s napkin. —
T. T.请不要忘记给艾米准备餐巾。 —

A. W. must not fret because his dress has not nine tucks.
A. W.不必为他的衣服没有九个褶皱而烦恼。

WEEKLY REPORT.
周报告。

Meg - Good.
梅格 - 良好。

Jo - Bad.
乔 - 差。

Beth - Very good.
贝丝 - 很好。

Amy - Middling.
艾米——中等水平。

As the President finished reading the paper (which I beg leave to assure my readers is a bona fide copy of one written by bona fide girls once upon a time), a round of applause followed and then Mr. Snodgrass rose to make a proposition.
当总统结束阅读文件(我请求读者们放心,这是真实女孩们在过去写过的一篇文件)后,掌声响起,然后斯诺格拉斯先生站起来提议。

‘Mr. President and gentlemen,’ he began, assuming a parliamentary attitude and tone, ‘I wish to propose the admission of a new member - one who highly deserves the honour, would be deeply grateful for it, and would add immensely to the spirit of the club, the literary value of the paper, and be no end jolly and nice. —
“总统先生和各位先生,”他开始说,假装采取议会的姿态和语气,“我想提议新成员的加入——一个非常值得荣耀的人,他会深表感激,并且会极大地提升俱乐部的团结精神、报纸的文学价值,而且还非常开心和友善。 —

I propose Mr. Theodore Laurence as an honorary member of the P.C. Come now, do have him.’
“我提议西奥多·劳伦斯先生成为P.C.的名誉成员。拜托,让他加入吧。”

Jo’s sudden change of tone made the girls laugh; —
乔突然变调让女孩们笑了起来, —

but all looked rather anxious, and no one said a word, as Snodgrass took his seat.
但大家都显得有些担心,没有人说话,斯诺格拉斯坐回了座位。

‘We’ll put it to the vote,’ said the President. —
“我们将进行投票,”总统说。 —

‘All in favour of this motion please to manifest it by saying “Ay”.’
“赞成此提议的请发表意见,说‘赞成(Ay)’。”

A loud response from Snodgrass, followed, to everybody’s surprise, by a timid one from Beth.
Snodgrass响亮地回应了,之后出人意料的是Beth亦以胆怯的声音表态。

‘Contrary minded say “No”.’
持相反意见者说:“不”。

Meg and Amy were contrary minded; —
梅格和艾米持相反意见,温克尔先生滔滔不绝地说道: —

and Mr. Winkle rose to say, with great eloquence. ‘We don’t wish any boys; —
“我们不需要男孩;他们只会开玩笑和闹腾。这是一个女士俱乐部,我们希望能保持私密和得体。” —

they only joke and bounce about. —
皮克威克担心地说:“我担心他会嘲笑我们的文章, —

This is a ladies’ club, and we wish to be private and proper.’
之后取笑我们。”她一直是这样对待疑问的,扯动她前额的卷发。

‘I’m afraid he’ll laugh at our paper, and make fun of us afterwards,’ observed Pickwick, pulling the little curl on her forehead, as she always did when doubtful.
斯诺德格拉斯站起身,非常认真地说:“先生们,我以绅士的名义向您保证,劳瑞不会做出任何那样的事情。他喜欢写作,他将给我们的投稿带来一种风格,并防止我们陷入伤感,您明白吗?”

Up rose Snodgrass, very much in earnest. ‘Sir, I give you my word as a gentleman, Laurie won’t do anything of the sort. —
斯诺德格拉斯站起身,非常认真地说:“先生们,我以绅士的名义向您保证,劳瑞不会做出任何那样的事情。他喜欢写作,他将给我们的投稿带来一种风格,并防止我们陷入伤感,您明白吗?” —

He likes to write, and he’ll give a tone to our contributions, and keep us from being sentimental, don’t you see? —
斯诺德格拉斯站起身,非常认真地说:“先生们,我以绅士的名义向您保证,劳瑞不会做出任何那样的事情。他喜欢写作,他将给我们的投稿带来一种风格,并防止我们陷入伤感,您明白吗?” —

We can do so little for him, and he does so much for us, I think the least we can do is to offer him a place here, and make him welcome if he comes.’
我们对他所能做的太少了,而他对我们却做了很多,我认为我们至少可以给他一个地方来,如果他来了,让他感到受欢迎。

This artful allusion to benefits conferred brought Tupman to his feet, looking as if he had quite made up his mind.
这巧妙的暗指对所受益处的提及让图普曼立刻站起来,看起来好像他已经下定决心。

‘Yes, we ought to do it, even if we are afraid. —
是的,我们应该这么做,即使我们害怕。 —

I say he may come, and his grandpa too, if he likes.’
我说他可以来,还有他爷爷如果他也愿意的话。

This spirited outburst from Beth electrified the club, and Jo left her seat to shake hands approvingly. —
伯丝这激动人心的突发之词让社团充满电荷,乔离开座位向她赞许地伸出手握了一下。 —

‘Now then, vote again. Everybody remember it’s our Laurie, and say “Ay!” ’ cried Snodgrass, excitedly.
现在,再来投票。大家记住,这是我们的劳瑞,都说“嗯!”喊起来!’ 斯诺德格拉斯兴奋地喊道。

‘Ay! ay! ay!’ replied three voices at once.
“嗯!嗯!嗯!”三个声音同时回答。

‘Good! Bless you! Now, as there’s nothing like “taking time by the fetlock”, as Winkle characteristically observes, allow me to present the new member’; —
“很好!谢谢!现在,就像文克尔典型地观察到的那样,没有什么能比”提前抓住时机”更好的了。”让我来介绍这位新成员。” —

and, to the dismay of the rest of the club, Jo threw open the door of the closet, and displayed Laurie sitting on a rag-bag, flushed and twinkling with suppressed laughter.
说着,让社团其他成员措手不及的乔推开橱柜的门,展示出劳瑞坐在一个布袋上,脸红,眼中闪烁着压抑的笑意。

‘You rogue! you traitor! Jo, how could you?’ cried the three girls, as Snodgrass led her friend triumphantly forth; —
“你这个无赖!你这个叛徒!乔,你怎么能这样?”三个女孩大叫道,斯诺德格拉斯得意地带着她的朋友走出来; —

and, producing both a chair and a badge, installed him in a jiffy.
他拿出一把椅子和一个徽章,立刻安排他就座。

‘The coolness of you two rascals is amazing,’ began Mr. Pickwick, trying to get up an awful frown, and only succeeding in producing an amiable smile. —
“你们两个无耻之徒的冷静真是令人惊讶。”皮克威克先生试图装出一副可怕的怒容,结果只成功地露出了友善的笑容。 —

But the new member was equal to the occasion; and, rising, with a graceful salutation to the Chair, said, in the most engaging manner, ‘Mr. President and ladies - I beg pardon, gentlemen - allow me to introduce myself as Sam Weller, the very humble servant of the club.’
但是新成员应对自如,起身向主席行礼,以一种非常迷人的方式说道:“主席先生和女士们 - 不好意思,应该是各位先生 - 请允许我介绍自己,我是萨姆·韦勒,这个俱乐部的忠诚仆人。”

‘Good! good!’ cried Jo, pounding with the handle of the old warming-pan, on which she leaned.
“好!好!”乔喊道,用她靠在上面的旧热水瓶把手砰砰地敲打着。

‘My faithful friend and noble patron,’ continued Laurie, with a wave of the hand, ‘who has so flatteringly presented me, is not to be blamed for the base stratagem of tonight. —
劳里挥手说:“我的忠实朋友和高贵的赞助人,今晚的卑鄙计划并不应该归咎于她。是我策划了这一切,她只是在我纠缠了很久后才同意。” —

I planned it, and she only gave in after lots of teasing.’
“作为这个俱乐部非常谦卑的仆人,我自己已经介绍过了。”

‘Come now, don’t lay it all on yourself; —
“嘿,别把责任都推到自己身上, —

you know I proposed the cupboard,’ broke in Snodgrass, who was enjoying the joke amazingly.
你知道是我提议把橱柜换了的。” 斯诺格拉斯突然插嘴进来,他对这个笑话乐不可支。

‘Never you mind what she says. I’m the wretch that did it, sir,’ said the new member, with a Welleresque nod to Mr. Pickwick. —
“别管她说什么。是我这个可怜虫干的,先生。” 新成员说着,向皮克威克先生眨了眨眼,带有威勒式的风格。 —

‘But on my honour I never will do so again, and henceforth devote myself to the interest of this immortal club.’
“但是我向你保证,我以后再也不会这样做了,我将全心全意为这个不朽的俱乐部服务。”

‘Hear! hear!’ cried Jo, clashing the lid of the warming-pan like a cymbal.
“听听!听听!” 乔大声喊道,用温暖罐的盖子敲碰着像锣一样。

‘Go on, go on!’ added Winkle and Tupman, while the President bowed benignly.
“继续,继续!” 温克尔和图普曼加入进来,而主席亲切地鞠躬。

‘I merely wish to say, that as a slight token of my gratitude for the honour done me, and as a means of promoting friendly relations between adjoining nations, I have set up a post-office in the hedge in the lower corner of the garden; —
“我只是想说,作为对我所受到的荣誉的一点感激之情,也作为促进邻国之间友好关系的一个手段,我在花园的下角落里的树篱中建立了一个邮局; —

a fine, spacious building, with padlocks on the doors, and every convenience for the mails - also the females, if I may be allowed the expression. —
一个宽敞的精致建筑,门上都有挂锁,适合邮件,也适合女性,如果我可以这样表达的话。” —

It’s the old martin-house; but I’ve stopped up the door, and made the roof open, so it will hold all sorts of things, and save our valuable tim. le. —
这是一间古老的马丁楼; 但我已经堵住了门口,把屋顶打开,以便能容纳各种物品,并节省我们宝贵的时间。 —

Letters, manuscripts, books, and bundles can be passed in there; and, as each nation has a key, it will be uncommonly nice, I fancy. —
信件、手稿、书籍和捆绑物都可以放进去; 每个国家都有一把钥匙,这将会非常不错,我想。 —

Allow me to present the club key; and, with many thanks for your favour, take my seat.’ Great applause as Mr. Weller deposited a little key on the table, and subsided; —
请允许我给您呈上俱乐部的钥匙; 并对您的好意表示衷心的感谢,请坐。当韦勒先生将一把小钥匙放在桌子上,然后退下去时,掌声热烈而持久。 —

the warming-pan clashed and waved wildly, and it was some time before order could be restored. —
取暖器撞击着颤动着,很久才能恢复秩序。 —

A long discussion followed, and everyone came out surprisingly for everyone did her best; —
紧随其后的是一场长时间的讨论,每个人都竭尽所能。 —

so it was an unusually lively meeting, and did not adjourn till a late hour, when it broke up with three shrill cheers for the new member. —
因此,这是一次异常活跃的会议,在深夜才结束,并以为新成员欢呼三声告终。 —

No one ever regretted the admittance of Sam Weller, for a more devoted, well-behaved, and jovial member no club could have. —
没有人后悔允许萨姆·韦勒加入,因为没有任何一个俱乐部能拥有一个更忠诚、表现良好和愉快的成员了。 —

He certainly did add ‘spirit’ to the meeting and ‘a tone’ to the paper; —
他确实为会议增添了“活力”,给报纸增添了“气氛”。 —

for his orations convulsed his hearers, and his contributions were excellent, being patriotic, classical, comical, or dramatic, but never sentimental. —
他的演讲让听众激动不已,他的贡献优秀,无论是爱国、古典、滑稽还是戏剧性,但从不感情用事。 —

Jo regarded them as worthy of Bacon, Milton, or Shakespeare; —
乔认为它们堪比培根、弥尔顿或莎士比亚的作品; —

and remodelled her own works with good effect, she thought. —
她对自己的作品进行了成功的改造, —

The P.O. was a capital little institution, and flourished wonderfully, for nearly as many queer things passed through it as through the real office. —
她觉得邮局是一个出色的小机构,非常繁荣,因为它通过的奇怪事物几乎和真实邮局一样多; —

Tragedies and cravats, poetry and pickles, garden-seeds and long letters, music and gingerbread, rubbers, invitations, scoldings and puppies. —
悲剧和领带、诗歌和泡菜、花种子和长篇信件、音乐和姜饼、桥牌、邀请函、责骂和小狗; —

The old gentleman liked the fun, and amused himself by sending odd bundles, mysterious messages, and funny telegrams; —
老绅士喜欢这种乐趣,他通过发送奇怪的包裹、神秘的消息和有趣的电报来自娱自乐; —

and his gardener, who was smitten with Hannah’s charms, actually sent a love-letter to Jo’s care. —
他的园丁迷上了汉娜的魅力,竟然给乔寄了一封情书; —

How they laughed when the secret came out, never dreaming how many love-letters that little post-office would hold in the years to come!
当秘密被揭露出来时,他们笑了,从未想到这个小邮局会在未来承载多少封情书!

A.S。
A.S.