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Chapter 14
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Fanny seemed nearer being right than Edmund had supposed. The business of finding a play that would suit everybody proved to be no trifle; and the carpenter had received his orders and taken his measurements, had suggested and removed at least two sets of difficulties, and having made the necessity of an enlargement of plan and expense fully1 evident, was already at work, while a play was still to seek. Other preparations were also in hand. An enormous roll of green baize had arrived from Northampton, and been cut out by Mrs. Norris (with a saving by her good management of full three-quarters of a yard), and was actually forming into a curtain by the housemaids, and still the play was wanting; and as two or three days passed away in this manner, Edmund began almost to hope that none might ever be found.

There were, in fact, so many things to be attended to, so many people to be pleased, so many best characters required, and, above all, such a need that the play should be at once both tragedy and comedy, that there did seem as little chance of a decision as anything pursued by youth and zeal2 could hold out.

On the tragic3 side were the Miss Bertrams, Henry Crawford, and Mr. Yates; on the comic, Tom Bertram, not _quite_ alone, because it was evident that Mary Crawford's wishes, though politely kept back, inclined the same way: but his determinateness and his power seemed to make allies unnecessary; and, independent of this great irreconcilable4 difference, they wanted a piece containing very few characters in the whole, but every character first-rate, and three principal women. All the best plays were run over in vain. Neither Hamlet, nor Macbeth, nor Othello, nor Douglas, nor The Gamester, presented anything that could satisfy even the tragedians; and The Rivals, The School for Scandal, Wheel of Fortune, Heir at Law, and a long et cetera, were successively dismissed with yet warmer objections. No piece could be proposed that did not supply somebody with a difficulty, and on one side or the other it was a continual repetition of, "Oh no, _that_ will never do! Let us have no ranting5 tragedies. Too many characters. Not a tolerable woman's part in the play. Anything but _that_, my dear Tom. It would be impossible to fill it up. One could not expect anybody to take such a part. Nothing but buffoonery from beginning to end. _That_ might do, perhaps, but for the low parts. If I _must_ give my opinion, I have always thought it the most insipid7 play in the English language. _I_ do not wish to make objections; I shall be happy to be of any use, but I think we could not chuse worse."

Fanny looked on and listened, not unamused to observe the selfishness which, more or less disguised, seemed to govern them all, and wondering how it would end. For her own gratification she could have wished that something might be acted, for she had never seen even half a play, but everything of higher consequence was against it.

"This will never do," said Tom Bertram at last. "We are wasting time most abominably8. Something must be fixed9 on. No matter what, so that something is chosen. We must not be so nice. A few characters too many must not frighten us. We must _double_ them. We must descend10 a little. If a part is insignificant11, the greater our credit in making anything of it. From this moment I make no difficulties. I take any part you chuse to give me, so as it be comic. Let it but be comic, I condition for nothing more."

For about the fifth time he then proposed the Heir at Law, doubting only whether to prefer Lord Duberley or Dr. Pangloss for himself; and very earnestly, but very unsuccessfully, trying to persuade the others that there were some fine tragic parts in the rest of the dramatis personae.

The pause which followed this fruitless effort was ended by the same speaker, who, taking up one of the many volumes of plays that lay on the table, and turning it over, suddenly exclaimed--"Lovers' Vows12! And why should not Lovers' Vows do for _us_ as well as for the Ravenshaws? How came it never to be thought of before? It strikes me as if it would do exactly. What say you all? Here are two capital tragic parts for Yates and Crawford, and here is the rhyming Butler for me, if nobody else wants it; a trifling13 part, but the sort of thing I should not dislike, and, as I said before, I am determined14 to take anything and do my best. And as for the rest, they may be filled up by anybody. It is only Count Cassel and Anhalt."

The suggestion was generally welcome. Everybody was growing weary of indecision, and the first idea with everybody was, that nothing had been proposed before so likely to suit them all. Mr. Yates was particularly pleased: he had been sighing and longing15 to do the Baron16 at Ecclesford, had grudged17 every rant6 of Lord Ravenshaw's, and been forced to re-rant it all in his own room. The storm through Baron Wildenheim was the height of his theatrical18 ambition; and with the advantage of knowing half the scenes by heart already, he did now, with the greatest alacrity19, offer his services for the part. To do him justice, however, he did not resolve to appropriate it; for remembering that there was some very good ranting-ground in Frederick, he professed20 an equal willingness for that. Henry Crawford was ready to take either. Whichever Mr. Yates did not chuse would perfectly21 satisfy him, and a short parley22 of compliment ensued. Miss Bertram, feeling all the interest of an Agatha in the question, took on her to decide it, by observing to Mr. Yates that this was a point in which height and figure ought to be considered, and that _his_ being the tallest, seemed to fit him peculiarly for the Baron. She was acknowledged to be quite right, and the two parts being accepted accordingly, she was certain of the proper Frederick. Three of the characters were now cast, besides Mr. Rushworth, who was always answered for by Maria as willing to do anything; when Julia, meaning, like her sister, to be Agatha, began to be scrupulous23 on Miss Crawford's account.

"This is not behaving well by the absent," said she. "Here are not women enough. Amelia and Agatha may do for Maria and me, but here is nothing for your sister, Mr. Crawford."

Mr. Crawford desired _that_ might not be thought of: he was very sure his sister had no wish of acting24 but as she might be useful, and that she would not allow herself to be considered in the present case. But this was immediately opposed by Tom Bertram, who asserted the part of Amelia to be in every respect the property of Miss Crawford, if she would accept it. "It falls as naturally, as necessarily to her," said he, "as Agatha does to one or other of my sisters. It can be no sacrifice on their side, for it is highly comic."

A short silence followed. Each sister looked anxious; for each felt the best claim to Agatha, and was hoping to have it pressed on her by the rest. Henry Crawford, who meanwhile had taken up the play, and with seeming carelessness was turning over the first act, soon settled the business.

"I must entreat25 Miss _Julia_ Bertram," said he, "not to engage in the part of Agatha, or it will be the ruin of all my solemnity. You must not, indeed you must not" (turning to her). "I could not stand your countenance26 dressed up in woe27 and paleness. The many laughs we have had together would infallibly come across me, and Frederick and his knapsack would be obliged to run away."

Pleasantly, courteously28, it was spoken; but the manner was lost in the matter to Julia's feelings. She saw a glance at Maria which confirmed the injury to herself: it was a scheme, a trick; she was slighted, Maria was preferred; the smile of triumph which Maria was trying to suppress shewed how well it was understood; and before Julia could command herself enough to speak, her brother gave his weight against her too, by saying, "Oh yes! Maria must be Agatha. Maria will be the best Agatha. Though Julia fancies she prefers tragedy, I would not trust her in it. There is nothing of tragedy about her. She has not the look of it. Her features are not tragic features, and she walks too quick, and speaks too quick, and would not keep her countenance. She had better do the old countrywoman: the Cottager's wife; you had, indeed, Julia. Cottager's wife is a very pretty part, I assure you. The old lady relieves the high-flown benevolence29 of her husband with a good deal of spirit. You shall be Cottager's wife."

"Cottager's wife!" cried Mr. Yates. "What are you talking of? The most trivial, paltry30, insignificant part; the merest commonplace; not a tolerable speech in the whole. Your sister do that! It is an insult to propose it. At Ecclesford the governess was to have done it. We all agreed that it could not be offered to anybody else. A little more justice, Mr. Manager, if you please. You do not deserve the office, if you cannot appreciate the talents of your company a little better."

"Why, as to _that_, my good friend, till I and my company have really acted there must be some guesswork; but I mean no disparagement31 to Julia. We cannot have two Agathas, and we must have one Cottager's wife; and I am sure I set her the example of moderation myself in being satisfied with the old Butler. If the part is trifling she will have more credit in making something of it; and if she is so desperately32 bent33 against everything humorous, let her take Cottager's speeches instead of Cottager's wife's, and so change the parts all through; _he_ is solemn and pathetic enough, I am sure. It could make no difference in the play, and as for Cottager himself, when he has got his wife's speeches, _I_ would undertake him with all my heart."

"With all your partiality for Cottager's wife," said Henry Crawford, "it will be impossible to make anything of it fit for your sister, and we must not suffer her good-nature to be imposed on. We must not _allow_ her to accept the part. She must not be left to her own complaisance34. Her talents will be wanted in Amelia. Amelia is a character more difficult to be well represented than even Agatha. I consider Amelia is the most difficult character in the whole piece. It requires great powers, great nicety, to give her playfulness and simplicity35 without extravagance. I have seen good actresses fail in the part. Simplicity, indeed, is beyond the reach of almost every actress by profession. It requires a delicacy36 of feeling which they have not. It requires a gentlewoman--a Julia Bertram. You _will_ undertake it, I hope?" turning to her with a look of anxious entreaty37, which softened38 her a little; but while she hesitated what to say, her brother again interposed with Miss Crawford's better claim.

"No, no, Julia must not be Amelia. It is not at all the part for her. She would not like it. She would not do well. She is too tall and robust39. Amelia should be a small, light, girlish, skipping figure. It is fit for Miss Crawford, and Miss Crawford only. She looks the part, and I am persuaded will do it admirably."

Without attending to this, Henry Crawford continued his supplication40. "You must oblige us," said he, "indeed you must. When you have studied the character, I am sure you will feel it suit you. Tragedy may be your choice, but it will certainly appear that comedy chuses _you_. You will be to visit me in prison with a basket of provisions; you will not refuse to visit me in prison? I think I see you coming in with your basket"

The influence of his voice was felt. Julia wavered; but was he only trying to soothe41 and pacify42 her, and make her overlook the previous affront43? She distrusted him. The slight had been most determined. He was, perhaps, but at treacherous44 play with her. She looked suspiciously at her sister; Maria's countenance was to decide it: if she were vexed45 and alarmed--but Maria looked all serenity46 and satisfaction, and Julia well knew that on this ground Maria could not be happy but at her expense. With hasty indignation, therefore, and a tremulous voice, she said to him, "You do not seem afraid of not keeping your countenance when I come in with a basket of provisions--though one might have supposed--but it is only as Agatha that I was to be so overpowering!" She stopped--Henry Crawford looked rather foolish, and as if he did not know what to say. Tom Bertram began again--

"Miss Crawford must be Amelia. She will be an excellent Amelia."

"Do not be afraid of _my_ wanting the character," cried Julia, with angry quickness: "I am _not_ to be Agatha, and I am sure I will do nothing else; and as to Amelia, it is of all parts in the world the most disgusting to me. I quite detest47 her. An odious48, little, pert, unnatural49, impudent50 girl. I have always protested against comedy, and this is comedy in its worst form." And so saying, she walked hastily out of the room, leaving awkward feelings to more than one, but exciting small compassion51 in any except Fanny, who had been a quiet auditor52 of the whole, and who could not think of her as under the agitations53 of _jealousy_ without great pity.

A short silence succeeded her leaving them; but her brother soon returned to business and Lovers' Vows, and was eagerly looking over the play, with Mr. Yates's help, to ascertain54 what scenery would be necessary--while Maria and Henry Crawford conversed55 together in an under-voice, and the declaration with which she began of, "I am sure I would give up the part to Julia most willingly, but that though I shall probably do it very ill, I feel persuaded _she_ would do it worse," was doubtless receiving all the compliments it called for.

When this had lasted some time, the division of the party was completed by Tom Bertram and Mr. Yates walking off together to consult farther in the room now beginning to be called _the_ _Theatre_, and Miss Bertram's resolving to go down to the Parsonage herself with the offer of Amelia to Miss Crawford; and Fanny remained alone.

The first use she made of her solitude56 was to take up the volume which had been left on the table, and begin to acquaint herself with the play of which she had heard so much. Her curiosity was all awake, and she ran through it with an eagerness which was suspended only by intervals57 of astonishment58, that it could be chosen in the present instance, that it could be proposed and accepted in a private theatre! Agatha and Amelia appeared to her in their different ways so totally improper59 for home representation--the situation of one, and the language of the other, so unfit to be expressed by any woman of modesty60, that she could hardly suppose her cousins could be aware of what they were engaging in; and longed to have them roused as soon as possible by the remonstrance61 which Edmund would certainly make.

看来,范妮原来的估计比埃德蒙预料的要准确。事实证明,人人满意的剧本的确不好找。木匠接受了任务,测量了尺寸,提议并解决了至少两件难办的事,显然得扩大计划,增加费用。他已经动工了,而剧本还没有确定。其他准备工作也已开始。从北安普敦买来一大卷绿绒布,已由诺里斯太太裁剪好(她精心计划,节省了整整四分之三码),并且已由女仆们做成了幕布,而剧本仍然没有找到。就这样过了两三天,埃德蒙不由得生出一线希望:也许他们永远找不到一个合适的剧本。

谈到剧本问题,要考虑那么多因素,要让那么多人个个都满意,剧中必须有那么多出色的人物,尤其棘手的是,这剧本必须既是悲剧又是喜剧。因此,看来事情是很难解决的,就像年轻气盛的人做任何事一样,总是僵持不下。

主张演悲剧的有两位伯特伦小姐、亨利·克劳福德和耶茨先生;主张演喜剧的是汤姆·伯特伦,但他并非完全孤立,因为玛丽·克劳福德虽说出于礼貌没有公开表态,但显然是想要演喜剧。不过汤姆主意已决,加上他是一家之主,因此似乎也不需要同盟。除了这个不可调和的矛盾外,他们还要求剧中的人物要少,每个人物都非常重要,而且要有三个女主角。所有的优秀剧本都考虑过了,没有一本中意的。无论是《哈姆雷特》、《麦克白》、《奥赛罗》,还是《道格拉斯》、《赌徒》①,(译注:①这都是当时深受欢迎的悲剧,前三部的作者是莎士比亚,《道格拉斯》的作者是约翰·霍姆,《赌徒》的作者是埃德华·莫尔。)连几个主张演悲剧的人都不满意;而《情敌》、《造谣学校》、《命运的车轮》、《法定继承人》②,(译注:②这都是当时流行的喜剧,前两部的作者是谢立丹,《命运的车轮》的作者是理查德·坎伯兰德,《法定继承人》的作者是乔治·科尔曼。)以及许多其他剧本,一个一个地遭到了更加激烈的反对。谁只要提出一个剧本,总有人加以非难,不是这方便是那方总要重复这样几句话:“噢!不行,这戏绝对不能演。我们不要演那些装腔作势的悲剧。人物太多了——剧中没有一个像样的女角色——亲爱的汤姆,随便哪个戏都比这个好。我们找不到那么多人来演——谁也不会演这个角色——从头到尾只是讲粗话逗乐而已。要不是有那些下流角色,这戏也许还可以——如果一定要我发表意见,我一向认为这是一本最平淡无味的英语剧本——我可不想表示反对,倒很乐意助一臂之力,不过我还是觉得选哪个剧本都比这本好。”

范妮在一旁看着、听着,眼见他们一个个全都那么自私,却又程度不同地加以掩饰,不免感到有些好笑,心想不知他们会怎么收场。为了图自己快乐,她倒是希望他们能找到个剧本演演,因为她长这么大连半场戏都没看过,但是以更重要的方面考虑,她又不赞成演。

“这样可不行,”汤姆·伯特伦最后说道。“我们这是浪费时间,令人厌恶至极。我们必须定下一个剧本。不管是什么剧本,只要定下来就好。我们不能那么挑剔。多几个人物用不着害怕。我们可以一个人演两个角色。我们得把标准降低一点。如果哪个角色不起眼儿,我们演得好就更显得有本事。从现在起,我可不再作梗了。你们叫我演什么我就演什么,只要是喜剧。我们就演喜剧吧,我只提这一个条件。”

接着,他差不多是第五次提出要演《法定继承人》,唯一拿不定主意的是,他自己究竟是演杜伯利勋爵好,还是演潘格劳斯博士好。他情恳意切地想让别人相信,在他挑剩的人物中,有几个出色的悲剧人物,可是谁也不信他的。

在这番无效的劝说之后,是一阵沉默,而打破沉默的,还是那同一位讲话人。他从桌上那许多剧本中拿起了一本,翻过来一看,突然叫道:“《山盟海誓》!雷文肖家能演《山盟海誓》,我们为什么不能演呢?我们怎么一直没想到它呀?我觉得非常适合我们演。你们觉得怎么样?两个棒极了的悲剧人物由耶茨和克劳福德演,那个爱做打油诗的男管家就由我来演——如果别人不想演的话——一个无足轻重的角色,不过我倒愿意演这种角色。我刚才说过,我已打定主意叫我演什么我就演什么,并且尽最大努力。至于其他人物,谁愿意演都可以。只有卡斯尔伯爵和安哈尔特。”

这个建议受到了众人的欢迎。事情总这么迟疑不决,大家都感到厌倦了,听到这个建议后,人人都立即意识到,先前提出的那些剧本没有一本像这本这样适合每个人。耶茨先生尤其高兴。他在埃克尔斯福德的时候,就不胜翘企地想演男爵,雷文肖勋爵每次朗诵台词都使他感到嫉妒,他不得不跑到自己房里也从头到尾朗诵一遍。通过演维尔登海姆男爵来大露一手,这是他演戏的最大愿望。他已能背下一半场数的台词,有了这一有利条件,便急不可待地想要扮演这个角色。不过,说句公道话,他并不是非演这个角色不可——他记得弗雷德里克也有一些非常出色的、慷慨激昂的台词,因此他表示同样愿意扮演这个角色。亨利·克劳福德也是哪个角色都愿意演。耶茨先生不论挑剩了哪一个,他都会心满意足地接受,接着两人互相谦让了一番。伯特伦小姐对演剧中的阿加莎甚感兴趣,便主动替他们做裁决。她对耶茨先生说,在分配角色的时候,应该考虑身高和身材的因素,鉴于耶茨先生个子比较高,似乎让他演男爵最为合适。众人认为她说得很对,两位先生也接受了自己的角色,她为弗雷德里克有了合适的人选而放心了。已有三人给派了角色,另有拉什沃思先生,他总是由玛丽亚做主,什么角色都可以演。朱莉娅和姐姐一样,也想演阿加莎,便以克劳福德小姐为幌子,提出了意见。

“这样做对不在场的人不公平,”她说。“这个剧里女性角色不多。阿米丽亚和阿加莎可以由玛丽亚和我来演,但是你妹妹就没有角色可演了,克劳福德先生。”

克劳福德先生希望大家不要为此事担忧。他认为他妹妹肯定不想演戏,只是希望为大家尽点力,在这出戏里她是不会让大家考虑她的。但是,汤姆·伯特伦立即对此表示反对。他毅然决然地说,阿米丽亚这个角色,如果克劳福德小姐愿意接受的话,从各方面考虑都应该由她来演。“就像阿加莎要由我的一个妹妹来演一样,”他说,“阿米丽亚理所当然要分派给克劳福德小姐。对于我两个妹妹来说,这也没有什么吃亏的,因为这个角色带有很强的喜剧色彩,”

随即是一阵短暂的沉默。姐妹俩都神色不安,都觉得阿加莎应由自己来演,盼着别人推荐自己。这时候,亨利·克劳福德拿起了剧本,好像漫不经心地翻了翻第一幕,很快便把这件事定下来了。“我要恳请朱莉娅·伯特伦小姐,”他说,“不要演阿加莎,否则我就严肃不起来了。你不能演,的确不能演——(转向她)。你装扮成一副悲伤惨淡的面容,我看了会承受不住的。我们在一起总是嘻嘻哈哈的,我怎么也抹不掉这个印象,弗雷德里克只能无奈地背着背包跑下台去。”

这番话说得既谦恭又风趣,但朱莉娅注重的不是说话人的态度,而是这番话的内容。她看到克劳福德先生说话的时候瞥了玛丽亚一眼,这就证实他们在有意损害她的利益。这是耍阴谋——搞诡计。她受到了冷落,受抬举的是玛丽亚。玛丽亚极力想压抑她那得意的微笑,足以证明她充分领会这番用意。没等朱莉娅镇静下来开口说话,她哥哥又给了她当头一棒,只听他说:“啊!是呀,必须让玛丽亚演阿加莎。虽然朱莉娅自以为喜欢演悲剧,可我不相信她能演好悲剧。她身上没有一点悲剧的气质。她的样子就不像。她的脸就不是演悲剧的脸,她走路太快,说话太快,总是忍不住笑。她最好演那乡村老太婆,那村民婆子。的确,朱莉娅,你最好演这个角色。你听我说,村民婆子是个很好的角色。这位老太太满腔热情地接替她丈夫所做的善事,非常了不起。你就演这村民婆子吧。”

“村民婆子!”耶茨大声嚷道。“你在说什么呀?那是个最卑微、最低贱、最无聊的角色,平庸至极——自始至终没有一段像样的台词。让你妹妹演这个角色!提这个建议就是一种侮辱。在埃克尔斯福德,是由家庭女教师扮演这个角色的。当时我们大家都一致认为,这个角色不能派给其他任何人。总管先生,请你公正一点。如果你对你戏班子里的人才不能妥当安排,你就不配当这个总管。”

“啊,至于我是否能妄排妥当,我的好朋友,在我的戏班子没有演出之前,谁也说不准。不过,我并非有意贬低朱莉娅。我们不能要两个阿加莎,我们必须有一个村民婆子。我自己情愿演老管家,这无疑给她树立了一个遇事谦让的榜样。如果说这个角色无足轻重,她能演好就更说明她了不起。如果她坚决不要幽默的东西,那就让她说村民的台词,而不说村民婆子的台词,把角色彻底换一换。我敢说,那村民可是够忧郁、够可悲的了。这对整个戏没什么影响。至于那村民,他的台词改成他妻子的台词后,我还真愿意担当他这个角色。”

“尽管你喜爱村民婆子这个角色,”亨利·克劳福德说,“你也不可能把她说得适合你妹妹演,我们不能因为你妹妹脾气好,就把这个角色强加给她。我们不能硬让她接受这个角色。我们不能欺负她好说话。演阿米丽亚就需要她的天才。阿米丽亚这个人物甚至比阿加莎还难演好。我认为整个剧本中,阿米丽亚是最难演的人物。要想把她演得既活泼纯真,而又不过分,那可需要很高的演技,还得准确把握。我见过一些优秀的演员都没演好。的确,几乎所有的职业演员都不善于展示人物的纯真。这需要细腻的情感,而她们却没有。这需要一位大家闺秀来演——需要朱莉娅·伯特伦这样一个人。我想你是愿意承担的吧?”一面带着急切恳求的神情转向朱莉娅,使她心里好受了一点。可是,就在她犹豫不决,不知道说什么好的时候,她哥哥又插嘴说,克劳福德小姐更适合演这个角色。

“不行,不行,朱莉娅不能演阿米丽亚。这个角色根本不适合她演。她不会喜欢这个角色。她演不好。她人太高,也太壮。阿米丽亚应该是个娇小、轻盈、有些稚气的、蹦蹦跳跳的人物。这个人物适合克劳福德小姐来演,而且只适合克劳福德小姐来演。她看上去就像这个角色,我相信她会演得惟妙惟肖。”

亨利·克劳福德没有理会这番话,仍在继续恳求朱莉娅。“你一定要帮帮这个忙,”他说,“的确,一定要帑这个忙。你研究了这个人物以后,肯定会觉得适合你演。你可能选择悲剧,不过当然实际情况是:喜剧选择了你。你将挎着一篮子吃的到监狱里来探望我。你不会拒绝到监狱里来探望我吧?我觉得我看见你挎着篮子进来了。

他的声音产生的威力可以感受出来。朱莉娅动摇了。可他是否只是想安慰安慰她,使她不再介意刚才受到的侮辱呢?她不相信他。他刚才对她的冷落是再明显不过了。也许他是不怀好意地拿她开心。她怀疑地看了看姐姐,从玛丽亚的神情中可以找到答案,如果她感到气恼和吃惊的话——然而玛丽亚一副安详自得的样子,朱莉娅心里很清楚,在这种情况下,除非是她受到捉弄,否则玛丽亚是不会高兴的。因此,她当即勃然大怒,声音颤抖地对亨利·克劳福德说:“看来,你并不怕我挎着一篮子吃的进来时你会忍不住笑——虽说别人认为你会忍不住笑的——不过我只有演阿加莎才会有那么大的威力!”她不往下说了。亨利·克劳福德露出傻呆呆的神气,好像不知道说什么是好。汤姆·伯特伦又开口说话了:

“克劳福德小姐一定要演阿米丽亚。她会演得很出色的。”

“不要担心我想演这个角色,”朱莉娅气冲冲地说。“我要是不能演阿加莎,那就肯定什么都不演。至于阿米丽亚,这是世界上我最讨厌的角色。我太厌恶她了。一个唐突无礼、矫揉造作、厚颜无耻、令人作呕的又矮又小的女子。我从来就不喜欢喜剧,而这又是最糟糕的喜剧。”说罢,便匆匆走出房去,使在座的人不止一个感到局促不安,但除了范妮外,谁也不同情她。范妮刚才一直在静静地听,眼见她被嫉妒搅得如此心烦意乱,不禁对她甚为怜悯。

朱莉娅走后,大家沉默了一阵。但是,她哥哥很快又谈起了正事和《山盟海誓》,急切地翻看剧本,在耶茨先生的帮助下,决定需要些什么样的布景。与此同时,玛丽亚和亨利·克劳福德在一起悄悄地说话,玛丽亚开口就声称:“本来,我肯定会心甘情愿把这个角色让给朱莉娅的。但是,虽说我可能演不好,可我相信她会演得更糟糕。”毫无疑问,她这番话理所当然地受到了恭维。

这番情景持续了一段时间之后,几个人便散开了,汤姆·伯特伦和耶茨先生一起来到现已改叫“剧场”的那间屋子进一步商量,伯特伦小姐决定亲自到牧师府上邀请克劳福德小姐演阿米丽亚,而范妮则一个人留了下来。

她在孤寂中做的第一件事,就是拿起留在桌上的那本书,看一看他们一直谈论的那个剧本。她的好奇心被逗引起来了,她急不可耐地从头读到了尾,只在吃惊的时候才稍有停顿。她感到惊讶的是,居然选上了这么个剧本——居然有人建议私立剧场演这样的剧,而且居然有人接受!她觉得,阿加莎和阿米丽亚这两个人物完全不适合在家里演,而且各有各的原因——一个的处境,另一个的语言,都不适合正派的女人来表演。她几乎不敢想象,她的表姐们是否知道她们要演的是什么。埃德蒙肯定会出面反对的,她盼望他能尽快使她们醒悟过来。


点击收听单词发音收听单词发音  

1 fully Gfuzd     
adv.完全地,全部地,彻底地;充分地
参考例句:
  • The doctor asked me to breathe in,then to breathe out fully.医生让我先吸气,然后全部呼出。
  • They soon became fully integrated into the local community.他们很快就完全融入了当地人的圈子。
2 zeal mMqzR     
n.热心,热情,热忱
参考例句:
  • Revolutionary zeal caught them up,and they joined the army.革命热情激励他们,于是他们从军了。
  • They worked with great zeal to finish the project.他们热情高涨地工作,以期完成这个项目。
3 tragic inaw2     
adj.悲剧的,悲剧性的,悲惨的
参考例句:
  • The effect of the pollution on the beaches is absolutely tragic.污染海滩后果可悲。
  • Charles was a man doomed to tragic issues.查理是个注定不得善终的人。
4 irreconcilable 34RxO     
adj.(指人)难和解的,势不两立的
参考例句:
  • These practices are irreconcilable with the law of the Church.这种做法与教规是相悖的。
  • These old concepts are irreconcilable with modern life.这些陈旧的观念与现代生活格格不入。
5 ranting f455c2eeccb0d93f31e63b89e6858159     
v.夸夸其谈( rant的现在分词 );大叫大嚷地以…说教;气愤地)大叫大嚷;不停地大声抱怨
参考例句:
  • Mrs. Sakagawa stopped her ranting. 坂川太太戛然中断悲声。 来自辞典例句
  • He was ranting about the murder of his dad. 他大叫她就是杀死他父亲的凶手。 来自电影对白
6 rant 9CYy4     
v.咆哮;怒吼;n.大话;粗野的话
参考例句:
  • You can rant and rave at the fine,but you'll still have to pay it.你闹也好,骂也好,罚金还是得交。
  • If we rant on the net,the world is our audience.如果我们在网络上大声嚷嚷,全世界都是我们的听众。
7 insipid TxZyh     
adj.无味的,枯燥乏味的,单调的
参考例句:
  • The food was rather insipid and needed gingering up.这食物缺少味道,需要加点作料。
  • She said she was a good cook,but the food she cooked is insipid.她说她是个好厨师,但她做的食物却是无味道的。
8 abominably 71996a6a63478f424db0cdd3fd078878     
adv. 可恶地,可恨地,恶劣地
参考例句:
  • From her own point of view Barbara had behaved abominably. 在她看来,芭芭拉的表现是恶劣的。
  • He wanted to know how abominably they could behave towards him. 他希望能知道他们能用什么样的卑鄙手段来对付他。
9 fixed JsKzzj     
adj.固定的,不变的,准备好的;(计算机)固定的
参考例句:
  • Have you two fixed on a date for the wedding yet?你们俩选定婚期了吗?
  • Once the aim is fixed,we should not change it arbitrarily.目标一旦确定,我们就不应该随意改变。
10 descend descend     
vt./vi.传下来,下来,下降
参考例句:
  • I hope the grace of God would descend on me.我期望上帝的恩惠。
  • We're not going to descend to such methods.我们不会沦落到使用这种手段。
11 insignificant k6Mx1     
adj.无关紧要的,可忽略的,无意义的
参考例句:
  • In winter the effect was found to be insignificant.在冬季,这种作用是不明显的。
  • This problem was insignificant compared to others she faced.这一问题与她面临的其他问题比较起来算不得什么。
12 vows c151b5e18ba22514580d36a5dcb013e5     
誓言( vow的名词复数 ); 郑重宣布,许愿
参考例句:
  • Matrimonial vows are to show the faithfulness of the new couple. 婚誓体现了新婚夫妇对婚姻的忠诚。
  • The nun took strait vows. 那位修女立下严格的誓愿。
13 trifling SJwzX     
adj.微不足道的;没什么价值的
参考例句:
  • They quarreled over a trifling matter.他们为这种微不足道的事情争吵。
  • So far Europe has no doubt, gained a real conveniency,though surely a very trifling one.直到现在为止,欧洲无疑地已经获得了实在的便利,不过那确是一种微不足道的便利。
14 determined duszmP     
adj.坚定的;有决心的
参考例句:
  • I have determined on going to Tibet after graduation.我已决定毕业后去西藏。
  • He determined to view the rooms behind the office.他决定查看一下办公室后面的房间。
15 longing 98bzd     
n.(for)渴望
参考例句:
  • Hearing the tune again sent waves of longing through her.再次听到那首曲子使她胸中充满了渴望。
  • His heart burned with longing for revenge.他心中燃烧着急欲复仇的怒火。
16 baron XdSyp     
n.男爵;(商业界等)巨头,大王
参考例句:
  • Henry Ford was an automobile baron.亨利·福特是一位汽车业巨头。
  • The baron lived in a strong castle.男爵住在一座坚固的城堡中。
17 grudged 497ff7797c8f8bc24299e4af22d743da     
怀恨(grudge的过去式与过去分词形式)
参考例句:
  • The mean man grudged the food his horse ate. 那个吝啬鬼舍不得喂马。
  • He grudged the food his horse ate. 他吝惜马料。
18 theatrical pIRzF     
adj.剧场的,演戏的;做戏似的,做作的
参考例句:
  • The final scene was dismayingly lacking in theatrical effect.最后一场缺乏戏剧效果,叫人失望。
  • She always makes some theatrical gesture.她老在做些夸张的手势。
19 alacrity MfFyL     
n.敏捷,轻快,乐意
参考例句:
  • Although the man was very old,he still moved with alacrity.他虽然很老,动作仍很敏捷。
  • He accepted my invitation with alacrity.他欣然接受我的邀请。
20 professed 7151fdd4a4d35a0f09eaf7f0f3faf295     
公开声称的,伪称的,已立誓信教的
参考例句:
  • These, at least, were their professed reasons for pulling out of the deal. 至少这些是他们自称退出这宗交易的理由。
  • Her manner professed a gaiety that she did not feel. 她的神态显出一种她并未实际感受到的快乐。
21 perfectly 8Mzxb     
adv.完美地,无可非议地,彻底地
参考例句:
  • The witnesses were each perfectly certain of what they said.证人们个个对自己所说的话十分肯定。
  • Everything that we're doing is all perfectly above board.我们做的每件事情都是光明正大的。
22 parley H4wzT     
n.谈判
参考例句:
  • The governor was forced to parley with the rebels.州长被迫与反叛者谈判。
  • The general held a parley with the enemy about exchanging prisoners.将军与敌人谈判交换战俘事宜。
23 scrupulous 6sayH     
adj.审慎的,小心翼翼的,完全的,纯粹的
参考例句:
  • She is scrupulous to a degree.她非常谨慎。
  • Poets are not so scrupulous as you are.诗人并不像你那样顾虑多。
24 acting czRzoc     
n.演戏,行为,假装;adj.代理的,临时的,演出用的
参考例句:
  • Ignore her,she's just acting.别理她,她只是假装的。
  • During the seventies,her acting career was in eclipse.在七十年代,她的表演生涯黯然失色。
25 entreat soexj     
v.恳求,恳请
参考例句:
  • Charles Darnay felt it hopeless entreat him further,and his pride was touched besides.查尔斯-达尔内感到再恳求他已是枉然,自尊心也受到了伤害。
  • I entreat you to contribute generously to the building fund.我恳求您慷慨捐助建设基金。
26 countenance iztxc     
n.脸色,面容;面部表情;vt.支持,赞同
参考例句:
  • At the sight of this photograph he changed his countenance.他一看见这张照片脸色就变了。
  • I made a fierce countenance as if I would eat him alive.我脸色恶狠狠地,仿佛要把他活生生地吞下去。
27 woe OfGyu     
n.悲哀,苦痛,不幸,困难;int.用来表达悲伤或惊慌
参考例句:
  • Our two peoples are brothers sharing weal and woe.我们两国人民是患难与共的兄弟。
  • A man is well or woe as he thinks himself so.自认祸是祸,自认福是福。
28 courteously 4v2z8O     
adv.有礼貌地,亲切地
参考例句:
  • He courteously opened the door for me.他谦恭有礼地为我开门。
  • Presently he rose courteously and released her.过了一会,他就很客气地站起来,让她走开。
29 benevolence gt8zx     
n.慈悲,捐助
参考例句:
  • We definitely do not apply a policy of benevolence to the reactionaries.我们对反动派决不施仁政。
  • He did it out of pure benevolence. 他做那件事完全出于善意。
30 paltry 34Cz0     
adj.无价值的,微不足道的
参考例句:
  • The parents had little interest in paltry domestic concerns.那些家长对家里鸡毛蒜皮的小事没什么兴趣。
  • I'm getting angry;and if you don't command that paltry spirit of yours.我要生气了,如果你不能振作你那点元气。
31 disparagement dafe893b656fbd57b9a512d2744fd14a     
n.轻视,轻蔑
参考例句:
  • He was humble and meek, filled with self-disparagement and abasement. 他谦卑、恭顺,满怀自我贬斥与压抑。 来自互联网
  • Faint praise is disparagement. 敷衍勉强的恭维等于轻蔑。 来自互联网
32 desperately cu7znp     
adv.极度渴望地,绝望地,孤注一掷地
参考例句:
  • He was desperately seeking a way to see her again.他正拼命想办法再见她一面。
  • He longed desperately to be back at home.他非常渴望回家。
33 bent QQ8yD     
n.爱好,癖好;adj.弯的;决心的,一心的
参考例句:
  • He was fully bent upon the project.他一心扑在这项计划上。
  • We bent over backward to help them.我们尽了最大努力帮助他们。
34 complaisance 1Xky2     
n.彬彬有礼,殷勤,柔顺
参考例句:
  • She speaks with complaisance.她说话彬彬有礼。
  • His complaisance leaves a good impression on her.他的彬彬有礼给她留下了深刻的印象。
35 simplicity Vryyv     
n.简单,简易;朴素;直率,单纯
参考例句:
  • She dressed with elegant simplicity.她穿着朴素高雅。
  • The beauty of this plan is its simplicity.简明扼要是这个计划的一大特点。
36 delicacy mxuxS     
n.精致,细微,微妙,精良;美味,佳肴
参考例句:
  • We admired the delicacy of the craftsmanship.我们佩服工艺师精巧的手艺。
  • He sensed the delicacy of the situation.他感觉到了形势的微妙。
37 entreaty voAxi     
n.恳求,哀求
参考例句:
  • Mrs. Quilp durst only make a gesture of entreaty.奎尔普太太仅做出一种哀求的姿势。
  • Her gaze clung to him in entreaty.她的眼光带着恳求的神色停留在他身上。
38 softened 19151c4e3297eb1618bed6a05d92b4fe     
(使)变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 ); 缓解打击; 缓和; 安慰
参考例句:
  • His smile softened slightly. 他的微笑稍柔和了些。
  • The ice cream softened and began to melt. 冰淇淋开始变软并开始融化。
39 robust FXvx7     
adj.强壮的,强健的,粗野的,需要体力的,浓的
参考例句:
  • She is too tall and robust.她个子太高,身体太壮。
  • China wants to keep growth robust to reduce poverty and avoid job losses,AP commented.美联社评论道,中国希望保持经济强势增长,以减少贫困和失业状况。
40 supplication supplication     
n.恳求,祈愿,哀求
参考例句:
  • She knelt in supplication. 她跪地祷求。
  • The supplication touched him home. 这个请求深深地打动了他。 来自英汉文学 - 双城记
41 soothe qwKwF     
v.安慰;使平静;使减轻;缓和;奉承
参考例句:
  • I've managed to soothe him down a bit.我想方设法使他平静了一点。
  • This medicine should soothe your sore throat.这种药会减轻你的喉痛。
42 pacify xKFxa     
vt.使(某人)平静(或息怒);抚慰
参考例句:
  • He tried to pacify the protesters with promises of reform.他试图以改革的承诺安抚抗议者。
  • He tried to pacify his creditors by repaying part of the money.他为安抚债权人偿还了部分借款。
43 affront pKvy6     
n./v.侮辱,触怒
参考例句:
  • Your behaviour is an affront to public decency.你的行为有伤风化。
  • This remark caused affront to many people.这句话得罪了不少人。
44 treacherous eg7y5     
adj.不可靠的,有暗藏的危险的;adj.背叛的,背信弃义的
参考例句:
  • The surface water made the road treacherous for drivers.路面的积水对驾车者构成危险。
  • The frozen snow was treacherous to walk on.在冻雪上行走有潜在危险。
45 vexed fd1a5654154eed3c0a0820ab54fb90a7     
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
参考例句:
  • The conference spent days discussing the vexed question of border controls. 会议花了几天的时间讨论边境关卡这个难题。
  • He was vexed at his failure. 他因失败而懊恼。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
46 serenity fEzzz     
n.宁静,沉着,晴朗
参考例句:
  • Her face,though sad,still evoked a feeling of serenity.她的脸色虽然悲伤,但仍使人感觉安详。
  • She escaped to the comparative serenity of the kitchen.她逃到相对安静的厨房里。
47 detest dm0zZ     
vt.痛恨,憎恶
参考例句:
  • I detest people who tell lies.我恨说谎的人。
  • The workers detest his overbearing manner.工人们很讨厌他那盛气凌人的态度。
48 odious l0zy2     
adj.可憎的,讨厌的
参考例句:
  • The judge described the crime as odious.法官称这一罪行令人发指。
  • His character could best be described as odious.他的人格用可憎来形容最贴切。
49 unnatural 5f2zAc     
adj.不自然的;反常的
参考例句:
  • Did her behaviour seem unnatural in any way?她有任何反常表现吗?
  • She has an unnatural smile on her face.她脸上挂着做作的微笑。
50 impudent X4Eyf     
adj.鲁莽的,卑鄙的,厚颜无耻的
参考例句:
  • She's tolerant toward those impudent colleagues.她对那些无礼的同事采取容忍的态度。
  • The teacher threatened to kick the impudent pupil out of the room.老师威胁着要把这无礼的小学生撵出教室。
51 compassion 3q2zZ     
n.同情,怜悯
参考例句:
  • He could not help having compassion for the poor creature.他情不自禁地怜悯起那个可怜的人来。
  • Her heart was filled with compassion for the motherless children.她对于没有母亲的孩子们充满了怜悯心。
52 auditor My5ziV     
n.审计员,旁听着
参考例句:
  • The auditor was required to produce his working papers.那个审计员被要求提供其工作底稿。
  • The auditor examines the accounts of all county officers and departments.审计员查对所有县官员及各部门的帐目。
53 agitations f76d9c4af9d9a4693ce5da05d8ec82d5     
(液体等的)摇动( agitation的名词复数 ); 鼓动; 激烈争论; (情绪等的)纷乱
参考例句:
  • It was a system that could not endure, and agitations grew louder. 这个系统已经不能持续下去了,而且噪音越来越大。
54 ascertain WNVyN     
vt.发现,确定,查明,弄清
参考例句:
  • It's difficult to ascertain the coal deposits.煤储量很难探明。
  • We must ascertain the responsibility in light of different situtations.我们必须根据不同情况判定责任。
55 conversed a9ac3add7106d6e0696aafb65fcced0d     
v.交谈,谈话( converse的过去式 )
参考例句:
  • I conversed with her on a certain problem. 我与她讨论某一问题。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
  • She was cheerful and polite, and conversed with me pleasantly. 她十分高兴,也很客气,而且愉快地同我交谈。 来自辞典例句
56 solitude xF9yw     
n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方
参考例句:
  • People need a chance to reflect on spiritual matters in solitude. 人们需要独处的机会来反思精神上的事情。
  • They searched for a place where they could live in solitude. 他们寻找一个可以过隐居生活的地方。
57 intervals f46c9d8b430e8c86dea610ec56b7cbef     
n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 );间隔时间;[数学]区间;(戏剧、电影或音乐会的)幕间休息
参考例句:
  • The forecast said there would be sunny intervals and showers. 预报间晴,有阵雨。
  • Meetings take place at fortnightly intervals. 每两周开一次会。
58 astonishment VvjzR     
n.惊奇,惊异
参考例句:
  • They heard him give a loud shout of astonishment.他们听见他惊奇地大叫一声。
  • I was filled with astonishment at her strange action.我对她的奇怪举动不胜惊异。
59 improper b9txi     
adj.不适当的,不合适的,不正确的,不合礼仪的
参考例句:
  • Short trousers are improper at a dance.舞会上穿短裤不成体统。
  • Laughing and joking are improper at a funeral.葬礼时大笑和开玩笑是不合适的。
60 modesty REmxo     
n.谦逊,虚心,端庄,稳重,羞怯,朴素
参考例句:
  • Industry and modesty are the chief factors of his success.勤奋和谦虚是他成功的主要因素。
  • As conceit makes one lag behind,so modesty helps one make progress.骄傲使人落后,谦虚使人进步。
61 remonstrance bVex0     
n抗议,抱怨
参考例句:
  • She had abandoned all attempts at remonstrance with Thomas.她已经放弃了一切劝戒托马斯的尝试。
  • Mrs. Peniston was at the moment inaccessible to remonstrance.目前彭尼斯顿太太没功夫听她告状。


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