The directress was very prudent, but she could also be intrepidly5 venturous. She actually introduced Dr. John to the school-division of the premises6, and established him in attendance on the proud and handsome Blanche de Melcy, and the vain, flirting7 Angélique, her friend. Dr. John, I thought, testified a certain gratification at this mark of confidence; and if discretion8 of bearing could have justified9 the step, it would by him have been amply justified. Here, however, in this land of convents and confessionals, such a presence as his was not to be suffered with impunity10 in a “pensionnat de demoiselles.” The school gossiped, the kitchen whispered, the town caught the rumour11, parents wrote letters and paid visits of remonstrance12. Madame, had she been weak, would now have been lost: a dozen rival educational houses were ready to improve this false step — if false step it were — to her ruin; but Madame was not weak, and little Jesuit though she might be, yet I clapped the hands of my heart, and with its voice cried “brava!” as I watched her able bearing, her skilled management, her temper and her firmness on this occasion.
She met the alarmed parents with a good-humoured, easy grace for nobody matched her in, I know not whether to say the possession or the assumption of a certain “rondeur et franchise13 de bonne femme;” which on various occasions gained the point aimed at with instant and complete success, where severe gravity and serious reasoning would probably have failed.
“Ce pauvre Docteur Jean!” she would say, chuckling14 and rubbing joyously15 her fat little white hands; “ce cher jeune homme! le meilleur créature du monde!” and go on to explain how she happened to be employing him for her own children, who were so fond of him they would scream themselves into fits at the thought of another doctor; how, where she had confidence for her own, she thought it natural to repose16 trust for others, and au reste, it was only the most temporary expedient17 in the world; Blanche and Angélique had the migraine; Dr. John had written a prescription18; voilà tout19!
The parents’ mouths were closed. Blanche and Angélique saved her all remaining trouble by chanting loud duets in their physician’s praise; the other pupils echoed them, unanimously declaring that when they were ill they would have Dr. John and nobody else; and Madame laughed, and the parents laughed too. The Labassecouriens must have a large organ of philoprogenitiveness: at least the indulgence of offspring is carried by them to excessive lengths; the law of most households being the children’s will. Madame now got credit for having acted on this occasion in a spirit of motherly partiality: she came off with flying colours; people liked her as a directress better than ever.
To this day I never fully20 understood why she thus risked her interest for the sake of Dr. John. What people said, of course I know well: the whole house — pupils, teachers, servants included — affirmed that she was going to marry him. So they had settled it; difference of age seemed to make no obstacle in their eyes: it was to be so.
It must be admitted that appearances did not wholly discountenance this idea; Madame seemed so bent21 on retaining his services, so oblivious22 of her former protégé, Pillule. She made, too, such a point of personally receiving his visits, and was so unfailingly cheerful, blithe23, and benignant in her manner to him. Moreover, she paid, about this time, marked attention to dress: the morning dishabille, the nightcap and shawl, were discarded; Dr. John’s early visits always found her with auburn braids all nicely arranged, silk dress trimly fitted on, neat laced brodequins in lieu of slippers24: in short the whole toilette complete as a model, and fresh as a flower. I scarcely think, however, that her intention in this went further than just to show a very handsome man that she was not quite a plain woman; and plain she was not. Without beauty of feature or elegance25 of form, she pleased. Without youth and its gay graces, she cheered. One never tired of seeing her: she was never monotonous26, or insipid27, or colourless, or flat. Her unfaded hair, her eye with its temperate28 blue light, her cheek with its wholesome29 fruit-like bloom — these things pleased in moderation, but with constancy.
Had she, indeed, floating visions of adopting Dr. John as a husband, taking him to her well-furnished home, endowing him with her savings30, which were said to amount to a moderate competency, and making him comfortable for the rest of his life? Did Dr. John suspect her of such visions? I have met him coming out of her presence with a mischievous31 half-smile about his lips, and in his eyes a look as of masculine vanity elate and tickled32. With all his good looks and good-nature, he was not perfect; he must have been very imperfect if he roguishly encouraged aims he never intended to be successful. But did he not intend them to be successful? People said he had no money, that he was wholly dependent upon his profession. Madame — though perhaps some fourteen years his senior — was yet the sort of woman never to grow old, never to wither33, never to break down. They certainly were on good terms. He perhaps was not in love; but how many people ever do love, or at least marry for love, in this world. We waited the end.
For what he waited, I do not know, nor for what he watched; but the peculiarity34 of his manner, his expectant, vigilant35, absorbed, eager look, never wore off: it rather intensified36. He had never been quite within the compass of my penetration37, and I think he ranged farther and farther beyond it.
One morning little Georgette had been more feverish38 and consequently more peevish39; she was crying, and would not be pacified40. I thought a particular draught41 ordered, disagreed with her, and I doubted whether it ought to be continued; I waited impatiently for the doctor’s coming in order to consult him.
The door-bell rang, he was admitted; I felt sure of this, for I heard his voice addressing the portress. It was his custom to mount straight to the nursery, taking about three degrees of the staircase at once, and coming upon us like a cheerful surprise. Five minutes elapsed — ten — and I saw and heard nothing of him. What could he be doing? Possibly waiting in the corridor below. Little Georgette still piped her plaintive43 wail44, appealing to me by her familiar term, “Minnie, Minnie, me very poorly!” till my heart ached. I descended45 to ascertain46 why he did not come. The corridor was empty. Whither was he vanished? Was he with Madame in the salle-à-manger? Impossible: I had left her but a short time since, dressing42 in her own chamber47. I listened. Three pupils were just then hard at work practising in three proximate rooms — the dining-room and the greater and lesser48 drawing-rooms, between which and the corridor there was but the portress’s cabinet communicating with the salons49, and intended originally for a boudoir. Farther off, at a fourth instrument in the oratory50, a whole class of a dozen or more were taking a singing lesson, and just then joining in a “barcarole” (I think they called it), whereof I yet remember these words “fra?ch?,” “bris?,” and “Venis?.” Under these circumstances, what could I hear? A great deal, certainly; had it only been to the purpose.
Yes; I heard a giddy treble laugh in the above-mentioned little cabinet, close by the door of which I stood — that door half-unclosed; a man’s voice in a soft, deep, pleading tone, uttered some, words, whereof I only caught the adjuration51, “For God’s sake!” Then, after a second’s pause, forth52 issued Dr. John, his eye full shining, but not with either joy or triumph; his fair English cheek high-coloured; a baffled, tortured, anxious, and yet a tender meaning on his brow.
The open door served me as a screen; but had I been full in his way, I believe he would have passed without seeing me. Some mortification53, some strong vexation had hold of his soul: or rather, to write my impressions now as I received them at the time I should say some sorrow, some sense of injustice54. I did not so much think his pride was hurt, as that his affections had been wounded — cruelly wounded, it seemed to me. But who was the torturer? What being in that house had him so much in her power? Madame I believed to be in her chamber; the room whence he had stepped was dedicated55 to the portress’s sole use; and she, Rosine Matou, an unprincipled though pretty little French grisette, airy, fickle56, dressy, vain, and mercenary — it was not, surely, to her hand he owed the ordeal57 through which he seemed to have passed?
But while I pondered, her voice, clear, though somewhat sharp, broke out in a lightsome French song, trilling through the door still ajar: I glanced in, doubting my senses. There at the table she sat in a smart dress of “jaconas rose,” trimming a tiny blond cap: not a living thing save herself was in the room, except indeed some gold fish in a glass globe, some flowers in pots, and a broad July sunbeam.
Here was a problem: but I must go up-stairs to ask about the medicine.
Dr. John sat in a chair at Georgette’s bedside; Madame stood before him; the little patient had been examined and soothed58, and now lay composed in her crib. Madame Beck, as I entered, was discussing the physician’s own health, remarking on some real or fancied change in his looks, charging him with over-work, and recommending rest and change of air. He listened good-naturedly, but with laughing indifference59, telling her that she was “trop bonne,” and that he felt perfectly60 well. Madame appealed to me — Dr. John following her movement with a slow glance which seemed to express languid surprise at reference being made to a quarter so insignificant61.
“What do you think, Miss Lucie?” asked Madame. “Is he not paler and thinner?”
It was very seldom that I uttered more than monosyllables in Dr. John’s presence; he was the kind of person with whom I was likely ever to remain the neutral, passive thing he thought me. Now, however, I took licence to answer in a phrase: and a phrase I purposely made quite significant.
“He looks ill at this moment; but perhaps it is owing to some temporary cause: Dr. John may have been vexed62 or harassed63.” I cannot tell how he took this speech, as I never sought his face for information. Georgette here began to ask me in her broken English if she might have a glass of eau sucrée. I answered her in English. For the first time, I fancy, he noticed that I spoke64 his language; hitherto he had always taken me for a foreigner, addressing me as “Mademoiselle,” and giving in French the requisite65 directions about the children’s treatment. He seemed on the point of making a remark; but thinking better of it, held his tongue.
Madame recommenced advising him; he shook his head, laughing, rose and bid her good-morning, with courtesy, but still with the regardless air of one whom too much unsolicited attention was surfeiting66 and spoiling.
When he was gone, Madame dropped into the chair he had just left; she rested her chin in her hand; all that was animated67 and amiable68 vanished from her face: she looked stony69 and stern, almost mortified70 and morose71. She sighed; a single, but a deep sigh. A loud bell rang for morning-school. She got up; as she passed a dressing-table with a glass upon it, she looked at her reflected image. One single white hair streaked72 her nut-brown tresses; she plucked it out with a shudder73. In the full summer daylight, her face, though it still had the colour, could plainly be seen to have lost the texture74 of youth; and then, where were youth’s contours? Ah, Madame! wise as you were, even you knew weakness. Never had I pitied Madame before, but my heart softened75 towards her, when she turned darkly from the glass. A calamity76 had come upon her. That hag Disappointment was greeting her with a grisly “All-hail,” and her soul rejected the intimacy77.
But Rosine! My bewilderment there surpasses description. I embraced five opportunities of passing her cabinet that day, with a view to contemplating78 her charms, and finding out the secret of their influence. She was pretty, young, and wore a well-made dress. All very good points, and, I suppose, amply sufficient to account, in any philosophic79 mind, for any amount of agony and distraction80 in a young man, like Dr. John. Still, I could not help forming half a wish that the said doctor were my brother; or at least that he had a sister or a mother who would kindly81 sermonize him. I say half a wish; I broke it, and flung it away before it became a whole one, discovering in good time its exquisite82 folly83. “Somebody,” I argued, “might as well sermonize Madame about her young physician: and what good would that do?”
I believe Madame sermonized herself. She did not behave weakly, or make herself in any shape ridiculous. It is true she had neither strong feelings to overcome, nor tender feelings by which to be miserably84 pained. It is true likewise that she had an important avocation85, a real business to fill her time, divert her thoughts, and divide her interest. It is especially true that she possessed86 a genuine good sense which is not given to all women nor to all men; and by dint87 of these combined advantages she behaved wisely — she behaved well. Brava! once more, Madame Beck. I saw you matched against an Apollyon of a predilection88; you fought a good fight, and you overcame!
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1
ailments
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| 疾病（尤指慢性病），不适( ailment的名词复数 ) | |
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ailment
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| n.疾病，小病 | |
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conjured
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| 用魔术变出( conjure的过去式和过去分词 )； 祈求，恳求； 变戏法； （变魔术般地） 使…出现 | |
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prudent
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| adj.谨慎的，有远见的，精打细算的 | |
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intrepidly
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| adv.无畏地，勇猛地 | |
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premises
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| n.建筑物，房屋 | |
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flirting
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| v.调情，打情骂俏( flirt的现在分词 ) | |
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discretion
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| n.谨慎；随意处理 | |
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justified
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| a.正当的，有理的 | |
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impunity
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| n.(惩罚、损失、伤害等的)免除 | |
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rumour
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| n.谣言，谣传，传闻 | |
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remonstrance
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| n抗议，抱怨 | |
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franchise
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| n.特许，特权，专营权，特许权 | |
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chuckling
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| 轻声地笑( chuckle的现在分词 ) | |
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joyously
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| ad.快乐地, 高兴地 | |
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repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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expedient
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| adj.有用的，有利的；n.紧急的办法，权宜之计 | |
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prescription
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| n.处方，开药；指示，规定 | |
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tout
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| v.推销，招徕；兜售；吹捧，劝诱 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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oblivious
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| adj.易忘的，遗忘的，忘却的，健忘的 | |
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blithe
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| adj.快乐的，无忧无虑的 | |
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slippers
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| n. 拖鞋 | |
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elegance
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| n.优雅；优美，雅致；精致，巧妙 | |
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monotonous
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| adj.单调的，一成不变的，使人厌倦的 | |
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insipid
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| adj.无味的，枯燥乏味的，单调的 | |
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temperate
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| adj.温和的，温带的，自我克制的，不过分的 | |
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wholesome
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| adj.适合；卫生的；有益健康的；显示身心健康的 | |
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savings
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| n.存款，储蓄 | |
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mischievous
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| adj.调皮的，恶作剧的，有害的，伤人的 | |
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tickled
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| （使）发痒( tickle的过去式和过去分词 )； （使）愉快，逗乐 | |
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33
wither
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| vt.使凋谢，使衰退，(用眼神气势等)使畏缩；vi.枯萎，衰退，消亡 | |
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peculiarity
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| n.独特性，特色；特殊的东西；怪癖 | |
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vigilant
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| adj.警觉的，警戒的，警惕的 | |
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intensified
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| v.（使）增强， （使）加剧( intensify的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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penetration
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| n.穿透，穿人，渗透 | |
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feverish
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| adj.发烧的，狂热的，兴奋的 | |
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peevish
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| adj.易怒的，坏脾气的 | |
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pacified
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| 使（某人）安静( pacify的过去式和过去分词 )； 息怒； 抚慰； 在（有战争的地区、国家等）实现和平 | |
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41
draught
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| n.拉，牵引，拖；一网（饮，吸，阵)；顿服药量，通风；v.起草，设计 | |
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42
dressing
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| n.(食物)调料；包扎伤口的用品，敷料 | |
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plaintive
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| adj.可怜的，伤心的 | |
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44
wail
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| vt./vi.大声哀号，恸哭；呼啸，尖啸 | |
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45
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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lesser
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| adj.次要的，较小的；adv.较小地，较少地 | |
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49
salons
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| n.（营业性质的）店( salon的名词复数 )；厅；沙龙（旧时在上流社会女主人家的例行聚会或聚会场所）；（大宅中的）客厅 | |
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50
oratory
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| n.演讲术；词藻华丽的言辞 | |
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51
adjuration
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| n.祈求，命令 | |
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52
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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53
mortification
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| n.耻辱，屈辱 | |
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54
injustice
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| n.非正义，不公正，不公平，侵犯（别人的）权利 | |
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dedicated
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| adj.一心一意的；献身的；热诚的 | |
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56
fickle
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| adj.(爱情或友谊上)易变的，不坚定的 | |
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ordeal
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| n.苦难经历，（尤指对品格、耐力的）严峻考验 | |
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58
soothed
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| v.安慰( soothe的过去式和过去分词 )；抚慰；使舒服；减轻痛苦 | |
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59
indifference
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| n.不感兴趣，不关心，冷淡，不在乎 | |
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perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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insignificant
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| adj.无关紧要的，可忽略的，无意义的 | |
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62
vexed
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| adj.争论不休的；（指问题等）棘手的；争论不休的问题；烦恼的v.使烦恼( vex的过去式和过去分词 )；使苦恼；使生气；详细讨论 | |
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63
harassed
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| adj. 疲倦的，厌烦的 动词harass的过去式和过去分词 | |
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64
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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requisite
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| adj.需要的，必不可少的；n.必需品 | |
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surfeiting
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| v.吃得过多( surfeit的现在分词 )；由于过量而厌腻 | |
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animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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amiable
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| adj.和蔼可亲的，友善的，亲切的 | |
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stony
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| adj.石头的，多石头的，冷酷的，无情的 | |
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70
mortified
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| v.使受辱( mortify的过去式和过去分词 )；伤害（人的感情）；克制；抑制（肉体、情感等） | |
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morose
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| adj.脾气坏的，不高兴的 | |
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72
streaked
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| adj.有条斑纹的，不安的v.快速移动( streak的过去式和过去分词 )；使布满条纹 | |
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shudder
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| v.战粟，震动，剧烈地摇晃；n.战粟，抖动 | |
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texture
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| n.(织物)质地；(材料)构造；结构；肌理 | |
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softened
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| （使）变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 )； 缓解打击； 缓和； 安慰 | |
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76
calamity
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| n.灾害，祸患，不幸事件 | |
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77
intimacy
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| n.熟悉，亲密，密切关系，亲昵的言行 | |
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78
contemplating
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| 深思，细想，仔细考虑( contemplate的现在分词 )； 注视，凝视； 考虑接受（发生某事的可能性）； 深思熟虑，沉思，苦思冥想 | |
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79
philosophic
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| adj.哲学的，贤明的 | |
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80
distraction
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| n.精神涣散，精神不集中，消遣，娱乐 | |
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81
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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82
exquisite
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| adj.精美的；敏锐的；剧烈的，感觉强烈的 | |
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83
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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84
miserably
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| adv.痛苦地；悲惨地；糟糕地；极度地 | |
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85
avocation
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| n.副业，业余爱好 | |
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86
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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dint
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| n.由于，靠；凹坑 | |
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88
predilection
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| n.偏好 | |
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