《美国悲剧》——An American Tragedy （中英文对照）完结_派派后花园

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[Novel] 《美国悲剧》——An American Tragedy （中英文对照）完结

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等级: 派派版主
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原名：独爱穿越。
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Part 2 Chapter 1
The home of Samuel Griffiths in Lycurgus, New York, a city of some twenty-five thousand inhabitants midwaybetween Utica and Albany. Near the dinner hour and by degrees the family assembling for its customary meal.
　　On this occasion the preparations were of a more elaborate nature than usual, owing to the fact that for the pastfour days Mr. Samuel Griffiths, the husband and father, had been absent attending a conference of shirt andcollar manufacturers in Chicago, price-cutting by upstart rivals in the west having necessitated compromise andadjustment by those who manufactured in the east. He was but now returned and had telephoned earlier in theafternoon that he had arrived, and was going to his office in the factory where he would remain until dinner time.
　　Being long accustomed to the ways of a practical and convinced man who believed in himself and considered hisjudgment and his decision sound--almost final--for the most part, anyhow, Mrs. Griffiths thought nothing of this.
　　He would appear and greet her in due order.
　　Knowing that he preferred leg of lamb above many other things, after due word with Mrs. Truesdale, her homelybut useful housekeeper, she ordered lamb. And the appropriate vegetables and dessert having been decided upon,she gave herself over to thoughts of her eldest daughter Myra, who, having graduated from Smith Collegeseveral years before, was still unmarried. And the reason for this, as Mrs. Griffiths well understood, though shewas never quite willing to admit it openly, was that Myra was not very good looking. Her nose was too long, hereyes too close-set, her chin not sufficiently rounded to give her a girlish and pleasing appearance. For the mostpart she seemed too thoughtful and studious--as a rule not interested in the ordinary social life of that city.
　　Neither did she possess that savoir faire, let alone that peculiar appeal for men, that characterized some girls evenwhen they were not pretty. As her mother saw it, she was really too critical and too intellectual, having a mindthat was rather above the world in which she found herself.
　　Brought up amid comparative luxury, without having to worry about any of the rough details of making a living,she had been confronted, nevertheless, by the difficulties of making her own way in the matter of social favorand love--two objectives which, without beauty or charm, were about as difficult as the attaining to extremewealth by a beggar. And the fact that for twelve years now--ever since she had been fourteen--she had seen thelives of other youths and maidens in this small world in which she moved passing gayly enough, while hers wasmore or less confined to reading, music, the business of keeping as neatly and attractively arrayed as possible,and of going to visit friends in the hope of possibly encountering somewhere, somehow, the one temperamentwho would be interested in her, had saddened, if not exactly soured her. And that despite the fact that thematerial comfort of her parents and herself was exceptional.
　　Just now she had gone through her mother's room to her own, looking as though she were not very muchinterested in anything. Her mother had been trying to think of something to suggest that would take her out ofherself, when the younger daughter, Bella, fresh from a passing visit to the home of the Finchleys, wealthyneighbors where she had stopped on her way from the Snedeker School, burst in upon her.
　　Contrasted with her sister, who was tall and dark and rather sallow, Bella, though shorter, was far moregracefully and vigorously formed. She had thick brown--almost black--hair, a brown and olive complexion tintedwith red, and eyes brown and genial, that blazed with an eager, seeking light. In addition to her sound and lithephysique, she possessed vitality and animation. Her arms and legs were graceful and active. Plainly she wasgiven to liking things as she found them--enjoying life as it was--and hence, unlike her sister, she was unusuallyattractive to men and boys--to men and women, old and young--a fact which her mother and father well knew.
　　No danger of any lack of marriage offers for her when the time came. As her mother saw it, too many youths andmen were already buzzing around, and so posing the question of a proper husband for her. Already she haddisplayed a tendency to become thick and fast friends, not only with the scions of the older and moreconservative families who constituted the ultra-respectable element of the city, but also, and this was more to hermother's distaste, with the sons and daughters of some of those later and hence socially less important families ofthe region--the sons and daughters of manufacturers of bacon, canning jars, vacuum cleaners, wooden andwicker ware, and typewriters, who constituted a solid enough financial element in the city, but who made up what might be considered the "fast set" in the local life.
　　In Mrs. Griffiths' opinion, there was too much dancing, cabareting, automobiling to one city and another, withoutdue social supervision. Yet, as a contrast to her sister, Myra, what a relief. It was only from the point of view ofproper surveillance, or until she was safely and religiously married, that Mrs. Griffiths troubled or even objectedto most of her present contacts and yearnings and gayeties. She desired to protect her.
　　"Now, where have you been?" she demanded, as her daughter burst into the room, throwing down her books anddrawing near to the open fire that burned there.
　　"Just think, Mamma," began Bella most unconcernedly and almost irrelevantly. "The Finchleys are going to giveup their place out at Greenwood Lake this coming summer and go up to Twelfth Lake near Pine Point. They'regoing to build a new bungalow up there. And Sondra says that this time it's going to be right down at the water'sedge--not away from it, as it is out here. And they're going to have a great big verandah with a hardwood floor.
　　And a boathouse big enough for a thirty-foot electric launch that Mr. Finchley is going to buy for Stuart. Won'tthat be wonderful? And she says that if you will let me, that I can come up there for all summer long, or for aslong as I like. And Gil, too, if he will. It's just across the lake from the Emery Lodge, you know, and the EastGate Hotel. And the Phants' place, you know, the Phants of Utica, is just below theirs near Sharon. Isn't that justwonderful? Won't that be great? I wish you and Dad would make up your minds to build up there now sometime,Mamma. It looks to me now as though nearly everybody that's worth anything down here is moving up there."She talked so fast and swung about so, looking now at the open fire burning in the grate, then out of the two highwindows that commanded the front lawn and a full view of Wykeagy Avenue, lit by the electric lights in thewinter dusk, that her mother had no opportunity to insert any comment until this was over. However, shemanaged to observe: "Yes? Well, what about the Anthonys and the Nicholsons and the Taylors? I haven't heardof their leaving Greenwood yet.""Oh, I know, not the Anthonys or the Nicholsons or the Taylors. Who expects them to move? They're too oldfashioned. They're not the kind that would move anywhere, are they? No one thinks they are. Just the sameGreenwood isn't like Twelfth Lake. You know that yourself. And all the people that are anybody down on theSouth Shore are going up there for sure. The Cranstons next year, Sondra says. And after that, I bet the Harrietswill go, too.""The Cranstons and the Harriets and the Finchleys and Sondra," commented her mother, half amused and halfirritated. "The Cranstons and you and Bertine and Sondra--that's all I hear these days." For the Cranstons, and theFinchleys, despite a certain amount of local success in connection with this newer and faster set, were, muchmore than any of the others, the subject of considerable unfavorable comment. They were the people who,having moved the Cranston Wickwire Company from Albany, and the Finchley Electric Sweeper from Buffalo,and built large factories on the south bank of the Mohawk River, to say nothing of new and grandiose houses inWykeagy Avenue and summer cottages at Greenwood, some twenty miles northwest, were setting a rathershowy, and hence disagreeable, pace to all of the wealthy residents of this region. They were given to wearingthe smartest clothes, to the latest novelties in cars and entertainments, and constituted a problem to those whowith less means considered their position and their equipment about as fixed and interesting and attractive assuch things might well be. The Cranstons and the Finchleys were in the main a thorn in the flesh of the remainder of the elite of Lycurgus--too showy and too aggressive.
　　"How often have I told you that I don't want you to have so much to do with Bertine or that Letta Harriet or herbrother either? They're too forward. They run around and talk and show off too much. And your father feels thesame as I do in regard to them. As for Sondra Finchley, if she expects to go with Bertine and you, too, thenyou're not going to go with her either much longer. Besides I'm not sure that your father approves of your goinganywhere without some one to accompany you. You're not old enough yet. And as for your going to TwelfthLake to the Finchleys, well, unless we all go together, there'll be no going there, either." And now Mrs. Griffiths,who leaned more to the manner and tactics of the older, if not less affluent families, stared complainingly at herdaughter.
　　Nevertheless Bella was no more abashed that she was irritated by this. On the contrary she knew her mother andknew that she was fond of her; also that she was intrigued by her physical charm as well as her assured localsocial success as much as was her father, who considered her perfection itself and could be swayed by her least,as well as her much practised, smile.
　　"Not old enough, not old enough," commented Bella reproachfully. "Will you listen? I'll be eighteen in July. I'dlike to know when you and Papa are going to think I'm old enough to go anywhere without you both. Whereveryou two go, I have to go, and wherever I want to go, you two have to go, too.""Bella," censured her mother. Then after a moment's silence, in which her daughter stood there impatiently, sheadded, "Of course, what else would you have us do? When you are twenty-one or two, if you are not married bythen, it will be time enough to think of going off by yourself. But at your age, you shouldn't be thinking of anysuch thing." Bella cocked her pretty head, for at the moment the side door downstairs was thrown open, andGilbert Griffiths, the only son of this family and who very much in face and build, if not in manner or lack offorce, resembled Clyde, his western cousin, entered and ascended.
　　He was at this time a vigorous, self-centered and vain youth of twenty-three who, in contrast with his two sisters,seemed much sterner and far more practical. Also, probably much more intelligent and aggressive in a businessway--a field in which neither of the two girls took the slightest interest. He was brisk in manner and impatient.
　　He considered that his social position was perfectly secure, and was utterly scornful of anything but commercialsuccess. Yet despite this he was really deeply interested in the movements of the local society, of which heconsidered himself and his family the most important part. Always conscious of the dignity and social standingof his family in this community, he regulated his action and speech accordingly. Ordinarily he struck the passingobserver as rather sharp and arrogant, neither as youthful or as playful as his years might have warranted. Still hewas young, attractive and interesting. He had a sharp, if not brilliant, tongue in his head--a gift at times formaking crisp and cynical remarks. On account of his family and position he was considered also the mostdesirable of all the young eligible bachelors in Lycurgus. Nevertheless he was so much interested in himself thathe scarcely found room in his cosmos for a keen and really intelligent understanding of anyone else.
　　Hearing him ascend from below and enter his room, which was at the rear of the house next to hers, Bella at onceleft her mother's room, and coming to the door, called: "Oh, Gil, can I come in?""Sure." He was whistling briskly and already, in view of some entertainment somewhere, preparing to change to evening clothes.
　　"Where are you going?""Nowhere, for dinner. To the Wynants afterwards.""Oh, Constance to be sure.""No, not Constance, to be sure. Where do you get that stuff?""As though I didn't know.""Lay off. Is that what you came in here for?""No, that isn't what I came in here for. What do you think? The Finchleys are going to build a place up atTwelfth Lake next summer, right on the lake, next to the Phants, and Mr. Finchley's going to buy Stuart a thirty-foot launch and build a boathouse with a sun-parlor right over the water to hold it. Won't that be swell, huh?""Don't say 'swell.' And don't say 'huh.' Can't you learn to cut out the slang? You talk like a factory girl. Is that allthey teach you over at that school?""Listen to who's talking about cutting out slang. How about yourself? You set a fine example around here, Inotice.""Well, I'm five years older than you are. Besides I'm a man. You don't notice Myra using any of that stuff.""Oh, Myra. But don't let's talk about that. Only think of that new house they're going to build and the fine timethey're going to have up there next summer. Don't you wish we could move up there, too? We could if wewanted to--if Papa and Mamma would agree to it.""Oh, I don't know that it would be so wonderful," replied her brother, who was really very much interested justthe same. "There are other places besides Twelfth Lake.""Who said there weren't? But not for the people that we know around here. Where else do the best people fromAlbany and Utica go but there now, I'd like to know. It's going to become a regular center, Sondra says, with allthe finest houses along the west shore. Just the same, the Cranstons, the Lamberts, and the Harriets are going tomove up there pretty soon, too," Bella added most definitely and defiantly. "That won't leave so many out atGreenwood Lake, nor the very best people, either, even if the Anthonys and Nicholsons do stay here.""Who says the Cranstons are going up there?" asked Gilbert, now very much interested.
　　"Why, Sondra!""Who told her?""Bertine.""Gee, they're getting gayer and gayer," commented her brother oddly and a little enviously. "Pretty soonLycurgus'll be too small to hold 'em." He jerked at a bow tie he was attempting to center and grimaced oddly ashis tight neck-band pinched him slightly.
　　For although Gilbert had recently entered into the collar and shirt industry with his father as general supervisorof manufacturing, and with every prospect of managing and controlling the entire business eventually, still hewas jealous of young Grant Cranston, a youth of his own age, very appealing and attractive physically, who wasreally more daring with and more attractive to the girls of the younger set. Cranston seemed to be satisfied that itwas possible to combine a certain amount of social pleasure with working for his father with which Gilbert didnot agree. In fact, young Griffiths would have preferred, had it been possible, so to charge young Cranston withlooseness, only thus far the latter had managed to keep himself well within the bounds of sobriety. And theCranston Wickwire Company was plainly forging ahead as one of the leading industries of Lycurgus.
　　"Well," he added, after a moment, "they're spreading out faster than I would if I had their business. They're notthe richest people in the world, either." Just the same he was thinking that, unlike himself and his parents, theCranstons were really more daring if not socially more avid of life. He envied them.
　　"And what's more," added Bella interestedly, "the Finchleys are to have a dance floor over the boathouse. AndSondra says that Stuart was hoping that you would come up there and spend a lot of time this summer.""Oh, did he?" replied Gilbert, a little enviously and sarcastically. "You mean he said he was hoping you wouldcome up and spend a lot of time. I'll be working this summer.""He didn't say anything of the kind, smarty. Besides it wouldn't hurt us any if we did go up there. There's nothingmuch out at Greenwood any more that I can see. A lot of old hen parties.""Is that so? Mother would like to hear that.""And you'll tell her, of course""Oh, no, I won't either. But I don't think we're going to follow the Finchleys or the Cranstons up to Twelfth Lakejust yet, either. You can go up there if you want, if Dad'll let you."Just then the lower door clicked again, and Bella, forgetting her quarrel with her brother, ran down to greet herfather.
       这是纽约州莱柯格斯城塞缪尔。格里菲思的家。莱柯格斯是位于尤蒂卡和奥尔巴尼之间。人口约有两万五千的一个城市。开饭时间快到了，一家人纷纷走拢来，准备共进晚餐。这一顿晚餐准备得比往常更为周到，就是给一家之主塞缪尔。格里菲思先生接风洗尘，因为他离家四天刚才回来。原来他是去参加芝加哥的一个衬衫与领子制造厂商的会议，西部一些突然暴富的劲敌宣告削价，逼使东部一些制造厂商妥协，也进行了调价。午后不久，他就打来电话，说他已经回来了，打算去工厂办事处，一直待到吃晚饭时才回家。

对于讲求实际而又充满自信的丈夫的脾性，格里菲思太太早就摸熟了。此人很自信，认为自己的判断。自己的决定，绝无例外，都是稳健可靠……几乎是不再变动的。因此，这一回她一点儿也不奇怪。到时候他自然会回家，会和她打招呼的。

格里菲思太太知道自己丈夫最喜欢吃羊腿，在同她的那位其貌不扬但办事很能干的女管家特鲁斯黛尔太太闲扯后，就关照她准备羊腿这道菜。等到与之相配的菜蔬。甜食也都选定以后，格里菲思太太这才转念想到了大女儿麦拉:

好几年前她在史密斯学院毕业，至今还待字闺中。至于原因嘛，格里菲思太太虽然从不乐意公开承认，可自己心里却很清楚，不外乎是麦拉长得不挺好看:

鼻子太长，眼睛挨得太近，下巴颏儿尚欠丰满……而丰满对一个女孩子惹人喜爱的模样儿来说，乃是万万不可或缺的。通常她总是显得太喜欢深思。好学……对本城上流社会交际生活照例不感兴趣。眼下有些女孩子，尽管长得并不美，但生来就有一种圆滑手腕，更不用说那种吸引男子的特殊魅力了……这些特点，可惜在麦拉身上也都付之阙如。她母亲心里明白，她实在太爱挑剔，也太颖悟了;论才智，她确实凌驾于她那个小圈子里这些人之上。

她自幼在相当奢华的环境里长大，用不着为谋生这类琐事操心。不过，她想在社交上和爱情上获得成功，确实有她的难处……要达到这两个目标，如果说没有美貌和魅力，那就好比要求叫化子变成巨富一样难啊。迄今已有十二年了……从十四岁起……她亲眼看到，在她那个小圈子里，许多少男少女都是生活得乐乐呵呵，无忧无虑，可她偏偏只知道读书和音乐，尽量让自己穿得整洁。

吸引人，出门访友时希望能够同一个志趣相投，并对她深感兴趣的人邂逅，但有时这也会让她感到悲哀，乃至于乖戾无常了，尽管父母以及她自己的物质生活享受都是那么特别优越。

此刻她正经过母亲的房间往自己的房间走去。瞧她那副神态，好象对世界上一切都是漠不关心似的。她母亲正在想方设法，怎样引导她从她这种心态中走出来。这时，刚从芬奇利家回来的小女儿贝拉，突然飞也似的奔进来了……她是在斯内德克学校放学回家路上，顺便上这个有钱的街坊邻居玩儿去的。

如果说同她那个身材高高。肌肤浅黑。略带病黄色的姐姐相比，贝拉哪怕个儿矮一些，长得却要雅致得多，体格也很结实。她有一头深棕色……几乎是乌黑的……头发，棕黄或是说橄榄色的面孔，双颊透着红晕，一双和蔼可亲的棕色眼睛，迸发出一种急于探索的光芒。除了她那刚中有柔的性格以外，她还虎虎有生气，充满了活力。她的四肢优美而又灵活。她简直对周围一切都喜欢……尽情享受眼前生活乐趣……因此，同姐姐不一样，她在成年男子和小伙子……男女老少看来，都特别具有吸引力，这一点她父母当然也很清楚。到时候没人向她求婚这种危险性是压根儿不会有的。她母亲已经了解到，围着她转的成年男子和男孩子已经够多的了，因此，给她选择夫婿的问题已经摆在面前。

现在，她已表现出一种广交朋友的倾向，不仅跟誉称为本城社会名流的一些比较保守的世家望族后裔交朋友，而且也跟不久前才迁居本区。因而社会地位低微的一些人家的子女交朋友，她母亲对此极为不满。这些人家里头，有熏咸肉的，做罐头的，制造真空吸尘器的，也有做木器。藤器的，制造打字机的……他们虽已成为本城巨贾豪富，但在莱柯格斯也许还被看成"一帮子暴发户"。

格里菲思太太认为，现在贝拉和这一帮子人跳舞。上餐厅。坐汽车到这个。

那个城市去玩，实在太多了，缺少应有的监督。不过，同她姐姐麦拉一对比，贝拉该有多么轻松啊!

正是为了细心照管贝拉，以便日后准能按照宗教礼仪举行婚典，格里菲思太太才对她目前的广交朋友和醉心玩乐不时深感忧虑。她一心只是想要保护她小女儿。

"刚才你上哪儿去了?

"她女儿一奔进房间，随手把书一扔，走到了生着火的壁炉跟前，这时格里菲思太太才开口问。

"想想看，妈，"贝拉满不在乎，简直答非所问地说。"今年夏天芬奇利家要放弃他们在格林伍德湖畔的房子，搬到松木场附近第十二号湖去了。他们要在那儿盖一座新的别墅。桑德拉说，这回就盖在湖边……不象这里老宅离湖那么远。他们还要盖一个铺硬木地板的特大游廊。还有一个船坞，大得很，能停泊一艘三十英尺长的电动汽艇，就是芬奇利先生特意买给斯图尔特的。你说，这美不美?

桑德拉说，要是你同意的话，我可以跟她一块上那儿去住上一个夏天，或者说我乐意住多久，就住多久吧。吉尔要是高兴，也可以去嘛。你知道，就在埃默雷小筑和东门旅馆的湖对面。就在范特别墅那边，你知道，尤蒂卡的范特家……离沙伦家不太远。这真是太美了!

太棒了!

我真巴不得你跟阿爸下个决心，多咱也在那儿盖一所小别墅，妈。我说，眼下这里每一个有点身价的人，差不离都搬那儿去住啦。"她就这样滔滔不绝地说着，来回不停地扭动身子，一会儿望着壁炉里的旺火苗儿，一会儿又走到两个高高的窗子跟前，从这儿望得见屋前的草坪，以及冬日黄昏时分被电灯照得雪亮的威克吉大街全景。因为她一直在嘴上嘀嘀咕咕说个没完，她母亲简直插不上一句话。不过，最后她总算说了一句:

"真的是吗?

那末，安东尼家。尼科尔森家和泰勒家呢?

我还没听说他们要搬走。""哦，我知道，安东尼家。尼科尔森家和泰勒家都没有搬。嘿，休想他们会挪窝!

他们太老古派啦。他们那号人是不会搬的。谁都不指望他们搬。不管怎么说，反正格林伍德湖跟第十二号湖不一样。这你自个儿也明白。凡是在南岸有点身份的人，包管都会搬过去的。桑德拉说，克兰斯顿家明年就搬了。打这以后，当然罗，哈里特家也要搬了。""克兰斯顿家。哈里特家。芬奇利家，还有桑德拉!

"她母亲听后觉得既好笑但又很生气。"这些天来，我耳朵里听到的，净是克兰斯顿家呀，你呀，还有蒂娜呀，桑德拉呀!

"因为克兰斯顿家和芬奇利家，这些不久前才搬来的新的暴发户虽然在莱柯格斯已经相当发迹，可是同别人相比，往往更容易成为人们蜚短流长的话题。他们把克兰斯顿柳藤制品公司从奥尔巴尼迁到这里，把芬奇利真空吸尘器公司从布法罗迁到这里，在莫霍克河南岸盖起了大厂房，更不用说在威克吉大街造了富丽堂皇的新宅第，在莱柯格斯西北二十英里外格林伍德湖滨修建了消暑别墅。一句话，他们分明是在摆阔气嘛，因而也招致莱柯格斯全城有钱人不满。他们喜欢穿最时髦的衣服，坐的汽车和种种娱乐消遣，也都是款式最新的，使那些资财不多的人……原先他们认为自己的地位和生活方式都是固定不变，饶有兴味，引人瞩目……很难同他们争一日之长。可是，克兰斯顿家和芬奇利家……太喜欢出风头，太咄咄逼人了，所以就成为莱柯格斯城里其他上流社会人士的肉中刺。

"我跟你说过多少回了，叫你别跟伯蒂娜，或是那个莱达。哈里特，或是她的哥哥多来往?

他们这些人太傲慢了。他们整日价跑来跑去瞎忙乎，乱弹琴，净给自己摆阔气。你爸对他们的看法，同我一模一样。至于桑德拉。芬奇利，若是她既想同伯蒂娜来往，又想同你来往，那你就只好干脆不同她多来往。再说，我也拿不准你爸是不是一定会允许你没有大人陪伴，就随随便便上哪儿去。你毕竟年纪还轻呢。至于你要到第十二号湖上芬奇利家去的事，得了，要么是我们一块儿都去，要么是我们干脆谁也不去。"格里菲思太太打心眼里喜欢一些世家望族。同时也是殷实人家的生活方式与繁文缛礼，如今气呼呼地两眼直盯着她女儿。

可是，贝拉听了这些话，既不感到羞惭，也不怎么恼火。相反，也知道她母亲的脾性，知道她母亲是疼爱她的，也知道她母亲如同她爸一样，常常因为她长得又俊又俏，在本城交际界大出风头而沾沾自喜。他爸认为贝拉已是十全十美的了，只要她莞尔一笑，就能随意摆布他了。

"年纪还轻呢，年纪还轻呢，"贝拉大为不满地重复说。"你就听着，好不好?

到七月，我就十八岁了。我倒是很想知道:

在你和爸看来，我究竟要长到多大，出门才不用你们两老陪着。难道说你们两老想上哪儿去，我就非得跟着一块去;而我想上哪儿去，你们两老也非得一块跟着不可。""贝拉，"母亲责备她说。沉默了半晌，女儿很不耐烦地伫立在那里。格里菲思太太这才找补着说:

"那末，依你看，我们又该怎么办?

要是你已满二十一二岁，而且还没出嫁，那倒是应该让你一个人到外面去。不过你现在这个年纪，就断断乎不该想这类事。"贝拉刚昂起了她那俏丽的头，这时楼下边门开了，他们家的独生子吉尔伯特。格里菲思进来了……瞧他的脸孔和身材，活象他那个住在西部的堂兄弟克莱德，只不过风度和性格迥然不同，也就是说不象后者那么缺乏毅力……他一进来，就径直上楼去了。

他是一个强壮有力。以自我为中心。虚荣心很强的年轻人，现年二十三岁，同他两个姐妹相比，他似乎严峻得多，讲求实际得多。另外，在做生意方面，他很可能要精明强悍得多;两姐妹则对生意经丝毫不感兴趣。他做事干脆利索，可就是很不耐烦。他认为自己的社会地位已是固若金汤，除了经商发迹以外，他简直对什么都是不屑一顾。不过话又说回来，他对本城上流社会交际动态确实深为关注，而且认为他和他的家庭就是它的最重要的组成部分。他时刻记住:

他这一家在当地已有很高名望和地位，因此他的一言一行，也就特别谨小慎微。

旁观者偶尔一看，无不感到此人相当精明而又傲慢，一点儿没有年轻人爱玩的味道，其实，按他这个年纪，本该是活泼爱玩的。不过，他毕竟还是年轻。漂亮而又吸引人。他还有一条三寸不烂之舌……这是他的一种禀赋，有时也能一下子说出一些挖苦话来，令人耳目为之一新。由于他的家庭和他本人的地位，他在莱柯格斯所有未婚的年轻人中是最最令人艳羡的一个。不过话又说回来，他毕竟太关心自己，在他内心世界里，几乎已无余地对别人进行深刻而又真正颖悟的了解了。

贝拉听见他从楼下上来，走进他自己的房间……它在后楼，跟她房间只是一壁之隔……就马上走出母亲的房间，跑到门口，大声喊道:

"喂，吉尔，我能进来吗?

""当然可以。"这会儿他口哨吹得正欢呢，因为要出门玩去，正打算换一身晚礼服。

"上哪儿?

""哪儿也不去，换衣服吃晚饭呗。饭后上威南特家去。""哦，自然还有康斯坦斯罗。""不，没有康斯坦斯，当然没有罗。你从哪儿知道的?

""好象我就不知道吗。""别扯淡了。你来就是为这个吗?

""不，压根儿不是。你只要想一想:

芬奇利家打算夏天在第十二号湖盖一所别墅，就在湖边，紧挨着范特家。芬奇利先生还打算给斯图尔特买一艘三十英尺长的汽艇，另外盖一座船坞，还有日光浴室呢。那有多棒，嗯?

""不要说'

''''多棒，。不要说'

''''嗯，。难道你不知道要把俚语通通都给剔除掉吗?

你说话时活脱脱象一个女工。学校里教你的就是这一套吗?

""听着，是谁在大谈特谈不要说俚语。那你自己呢?

依我看，你在这儿就树立了一个好榜样。""得了，首先，我比你大五岁。第二，我是个男人。最好你向麦拉也学学，她究竟说过那些话没有?

""哦，麦拉!

够了，我们还是别谈那个吧。只要想一想:

人家在盖新别墅，到了夏天，他们该有多乐呀。你想不想我们也一块去吗?

只要我们心里想去……只要爸爸妈妈也同意，包管去得了。""哦，我并不觉得这有多了不起，"她哥哥这样回答，其实，对此他也同样深为关注。"除了第十二号湖，还有别的地方呢。""谁说没有呢?

不过，都不是我们这儿的老相识。比方说，来自奥尔巴尼和尤蒂卡的著名世家，全都到了那里。桑德拉说，第十二号湖那里，要变成一个上流社会交际中心，沿湖西岸净是最漂亮的别墅小筑。不管怎么说，反正克兰斯顿家。兰伯特家和哈里特家，也很快就要搬过去了，"贝拉斩钉截铁而又不甘屈服地继续说道。"赶明儿格林伍德湖留下来的人就不多了，上流人士也不多了，即使说安东尼家和尼科尔森家还在这里不挪窝。""谁说克兰斯顿家也要搬去?

"吉尔伯特问;此刻他已是饶有兴趣。

"嗯，当然罗，是桑德拉说的!

""谁告诉她的?

""伯蒂娜。""是啊，他们家家都是越来越乐乐和和呀，"她哥哥怪腔怪调。不无眼红地说。

"莱柯格斯天地一下子变得太小，容纳不下他们啦。"蝶形领结他怎么也摆弄不好，最后猛一下子总算把它摆到中间，因为领结太紧，使他皱皱眉头，扮了个怪脸。

最近吉尔伯特虽然以生产制造的总监身份进入他父亲的衬衫与领子行业，而且日后很可能管理整个企业，但他对那个年轻的格兰特。克兰斯顿还是十分嫉妒。此人年纪跟他相仿，长得很漂亮，很惹人喜爱，在妙龄女郎们眼里，他确实更加具有魄力和吸引力。克兰斯顿似乎认为:

协助父亲管好产业同适当地享受交际乐趣是完全可以结合起来的……吉尔伯特对此却不敢苟同。事实上，年轻的格里菲思，要是可能的话，真是恨不得责备克兰斯顿生活放荡，只不过迄至今日，克兰斯顿始终保持清醒头脑，并无越轨之举。而且克兰斯顿柳藤制品公司显然一跃而为莱柯格斯的重要制造业之一了。

"是啊，"过了一会儿，他找补着说，"要是我来管他们的企业，就不会象他们那样把摊子铺得太大了。说到底，他们毕竟也不是全世界首屈一指的大富翁呀。"但不管怎么说，他心底里还是觉得:

克兰斯顿一家跟他本人和他的父母不一样，尽管并没有那么热衷于猎取社会地位，事实上却表现得更加具有魄力，真的令他艳羡不已。

"你知道，"贝拉兴致勃勃地继续说，"芬奇利家还准备在船坞铺上嵌木地板，造一个舞厅呢。桑德拉说，斯图尔特巴望你今年夏天上那儿，多玩一些日子。

""哦，他真的巴望吗?

"吉尔伯特回答说，既有一点儿妒忌，也有一点儿讥刺。

"你是说，他巴望你去多玩一些日子吧。而我可得忙上整整一个夏天。""可他没有说过类似这样的话，你自作聪明。再说，我们要是真去的话，也不会有什么损失。依我看，格林伍德湖上没有什么好看的玩意儿。只有一些娘儿们扎堆闲扯淡。""真的是这样吗?

妈妈听了会高兴的。""当然罗，你会告诉她的。""哦，不，我才不会呢。不过，我可不想我们马上就跟着芬奇利家或是克兰斯顿家上第十二号湖去。你如果想去你就去得了，只要爸答应你去。

"正在这时，听见楼下又有人在叩门，贝拉忘记自己同哥哥正在抬扛，就飞也似的奔下去迎接爸爸了。


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Part 2 Chapter 1
The home of Samuel Griffiths in Lycurgus, New York, a city of some twenty-five thousand inhabitants midwaybetween Utica and Albany. Near the dinner hour and by degrees the family assembling for its customary meal.
　　On this occasion the preparations were of a more elaborate nature than usual, owing to the fact that for the pastfour days Mr. Samuel Griffiths, the husband and father, had been absent attending a conference of shirt andcollar manufacturers in Chicago, price-cutting by upstart rivals in the west having necessitated compromise andadjustment by those who manufactured in the east. He was but now returned and had telephoned earlier in theafternoon that he had arrived, and was going to his office in the factory where he would remain until dinner time.
　　Being long accustomed to the ways of a practical and convinced man who believed in himself and considered hisjudgment and his decision sound--almost final--for the most part, anyhow, Mrs. Griffiths thought nothing of this.
　　He would appear and greet her in due order.
　　Knowing that he preferred leg of lamb above many other things, after due word with Mrs. Truesdale, her homelybut useful housekeeper, she ordered lamb. And the appropriate vegetables and dessert having been decided upon,she gave herself over to thoughts of her eldest daughter Myra, who, having graduated from Smith Collegeseveral years before, was still unmarried. And the reason for this, as Mrs. Griffiths well understood, though shewas never quite willing to admit it openly, was that Myra was not very good looking. Her nose was too long, hereyes too close-set, her chin not sufficiently rounded to give her a girlish and pleasing appearance. For the mostpart she seemed too thoughtful and studious--as a rule not interested in the ordinary social life of that city.
　　Neither did she possess that savoir faire, let alone that peculiar appeal for men, that characterized some girls evenwhen they were not pretty. As her mother saw it, she was really too critical and too intellectual, having a mindthat was rather above the world in which she found herself.
　　Brought up amid comparative luxury, without having to worry about any of the rough details of making a living,she had been confronted, nevertheless, by the difficulties of making her own way in the matter of social favorand love--two objectives which, without beauty or charm, were about as difficult as the attaining to extremewealth by a beggar. And the fact that for twelve years now--ever since she had been fourteen--she had seen thelives of other youths and maidens in this small world in which she moved passing gayly enough, while hers wasmore or less confined to reading, music, the business of keeping as neatly and attractively arrayed as possible,and of going to visit friends in the hope of possibly encountering somewhere, somehow, the one temperamentwho would be interested in her, had saddened, if not exactly soured her. And that despite the fact that thematerial comfort of her parents and herself was exceptional.
　　Just now she had gone through her mother's room to her own, looking as though she were not very muchinterested in anything. Her mother had been trying to think of something to suggest that would take her out ofherself, when the younger daughter, Bella, fresh from a passing visit to the home of the Finchleys, wealthyneighbors where she had stopped on her way from the Snedeker School, burst in upon her.
　　Contrasted with her sister, who was tall and dark and rather sallow, Bella, though shorter, was far moregracefully and vigorously formed. She had thick brown--almost black--hair, a brown and olive complexion tintedwith red, and eyes brown and genial, that blazed with an eager, seeking light. In addition to her sound and lithephysique, she possessed vitality and animation. Her arms and legs were graceful and active. Plainly she wasgiven to liking things as she found them--enjoying life as it was--and hence, unlike her sister, she was unusuallyattractive to men and boys--to men and women, old and young--a fact which her mother and father well knew.
　　No danger of any lack of marriage offers for her when the time came. As her mother saw it, too many youths andmen were already buzzing around, and so posing the question of a proper husband for her. Already she haddisplayed a tendency to become thick and fast friends, not only with the scions of the older and moreconservative families who constituted the ultra-respectable element of the city, but also, and this was more to hermother's distaste, with the sons and daughters of some of those later and hence socially less important families ofthe region--the sons and daughters of manufacturers of bacon, canning jars, vacuum cleaners, wooden andwicker ware, and typewriters, who constituted a solid enough financial element in the city, but who made up what might be considered the "fast set" in the local life.
　　In Mrs. Griffiths' opinion, there was too much dancing, cabareting, automobiling to one city and another, withoutdue social supervision. Yet, as a contrast to her sister, Myra, what a relief. It was only from the point of view ofproper surveillance, or until she was safely and religiously married, that Mrs. Griffiths troubled or even objectedto most of her present contacts and yearnings and gayeties. She desired to protect her.
　　"Now, where have you been?" she demanded, as her daughter burst into the room, throwing down her books anddrawing near to the open fire that burned there.
　　"Just think, Mamma," began Bella most unconcernedly and almost irrelevantly. "The Finchleys are going to giveup their place out at Greenwood Lake this coming summer and go up to Twelfth Lake near Pine Point. They'regoing to build a new bungalow up there. And Sondra says that this time it's going to be right down at the water'sedge--not away from it, as it is out here. And they're going to have a great big verandah with a hardwood floor.
　　And a boathouse big enough for a thirty-foot electric launch that Mr. Finchley is going to buy for Stuart. Won'tthat be wonderful? And she says that if you will let me, that I can come up there for all summer long, or for aslong as I like. And Gil, too, if he will. It's just across the lake from the Emery Lodge, you know, and the EastGate Hotel. And the Phants' place, you know, the Phants of Utica, is just below theirs near Sharon. Isn't that justwonderful? Won't that be great? I wish you and Dad would make up your minds to build up there now sometime,Mamma. It looks to me now as though nearly everybody that's worth anything down here is moving up there."She talked so fast and swung about so, looking now at the open fire burning in the grate, then out of the two highwindows that commanded the front lawn and a full view of Wykeagy Avenue, lit by the electric lights in thewinter dusk, that her mother had no opportunity to insert any comment until this was over. However, shemanaged to observe: "Yes? Well, what about the Anthonys and the Nicholsons and the Taylors? I haven't heardof their leaving Greenwood yet.""Oh, I know, not the Anthonys or the Nicholsons or the Taylors. Who expects them to move? They're too oldfashioned. They're not the kind that would move anywhere, are they? No one thinks they are. Just the sameGreenwood isn't like Twelfth Lake. You know that yourself. And all the people that are anybody down on theSouth Shore are going up there for sure. The Cranstons next year, Sondra says. And after that, I bet the Harrietswill go, too.""The Cranstons and the Harriets and the Finchleys and Sondra," commented her mother, half amused and halfirritated. "The Cranstons and you and Bertine and Sondra--that's all I hear these days." For the Cranstons, and theFinchleys, despite a certain amount of local success in connection with this newer and faster set, were, muchmore than any of the others, the subject of considerable unfavorable comment. They were the people who,having moved the Cranston Wickwire Company from Albany, and the Finchley Electric Sweeper from Buffalo,and built large factories on the south bank of the Mohawk River, to say nothing of new and grandiose houses inWykeagy Avenue and summer cottages at Greenwood, some twenty miles northwest, were setting a rathershowy, and hence disagreeable, pace to all of the wealthy residents of this region. They were given to wearingthe smartest clothes, to the latest novelties in cars and entertainments, and constituted a problem to those whowith less means considered their position and their equipment about as fixed and interesting and attractive assuch things might well be. The Cranstons and the Finchleys were in the main a thorn in the flesh of the remainder of the elite of Lycurgus--too showy and too aggressive.
　　"How often have I told you that I don't want you to have so much to do with Bertine or that Letta Harriet or herbrother either? They're too forward. They run around and talk and show off too much. And your father feels thesame as I do in regard to them. As for Sondra Finchley, if she expects to go with Bertine and you, too, thenyou're not going to go with her either much longer. Besides I'm not sure that your father approves of your goinganywhere without some one to accompany you. You're not old enough yet. And as for your going to TwelfthLake to the Finchleys, well, unless we all go together, there'll be no going there, either." And now Mrs. Griffiths,who leaned more to the manner and tactics of the older, if not less affluent families, stared complainingly at herdaughter.
　　Nevertheless Bella was no more abashed that she was irritated by this. On the contrary she knew her mother andknew that she was fond of her; also that she was intrigued by her physical charm as well as her assured localsocial success as much as was her father, who considered her perfection itself and could be swayed by her least,as well as her much practised, smile.
　　"Not old enough, not old enough," commented Bella reproachfully. "Will you listen? I'll be eighteen in July. I'dlike to know when you and Papa are going to think I'm old enough to go anywhere without you both. Whereveryou two go, I have to go, and wherever I want to go, you two have to go, too.""Bella," censured her mother. Then after a moment's silence, in which her daughter stood there impatiently, sheadded, "Of course, what else would you have us do? When you are twenty-one or two, if you are not married bythen, it will be time enough to think of going off by yourself. But at your age, you shouldn't be thinking of anysuch thing." Bella cocked her pretty head, for at the moment the side door downstairs was thrown open, andGilbert Griffiths, the only son of this family and who very much in face and build, if not in manner or lack offorce, resembled Clyde, his western cousin, entered and ascended.
　　He was at this time a vigorous, self-centered and vain youth of twenty-three who, in contrast with his two sisters,seemed much sterner and far more practical. Also, probably much more intelligent and aggressive in a businessway--a field in which neither of the two girls took the slightest interest. He was brisk in manner and impatient.
　　He considered that his social position was perfectly secure, and was utterly scornful of anything but commercialsuccess. Yet despite this he was really deeply interested in the movements of the local society, of which heconsidered himself and his family the most important part. Always conscious of the dignity and social standingof his family in this community, he regulated his action and speech accordingly. Ordinarily he struck the passingobserver as rather sharp and arrogant, neither as youthful or as playful as his years might have warranted. Still hewas young, attractive and interesting. He had a sharp, if not brilliant, tongue in his head--a gift at times formaking crisp and cynical remarks. On account of his family and position he was considered also the mostdesirable of all the young eligible bachelors in Lycurgus. Nevertheless he was so much interested in himself thathe scarcely found room in his cosmos for a keen and really intelligent understanding of anyone else.
　　Hearing him ascend from below and enter his room, which was at the rear of the house next to hers, Bella at onceleft her mother's room, and coming to the door, called: "Oh, Gil, can I come in?""Sure." He was whistling briskly and already, in view of some entertainment somewhere, preparing to change to evening clothes.
　　"Where are you going?""Nowhere, for dinner. To the Wynants afterwards.""Oh, Constance to be sure.""No, not Constance, to be sure. Where do you get that stuff?""As though I didn't know.""Lay off. Is that what you came in here for?""No, that isn't what I came in here for. What do you think? The Finchleys are going to build a place up atTwelfth Lake next summer, right on the lake, next to the Phants, and Mr. Finchley's going to buy Stuart a thirty-foot launch and build a boathouse with a sun-parlor right over the water to hold it. Won't that be swell, huh?""Don't say 'swell.' And don't say 'huh.' Can't you learn to cut out the slang? You talk like a factory girl. Is that allthey teach you over at that school?""Listen to who's talking about cutting out slang. How about yourself? You set a fine example around here, Inotice.""Well, I'm five years older than you are. Besides I'm a man. You don't notice Myra using any of that stuff.""Oh, Myra. But don't let's talk about that. Only think of that new house they're going to build and the fine timethey're going to have up there next summer. Don't you wish we could move up there, too? We could if wewanted to--if Papa and Mamma would agree to it.""Oh, I don't know that it would be so wonderful," replied her brother, who was really very much interested justthe same. "There are other places besides Twelfth Lake.""Who said there weren't? But not for the people that we know around here. Where else do the best people fromAlbany and Utica go but there now, I'd like to know. It's going to become a regular center, Sondra says, with allthe finest houses along the west shore. Just the same, the Cranstons, the Lamberts, and the Harriets are going tomove up there pretty soon, too," Bella added most definitely and defiantly. "That won't leave so many out atGreenwood Lake, nor the very best people, either, even if the Anthonys and Nicholsons do stay here.""Who says the Cranstons are going up there?" asked Gilbert, now very much interested.
　　"Why, Sondra!""Who told her?""Bertine.""Gee, they're getting gayer and gayer," commented her brother oddly and a little enviously. "Pretty soonLycurgus'll be too small to hold 'em." He jerked at a bow tie he was attempting to center and grimaced oddly ashis tight neck-band pinched him slightly.
　　For although Gilbert had recently entered into the collar and shirt industry with his father as general supervisorof manufacturing, and with every prospect of managing and controlling the entire business eventually, still hewas jealous of young Grant Cranston, a youth of his own age, very appealing and attractive physically, who wasreally more daring with and more attractive to the girls of the younger set. Cranston seemed to be satisfied that itwas possible to combine a certain amount of social pleasure with working for his father with which Gilbert didnot agree. In fact, young Griffiths would have preferred, had it been possible, so to charge young Cranston withlooseness, only thus far the latter had managed to keep himself well within the bounds of sobriety. And theCranston Wickwire Company was plainly forging ahead as one of the leading industries of Lycurgus.
　　"Well," he added, after a moment, "they're spreading out faster than I would if I had their business. They're notthe richest people in the world, either." Just the same he was thinking that, unlike himself and his parents, theCranstons were really more daring if not socially more avid of life. He envied them.
　　"And what's more," added Bella interestedly, "the Finchleys are to have a dance floor over the boathouse. AndSondra says that Stuart was hoping that you would come up there and spend a lot of time this summer.""Oh, did he?" replied Gilbert, a little enviously and sarcastically. "You mean he said he was hoping you wouldcome up and spend a lot of time. I'll be working this summer.""He didn't say anything of the kind, smarty. Besides it wouldn't hurt us any if we did go up there. There's nothingmuch out at Greenwood any more that I can see. A lot of old hen parties.""Is that so? Mother would like to hear that.""And you'll tell her, of course""Oh, no, I won't either. But I don't think we're going to follow the Finchleys or the Cranstons up to Twelfth Lakejust yet, either. You can go up there if you want, if Dad'll let you."Just then the lower door clicked again, and Bella, forgetting her quarrel with her brother, ran down to greet herfather.
       这是纽约州莱柯格斯城塞缪尔。格里菲思的家。莱柯格斯是位于尤蒂卡和奥尔巴尼之间。人口约有两万五千的一个城市。开饭时间快到了，一家人纷纷走拢来，准备共进晚餐。这一顿晚餐准备得比往常更为周到，就是给一家之主塞缪尔。格里菲思先生接风洗尘，因为他离家四天刚才回来。原来他是去参加芝加哥的一个衬衫与领子制造厂商的会议，西部一些突然暴富的劲敌宣告削价，逼使东部一些制造厂商妥协，也进行了调价。午后不久，他就打来电话，说他已经回来了，打算去工厂办事处，一直待到吃晚饭时才回家。

对于讲求实际而又充满自信的丈夫的脾性，格里菲思太太早就摸熟了。此人很自信，认为自己的判断。自己的决定，绝无例外，都是稳健可靠……几乎是不再变动的。因此，这一回她一点儿也不奇怪。到时候他自然会回家，会和她打招呼的。

格里菲思太太知道自己丈夫最喜欢吃羊腿，在同她的那位其貌不扬但办事很能干的女管家特鲁斯黛尔太太闲扯后，就关照她准备羊腿这道菜。等到与之相配的菜蔬。甜食也都选定以后，格里菲思太太这才转念想到了大女儿麦拉:

好几年前她在史密斯学院毕业，至今还待字闺中。至于原因嘛，格里菲思太太虽然从不乐意公开承认，可自己心里却很清楚，不外乎是麦拉长得不挺好看:

鼻子太长，眼睛挨得太近，下巴颏儿尚欠丰满……而丰满对一个女孩子惹人喜爱的模样儿来说，乃是万万不可或缺的。通常她总是显得太喜欢深思。好学……对本城上流社会交际生活照例不感兴趣。眼下有些女孩子，尽管长得并不美，但生来就有一种圆滑手腕，更不用说那种吸引男子的特殊魅力了……这些特点，可惜在麦拉身上也都付之阙如。她母亲心里明白，她实在太爱挑剔，也太颖悟了;论才智，她确实凌驾于她那个小圈子里这些人之上。

她自幼在相当奢华的环境里长大，用不着为谋生这类琐事操心。不过，她想在社交上和爱情上获得成功，确实有她的难处……要达到这两个目标，如果说没有美貌和魅力，那就好比要求叫化子变成巨富一样难啊。迄今已有十二年了……从十四岁起……她亲眼看到，在她那个小圈子里，许多少男少女都是生活得乐乐呵呵，无忧无虑，可她偏偏只知道读书和音乐，尽量让自己穿得整洁。

吸引人，出门访友时希望能够同一个志趣相投，并对她深感兴趣的人邂逅，但有时这也会让她感到悲哀，乃至于乖戾无常了，尽管父母以及她自己的物质生活享受都是那么特别优越。

此刻她正经过母亲的房间往自己的房间走去。瞧她那副神态，好象对世界上一切都是漠不关心似的。她母亲正在想方设法，怎样引导她从她这种心态中走出来。这时，刚从芬奇利家回来的小女儿贝拉，突然飞也似的奔进来了……她是在斯内德克学校放学回家路上，顺便上这个有钱的街坊邻居玩儿去的。

如果说同她那个身材高高。肌肤浅黑。略带病黄色的姐姐相比，贝拉哪怕个儿矮一些，长得却要雅致得多，体格也很结实。她有一头深棕色……几乎是乌黑的……头发，棕黄或是说橄榄色的面孔，双颊透着红晕，一双和蔼可亲的棕色眼睛，迸发出一种急于探索的光芒。除了她那刚中有柔的性格以外，她还虎虎有生气，充满了活力。她的四肢优美而又灵活。她简直对周围一切都喜欢……尽情享受眼前生活乐趣……因此，同姐姐不一样，她在成年男子和小伙子……男女老少看来，都特别具有吸引力，这一点她父母当然也很清楚。到时候没人向她求婚这种危险性是压根儿不会有的。她母亲已经了解到，围着她转的成年男子和男孩子已经够多的了，因此，给她选择夫婿的问题已经摆在面前。

现在，她已表现出一种广交朋友的倾向，不仅跟誉称为本城社会名流的一些比较保守的世家望族后裔交朋友，而且也跟不久前才迁居本区。因而社会地位低微的一些人家的子女交朋友，她母亲对此极为不满。这些人家里头，有熏咸肉的，做罐头的，制造真空吸尘器的，也有做木器。藤器的，制造打字机的……他们虽已成为本城巨贾豪富，但在莱柯格斯也许还被看成"一帮子暴发户"。

格里菲思太太认为，现在贝拉和这一帮子人跳舞。上餐厅。坐汽车到这个。

那个城市去玩，实在太多了，缺少应有的监督。不过，同她姐姐麦拉一对比，贝拉该有多么轻松啊!

正是为了细心照管贝拉，以便日后准能按照宗教礼仪举行婚典，格里菲思太太才对她目前的广交朋友和醉心玩乐不时深感忧虑。她一心只是想要保护她小女儿。

"刚才你上哪儿去了?

"她女儿一奔进房间，随手把书一扔，走到了生着火的壁炉跟前，这时格里菲思太太才开口问。

"想想看，妈，"贝拉满不在乎，简直答非所问地说。"今年夏天芬奇利家要放弃他们在格林伍德湖畔的房子，搬到松木场附近第十二号湖去了。他们要在那儿盖一座新的别墅。桑德拉说，这回就盖在湖边……不象这里老宅离湖那么远。他们还要盖一个铺硬木地板的特大游廊。还有一个船坞，大得很，能停泊一艘三十英尺长的电动汽艇，就是芬奇利先生特意买给斯图尔特的。你说，这美不美?

桑德拉说，要是你同意的话，我可以跟她一块上那儿去住上一个夏天，或者说我乐意住多久，就住多久吧。吉尔要是高兴，也可以去嘛。你知道，就在埃默雷小筑和东门旅馆的湖对面。就在范特别墅那边，你知道，尤蒂卡的范特家……离沙伦家不太远。这真是太美了!

太棒了!

我真巴不得你跟阿爸下个决心，多咱也在那儿盖一所小别墅，妈。我说，眼下这里每一个有点身价的人，差不离都搬那儿去住啦。"她就这样滔滔不绝地说着，来回不停地扭动身子，一会儿望着壁炉里的旺火苗儿，一会儿又走到两个高高的窗子跟前，从这儿望得见屋前的草坪，以及冬日黄昏时分被电灯照得雪亮的威克吉大街全景。因为她一直在嘴上嘀嘀咕咕说个没完，她母亲简直插不上一句话。不过，最后她总算说了一句:

"真的是吗?

那末，安东尼家。尼科尔森家和泰勒家呢?

我还没听说他们要搬走。""哦，我知道，安东尼家。尼科尔森家和泰勒家都没有搬。嘿，休想他们会挪窝!

他们太老古派啦。他们那号人是不会搬的。谁都不指望他们搬。不管怎么说，反正格林伍德湖跟第十二号湖不一样。这你自个儿也明白。凡是在南岸有点身份的人，包管都会搬过去的。桑德拉说，克兰斯顿家明年就搬了。打这以后，当然罗，哈里特家也要搬了。""克兰斯顿家。哈里特家。芬奇利家，还有桑德拉!

"她母亲听后觉得既好笑但又很生气。"这些天来，我耳朵里听到的，净是克兰斯顿家呀，你呀，还有蒂娜呀，桑德拉呀!

"因为克兰斯顿家和芬奇利家，这些不久前才搬来的新的暴发户虽然在莱柯格斯已经相当发迹，可是同别人相比，往往更容易成为人们蜚短流长的话题。他们把克兰斯顿柳藤制品公司从奥尔巴尼迁到这里，把芬奇利真空吸尘器公司从布法罗迁到这里，在莫霍克河南岸盖起了大厂房，更不用说在威克吉大街造了富丽堂皇的新宅第，在莱柯格斯西北二十英里外格林伍德湖滨修建了消暑别墅。一句话，他们分明是在摆阔气嘛，因而也招致莱柯格斯全城有钱人不满。他们喜欢穿最时髦的衣服，坐的汽车和种种娱乐消遣，也都是款式最新的，使那些资财不多的人……原先他们认为自己的地位和生活方式都是固定不变，饶有兴味，引人瞩目……很难同他们争一日之长。可是，克兰斯顿家和芬奇利家……太喜欢出风头，太咄咄逼人了，所以就成为莱柯格斯城里其他上流社会人士的肉中刺。

"我跟你说过多少回了，叫你别跟伯蒂娜，或是那个莱达。哈里特，或是她的哥哥多来往?

他们这些人太傲慢了。他们整日价跑来跑去瞎忙乎，乱弹琴，净给自己摆阔气。你爸对他们的看法，同我一模一样。至于桑德拉。芬奇利，若是她既想同伯蒂娜来往，又想同你来往，那你就只好干脆不同她多来往。再说，我也拿不准你爸是不是一定会允许你没有大人陪伴，就随随便便上哪儿去。你毕竟年纪还轻呢。至于你要到第十二号湖上芬奇利家去的事，得了，要么是我们一块儿都去，要么是我们干脆谁也不去。"格里菲思太太打心眼里喜欢一些世家望族。同时也是殷实人家的生活方式与繁文缛礼，如今气呼呼地两眼直盯着她女儿。

可是，贝拉听了这些话，既不感到羞惭，也不怎么恼火。相反，也知道她母亲的脾性，知道她母亲是疼爱她的，也知道她母亲如同她爸一样，常常因为她长得又俊又俏，在本城交际界大出风头而沾沾自喜。他爸认为贝拉已是十全十美的了，只要她莞尔一笑，就能随意摆布他了。

"年纪还轻呢，年纪还轻呢，"贝拉大为不满地重复说。"你就听着，好不好?

到七月，我就十八岁了。我倒是很想知道:

在你和爸看来，我究竟要长到多大，出门才不用你们两老陪着。难道说你们两老想上哪儿去，我就非得跟着一块去;而我想上哪儿去，你们两老也非得一块跟着不可。""贝拉，"母亲责备她说。沉默了半晌，女儿很不耐烦地伫立在那里。格里菲思太太这才找补着说:

"那末，依你看，我们又该怎么办?

要是你已满二十一二岁，而且还没出嫁，那倒是应该让你一个人到外面去。不过你现在这个年纪，就断断乎不该想这类事。"贝拉刚昂起了她那俏丽的头，这时楼下边门开了，他们家的独生子吉尔伯特。格里菲思进来了……瞧他的脸孔和身材，活象他那个住在西部的堂兄弟克莱德，只不过风度和性格迥然不同，也就是说不象后者那么缺乏毅力……他一进来，就径直上楼去了。

他是一个强壮有力。以自我为中心。虚荣心很强的年轻人，现年二十三岁，同他两个姐妹相比，他似乎严峻得多，讲求实际得多。另外，在做生意方面，他很可能要精明强悍得多;两姐妹则对生意经丝毫不感兴趣。他做事干脆利索，可就是很不耐烦。他认为自己的社会地位已是固若金汤，除了经商发迹以外，他简直对什么都是不屑一顾。不过话又说回来，他对本城上流社会交际动态确实深为关注，而且认为他和他的家庭就是它的最重要的组成部分。他时刻记住:

他这一家在当地已有很高名望和地位，因此他的一言一行，也就特别谨小慎微。

旁观者偶尔一看，无不感到此人相当精明而又傲慢，一点儿没有年轻人爱玩的味道，其实，按他这个年纪，本该是活泼爱玩的。不过，他毕竟还是年轻。漂亮而又吸引人。他还有一条三寸不烂之舌……这是他的一种禀赋，有时也能一下子说出一些挖苦话来，令人耳目为之一新。由于他的家庭和他本人的地位，他在莱柯格斯所有未婚的年轻人中是最最令人艳羡的一个。不过话又说回来，他毕竟太关心自己，在他内心世界里，几乎已无余地对别人进行深刻而又真正颖悟的了解了。

贝拉听见他从楼下上来，走进他自己的房间……它在后楼，跟她房间只是一壁之隔……就马上走出母亲的房间，跑到门口，大声喊道:

"喂，吉尔，我能进来吗?

""当然可以。"这会儿他口哨吹得正欢呢，因为要出门玩去，正打算换一身晚礼服。

"上哪儿?

""哪儿也不去，换衣服吃晚饭呗。饭后上威南特家去。""哦，自然还有康斯坦斯罗。""不，没有康斯坦斯，当然没有罗。你从哪儿知道的?

""好象我就不知道吗。""别扯淡了。你来就是为这个吗?

""不，压根儿不是。你只要想一想:

芬奇利家打算夏天在第十二号湖盖一所别墅，就在湖边，紧挨着范特家。芬奇利先生还打算给斯图尔特买一艘三十英尺长的汽艇，另外盖一座船坞，还有日光浴室呢。那有多棒，嗯?

""不要说'

''''多棒，。不要说'

''''嗯，。难道你不知道要把俚语通通都给剔除掉吗?

你说话时活脱脱象一个女工。学校里教你的就是这一套吗?

""听着，是谁在大谈特谈不要说俚语。那你自己呢?

依我看，你在这儿就树立了一个好榜样。""得了，首先，我比你大五岁。第二，我是个男人。最好你向麦拉也学学，她究竟说过那些话没有?

""哦，麦拉!

够了，我们还是别谈那个吧。只要想一想:

人家在盖新别墅，到了夏天，他们该有多乐呀。你想不想我们也一块去吗?

只要我们心里想去……只要爸爸妈妈也同意，包管去得了。""哦，我并不觉得这有多了不起，"她哥哥这样回答，其实，对此他也同样深为关注。"除了第十二号湖，还有别的地方呢。""谁说没有呢?

不过，都不是我们这儿的老相识。比方说，来自奥尔巴尼和尤蒂卡的著名世家，全都到了那里。桑德拉说，第十二号湖那里，要变成一个上流社会交际中心，沿湖西岸净是最漂亮的别墅小筑。不管怎么说，反正克兰斯顿家。兰伯特家和哈里特家，也很快就要搬过去了，"贝拉斩钉截铁而又不甘屈服地继续说道。"赶明儿格林伍德湖留下来的人就不多了，上流人士也不多了，即使说安东尼家和尼科尔森家还在这里不挪窝。""谁说克兰斯顿家也要搬去?

"吉尔伯特问;此刻他已是饶有兴趣。

"嗯，当然罗，是桑德拉说的!

""谁告诉她的?

""伯蒂娜。""是啊，他们家家都是越来越乐乐和和呀，"她哥哥怪腔怪调。不无眼红地说。

"莱柯格斯天地一下子变得太小，容纳不下他们啦。"蝶形领结他怎么也摆弄不好，最后猛一下子总算把它摆到中间，因为领结太紧，使他皱皱眉头，扮了个怪脸。

最近吉尔伯特虽然以生产制造的总监身份进入他父亲的衬衫与领子行业，而且日后很可能管理整个企业，但他对那个年轻的格兰特。克兰斯顿还是十分嫉妒。此人年纪跟他相仿，长得很漂亮，很惹人喜爱，在妙龄女郎们眼里，他确实更加具有魄力和吸引力。克兰斯顿似乎认为:

协助父亲管好产业同适当地享受交际乐趣是完全可以结合起来的……吉尔伯特对此却不敢苟同。事实上，年轻的格里菲思，要是可能的话，真是恨不得责备克兰斯顿生活放荡，只不过迄至今日，克兰斯顿始终保持清醒头脑，并无越轨之举。而且克兰斯顿柳藤制品公司显然一跃而为莱柯格斯的重要制造业之一了。

"是啊，"过了一会儿，他找补着说，"要是我来管他们的企业，就不会象他们那样把摊子铺得太大了。说到底，他们毕竟也不是全世界首屈一指的大富翁呀。"但不管怎么说，他心底里还是觉得:

克兰斯顿一家跟他本人和他的父母不一样，尽管并没有那么热衷于猎取社会地位，事实上却表现得更加具有魄力，真的令他艳羡不已。

"你知道，"贝拉兴致勃勃地继续说，"芬奇利家还准备在船坞铺上嵌木地板，造一个舞厅呢。桑德拉说，斯图尔特巴望你今年夏天上那儿，多玩一些日子。

""哦，他真的巴望吗?

"吉尔伯特回答说，既有一点儿妒忌，也有一点儿讥刺。

"你是说，他巴望你去多玩一些日子吧。而我可得忙上整整一个夏天。""可他没有说过类似这样的话，你自作聪明。再说，我们要是真去的话，也不会有什么损失。依我看，格林伍德湖上没有什么好看的玩意儿。只有一些娘儿们扎堆闲扯淡。""真的是这样吗?

妈妈听了会高兴的。""当然罗，你会告诉她的。""哦，不，我才不会呢。不过，我可不想我们马上就跟着芬奇利家或是克兰斯顿家上第十二号湖去。你如果想去你就去得了，只要爸答应你去。

"正在这时，听见楼下又有人在叩门，贝拉忘记自己同哥哥正在抬扛，就飞也似的奔下去迎接爸爸了。
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Part 2 Chapter 2
The head of the Lycurgus branch of the Griffiths, as contrasted with the father of the Kansas City family, was most arresting. Unlike his shorter and more confused brother of the Door of Hope, whom he had not even seenfor thirty years, he was a little above the average in height, very well-knit, although comparatively slender,shrewd of eye, and incisive both as to manner and speech. Long used to contending for himself, and having comeby effort as well as results to know that he was above the average in acumen and commercial ability, he wasinclined at times to be a bit intolerant of those who were not. He was not ungenerous or unpleasant in manner,but always striving to maintain a calm and judicial air. And he told himself by way of excuse for his mannerismsthat he was merely accepting himself at the value that others placed upon him and all those who, like himself,were successful.
　　Having arrived in Lycurgus about twenty-five years before with some capital and a determination to invest in anew collar enterprise which had been proposed to him, he had succeeded thereafter beyond his wildestexpectations. And naturally he was vain about it. His family at this time--twenty-five years later--unquestionablyoccupied one of the best, as well as the most tastefully constructed residences in Lycurgus. They were alsoesteemed as among the few best families of this region--being, if not the oldest, at least among the mostconservative, respectable and successful in Lycurgus. His two younger children, if not the eldest, were much tothe front socially in the younger and gayer set and so far nothing had happened to weaken or darken his prestige.
　　On returning from Chicago on this particular day, after having concluded several agreements there which spelledtrade harmony and prosperity for at least one year, he was inclined to feel very much at ease and on good termswith the world. Nothing had occurred to mar his trip. In his absence the Griffiths Collar and Shirt Company hadgone on as though he had been present. Trade orders at the moment were large.
　　Now as he entered his own door he threw down a heavy bag and fashionably made coat and turned to see whathe rather expected--Bella hurrying toward him. Indeed she was his pet, the most pleasing and different andartistic thing, as he saw it, that all his years had brought to him--youth, health, gayety, intelligence andaffection--all in the shape of a pretty daughter.
　　"Oh, Daddy," she called most sweetly and enticingly as she saw him enter. "Is that you?""Yes. At least it feels a little like me at the present moment. How's my baby girl?" And he opened his arms andreceived the bounding form of his last born. "There's a good, strong, healthy girl, I'll say," he announced as hewithdrew his affectionate lips from hers. "And how's the bad girl been behaving herself since I left? No fibbingthis time.""Oh, just fine, Daddy. You can ask any one. I couldn't be better.""And your mother?""She's all right, Daddy. She's up in her room. I don't think she heard you come in.""And Myra? Is she back from Albany yet?""Yes. She's in her room. I heard her playing just now. I just got in myself a little while ago.""Ay, hai. Gadding about again. I know you." He held up a genial forefinger, warningly, while Bella swung ontoone of his arms and kept pace with him up the stairs to the floor above.
　　"Oh, no, I wasn't either, now," she cooed shrewdly and sweetly. "Just see how you pick on me, Daddy. I wasonly over with Sondra for a little while. And what do you think, Daddy? They're going to give up the place atGreenwood and build a big handsome bungalow up on Twelfth Lake right away. And Mr. Finchley's going tobuy a big electric launch for Stuart and they're going to live up there next summer, maybe all the time, from Mayuntil October. And soare the Cranstons, maybe."Mr. Griffiths, long used to his younger daughter's wiles, was interested at the moment not so much by thethought that she wished to convey--that Twelfth Lake was more desirable, socially than Greenwood--as he wasby the fact that the Finchleys were able to make this sudden and rather heavy expenditure for social reasons only.
　　Instead of answering Bella he went on upstairs and into his wife's room. He kissed Mrs. Griffiths, looked in uponMyra, who came to the door to embrace him, and spoke of the successful nature of the trip. One could see by theway he embraced his wife that there was an agreeable understanding between them--no disharmony--by the wayhe greeted Myra that if he did not exactly sympathize with her temperament and point of view, at least heincluded her within the largess of his affection.
　　As they were talking Mrs. Truesdale announced that dinner was ready, and Gilbert, having completed his toilet,now entered.
　　"I say, Dad," he called, "I have an interesting thing I want to see you about in the morning. Can I?""All right, I'll be there. Come in about noon.""Come on all, or the dinner will be getting cold," admonished Mrs. Griffiths earnestly, and forthwith Gilbertturned and went down, followed by Griffiths, who still had Bella on his arm. And after him came Mrs. Griffithsand Myra, who now emerged from her room and joined them.
　　Once seated at the table, the family forthwith began discussing topics of current local interest. For Bella, whowas the family's chief source of gossip, gathering the most of it from the Snedeker School, through which all thesocial news appeared to percolate most swiftly, suddenly announced: "What do you think, Mamma? RosettaNicholson, that niece of Mrs. Disston Nicholson, who was over here last summer from Albany--you know, shecame over the night of the Alumnae Garden Party on our lawn--you remember--the young girl with the yellowhair and squinty blue eyes--her father owns that big wholesale grocery over there--well, she's engaged to thatHerbert Tickham of Utica, who was visiting Mrs. Lambert last summer. You don't remember him, but I do. Hewas tall and dark and sorta awkward, and awfully pale, but very handsome--oh, a regular movie hero.""There you go, Mrs. Griffiths," interjected Gilbert shrewdly and cynically to his mother. "A delegation from theMisses Snedeker's Select School sneaks off to the movies to brush up on heroes from time to time."Griffiths senior suddenly observed: "I had a curious experience in Chicago this time, something I think the rest ofyou will be interested in." He was thinking of an accidental encounter two days before in Chicago betweenhimself and the eldest son, as it proved to be, of his younger brother Asa. Also of a conclusion he had come to inregard to him.
　　"Oh, what is it, Daddy?" pleaded Bella at once. "Do tell me about it.""Spin the big news, Dad," added Gilbert, who, because of the favor of his father, felt very free and close to himalways.
　　"Well, while I was in Chicago at the Union League Club, I met a young man who is related to us, a cousin of youthree children, by the way, the eldest son of my brother Asa, who is out in Denver now, I understand. I haven'tseen or heard from him in thirty years." He paused and mused dubiously.
　　"Not the one who is a preacher somewhere, Daddy?" inquired Bella, looking up.
　　"Yes, the preacher. At least I understand he was for a while after he left home. But his son tells me he has giventhat up now. He's connected with something in Denver--a hotel, I think.""But what's his son like?" interrogated Bella, who only knew such well groomed and ostensibly conservativeyouths and men as her present social status and supervision permitted, and in consequence was intenselyinterested. The son of a western hotel proprietor!
　　"A cousin? How old is he?" asked Gilbert instantly, curious as to his character and situation and ability.
　　"Well, he's a very interesting young man, I think," continued Griffiths tentatively and somewhat dubiously, sinceup to this hour he had not truly made up his mind about Clyde. "He's quite good-looking and well-mannered,too--about your own age, I should say, Gil, and looks a lot like you--very much so--same eyes and mouth andchin." He looked at his son examiningly. "He's a little bit taller, if anything, and looks a little thinner, though Idon't believe he really is."At the thought of a cousin who looked like him--possibly as attractive in every way as himself--and bearing hisown name, Gilbert chilled and bristled slightly. For here in Lycurgus, up to this time, he was well and favourablyknown as the only son and heir presumptive to the managerial control of his father's business, and to at least athird of the estate, if not more. And now, if by any chance it should come to light that there was a relative, acousin of his own years and one who looked and acted like him, even--he bridled at the thought. Forthwith (apsychic reaction which he did not understand and could not very well control) he decided that he did not likehim--could not like him.
　　"What's he doing now?" he asked in a curt and rather sour tone, though he attempted to avoid the latter elementin his voice.
　　"Well, he hasn't much of a job, I must say," smiled Samuel Griffiths, meditatively. "He's only a bell-hop in theUnion League Club in Chicago, at present, but a very pleasant and gentlemanly sort of a boy, I will say. I was quite taken with him. In fact, because he told me there wasn't much opportunity for advancement where he was,and that he would like to get into something where there was more chance to do something and be somebody, Itold him that if he wanted to come on here and try his luck with us, we might do a little something for him--givehim a chance to show what he could do, at least."He had not intended to set forth at once the fact that he became interested in his nephew to this extent, but--ratherto wait and thrash it out at different times with both his wife and son, but the occasion having seemed to offeritself, he had spoken. And now that he had, he felt rather glad of it, for because Clyde so much resembled Gilberthe did want to do a little something for him.
　　But Gilbert bristled and chilled, the while Bella and Myra, if not Mrs. Griffiths, who favored her only son ineverything--even to preferring him to be without a blood relation or other rival of any kind, rather warmed to theidea. A cousin who was a Griffiths and good-looking and about Gilbert's age--and who, as their father reported,was rather pleasant and well-mannered--that pleased Bella and Myra while Mrs. Griffiths, noting Gilbert's facedarken, was not so moved. He would not like him. But out of respect for her husband's authority and generalability in all things, she now remained silent. But not so, Bella.
　　"Oh, you're going to give him a place, are you, Dad?" she commented. "That's interesting. I hope he's better-looking than the rest of our cousins.""Bella," chided Mrs. Griffiths, while Myra, recalling a gauche uncle and cousin who had come on from Vermontseveral years before to visit them a few days, smiled wisely. At the same time Gilbert, deeply irritated, wasmentally fighting against the idea. He could not see it at all. "Of course we're not turning away applicants whowant to come in and learn the business right along now, as it is," he said sharply.
　　"Oh, I know," replied his father, "but not cousins and nephews exactly. Besides he looks very intelligent andambitious to me. It wouldn't do any great harm if we let at least one of our relatives come here and show what hecan do. I can't see why we shouldn't employ him as well as another.""I don't believe Gil likes the idea of any other fellow in Lycurgus having the same name and looking like him,"suggested Bella, slyly, and with a certain touch of malice due to the fact that her brother was always criticizingher.
　　"Oh, what rot!" Gilbert snapped irritably. "Why don't you make a sensible remark once in a while? What do Icare whether he has the same name or not--or looks like me, either?" His expression at the moment wasparticularly sour.
　　"Gilbert!" pleaded his mother, reprovingly. "How can you talk so? And to your sister, too?""Well, I don't want to do anything in connection with this young man if it's going to cause any hard feelingshere," went on Griffiths senior. "All I know is that his father was never very practical and I doubt if Clyde hasever had a real chance." (His son winced at this friendly and familiar use of his cousin's first name.) "My onlyidea in bringing him on here was to give him a start. I haven't the faintest idea whether he would make good ornot. He might and again he might not. If he didn't--" He threw up one hand as much as to say, "If he doesn't, we will have to toss him aside, of course.""Well, I think that's very kind of you, father," observed Mrs. Griffiths, pleasantly and diplomatically. "I hope heproves satisfactory.""And there's another thing," added Griffiths wisely and sententiously. "I don't expect this young man, so long ashe is in my employ and just because he's a nephew of mine, to be treated differently to any other employee in thefactory. He's coming here to work--not play. And while he is here, trying, I don't expect any of you to pay himany social attention--not the slightest. He's not the sort of boy anyhow, that would want to put himself on us--atleast he didn't impress me that way, and he wouldn't be coming down here with any notion that he was to beplaced on an equal footing with any of us. That would be silly. Later on, if he proves that he is really worthwhile, able to take care of himself, knows his place and keeps it, and any of you wanted to show him any littleattention, well, then it will be time enough to see, but not before then."By then, the maid, Amanda, assistant to Mrs. Truesdale, was taking away the dinner plates and preparing to servethe dessert. But as Mr. Griffiths rarely ate dessert, and usually chose this period, unless company was present, tolook after certain stock and banking matters which he kept in a small desk in the library, he now pushed back hischair, arose, excusing himself to his family, and walked into the library adjoining. The others remained.
　　"I would like to see what he's like, wouldn't you?" Myra asked her mother.
　　"Yes. And I do hope he measures up to all of your father's expectations. He will not feel right if he doesn't.""I can't get this," observed Gilbert, "bringing people on now when we can hardly take care of those we have. Andbesides, imagine what the bunch around here will say if they find out that our cousin was only a bell-hop beforecoming here!""Oh, well, they won't have to know that, will they?" said Myra.
　　"Oh, won't they? Well, what's to prevent him from speaking about it--unless we tell him not to--or some onecoming along who has seen him there." His eyes snapped viciously. "At any rate, I hope he doesn't. It certainlywouldn't do us any good around here."And Bella added, "I hope he's not dull as Uncle Allen's two boys. They're the most uninteresting boys I ever didsee.""Bella," cautioned her mother once more.
       格里菲思家族在莱柯格斯的这一支的家长，跟堪萨斯城那一支的相比，要引人瞩目得多了。他跟他的个儿要矮小。境况相当窘困。经办"希望之门"传道馆。

已有三十年没见过面的弟弟不一样:

个子比常人略高，身体很强壮，虽说比较清瘦，两眼却炯炯有神，举止谈吐也都深刻透辟。他历来自以为具有异乎寻常的洞察力与杰出的商人素质，这从他所取得的成就即可证明……所以，他对某些比不上他的人有时就有一点不耐烦了。他处世待人并非不厚道，也并不惹人不快，只不过始终竭力保持着一种镇静。审慎的风度。他为自己这种作风辩白说，他不外乎是接受人们对于他以及跟他一样发迹的人所作出的评价罢了。

二十五年前，他来到了莱柯格斯，手头有些资金，就决意在有人向他建议过的一家新的领子行业中投资。后来，他竟然就此发迹，乃是始料所不及的。

当然，他也就沾沾自喜了。如今……二十五年以后……他的家，毫无疑问，是莱柯格斯全城最漂亮。同时造得也最别致的邸宅之一。格里菲思一家人，被尊称为当地少数几个世家望族，即使说不上最古老，至少也是莱柯格斯最保守。

最可敬。最发迹的家族之一。他那年纪还小的两个子女，如果说大女儿不算在内，他们交际酬应常在年轻活泼的一代人中大出风头;到现在为止，还没有发生过什么事，足以削弱他的威望，或则使他的威望为之黯然失色。

这一天他刚从芝加哥回来，因为他在那里签订了好几个合同，至少保证一年之内生意可以得到协调发展，所以觉得心里很舒坦，对世界上一切也都称心如意。也没有发生什么事使他这次旅行蒙受失败。他出门远行时，格里菲思衬衫与领子公司一切照常，如同他在厂里一样，目前定货很多。

他一走进家门，把一只沉甸甸的手提包和一件做得很时髦的大衣一扔，就转过身去，瞧着其实他早已料到的一个场面:

贝拉急冲冲朝他奔了过来。当然罗，她是他的心肝宝贝;在他看来，这是他整个生命给予的最心爱。最别致。最高超的艺术品……青春。健康。快乐。聪颖和爱情……所有这一切全都体现在这个漂亮女儿身上了。

"哦，爸爸，"她见他一进来，就非常甜蜜而又迷人地大声喊道。"原来是你呀?

""是啊，至少眼下有一点儿象我吧。我的宝贝女儿，你好?

"他张开双臂，迎接他这个鲜蹦活跳奔过来的小女儿。"我说，这可真是一个又结实。又健康的好妞儿呀，"他同她亲吻一下之后这么说。"我走了以后，这个淘气小姑娘表现怎么样?

这回可不许撒谎呀。""哦，好得很呢，爸爸。不拘问谁，就得了。我可表现得再好也没有了。

""你妈怎么样?

""她身体很好，爸。她在楼上自己房里。也许她没有听见你进来吧。""还有麦拉呢?

她从奥尔巴尼回来了没有?

""回来了。她也在自己房里。刚才我听到她在弹琴呢。我自己也才进门。

""噢哟哟。又串门去啦。我知道你，"他乐呵呵地翘起食指警告说。贝拉一下子就挽住他的一只胳臂，跟他一块迈步上楼去。

"哦，没有，我可没有呢，"她狡黠而又甜蜜地喃喃低语说。"瞧你一个劲儿挑剔我，爸。我只不过到桑德拉那儿去了一会儿。你觉得怎么样，爸?

他们打算放弃格林伍德湖这边的房子，马上要在第十二号湖边盖一座漂亮的大别墅啦。

芬奇利先生还特意给斯图尔特买一艘大汽艇，到了夏天他们打算就住过去，也许从五月到十一月都在那儿。说不定克兰斯顿一家也要去了。"格里菲思先生对他小女儿的鬼花招早就见惯不怪了，可是这会儿他之所以听得如此津津有味，与其说是由于她提出的那么一个想法……第十二号湖这个上流社会交际中心要比格林伍德湖更为高贵……还不如说是由于这么一个事实:

芬奇利一家，仅仅为了享受上流社会交际乐趣，竟能突然不惜工本挥金如土了。

他没有回答贝拉的话，径直登楼，走进了妻子的房间。他亲吻了一下他的太太，瞅了一眼跑到门口来拥抱他的麦拉，跟着大谈芝加哥之行的收获。从他拥抱太太的场面可以看出他们俩之间有一种令人满意的默契……一丝儿不协调都没有。再从他同麦拉打招呼的劲儿，也可知道:

他虽然对她的秉性和观点并不完全赞同，至少对她还是倾注了无限爱心。

他们正说话时，特鲁斯黛尔太太进来说就要开饭了。吉尔伯特这时也换好衣服，走了进来。

"我说，爸，"他大声说道，"我有一件有趣的事儿，明儿早上要同你谈一谈。

可以吧?

""好吧，我在厂里。你正午来吧。""大家一块下楼吧，要不饭凉了，"格里菲思太太一本正经地提醒大家说。吉尔伯特马上转身下楼，跟在后边的是格里菲思先生，贝拉依然挽着爸的胳臂。

最后，当然，是格里菲思太太和刚从自己房里出来的麦拉。

一家人坐定以后，马上就谈到了最近以来莱柯格斯的一些新闻。贝拉是提供全家谈助的主要来源，这些新闻多半是从斯内德克学校搜集来的。所有的社会新闻，好象以惊人的速度都渗进了这所学校。这会儿她突然说:

"你觉得怎么样，妈?

罗塞达。尼科尔森，就是迪斯顿。尼科尔森太太的侄女，去年夏天尼科尔森太太从奥尔巴尼来这里过……你知道的，那天晚上，她还参加了我们草坪上举行女毕业生游园会……你记不记得……那个黄头发，蓝眼睛，有点斜白眼的姑娘……她父亲是奥尔巴尼一家大杂货批发店的老板……哦，她跟去年夏天来看望兰伯特太太的那个来自尤蒂卡的赫伯特。蒂克哈姆订婚了。你不记得他了，可我是记得的。他个儿高高的，皮肤黑黑的，多少有些忸忸怩怩，而且苍白得吓人，不过还是很漂亮的……哦，简直是电影里一个不折不扣的男主人公。""你听见了吧，格里菲思太太，"吉尔伯特狡黠而又挖苦地对母亲说。"斯内德克女子学校列位小姐时常派出一些代表悄悄地溜出去看电影，以便不时掌握电影里男主人公的动态。"老格里菲思突然开了腔，说:

"这次我在芝加哥碰到一件怪事，相信你们各位一定也会觉得有趣。"他想到了两天前在芝加哥不期而遇的一个人，后来才知道此人原是他的小兄弟阿萨的大儿子。他还想到了自己对此人所下的结论。

"哦，那是怎么回事，爸?

"贝拉马上催促说。"快快说呀。""快把这一条重要新闻讲出来，爸，"吉尔伯特接下去说。他知道父亲疼他，所以对父亲向来好象平起平坐，一点儿拘束都没有。

"哦，我在芝加哥，下榻在联谊俱乐部，碰到一个年轻人，是我们家的亲戚，孩子们，还是你们的堂兄弟，也是我弟弟阿萨的大儿子。我心里捉摸，如今阿萨是在丹佛吧。我没见过他，或者说没听到过他的消息，迄今已有三十个年头了。"他说到这里，就迟疑不语，陷入沉思。

"不就是在某个地方传道的那一个吧，爸?

"贝拉昂起头来问。

"是啊，就是那个传道的。至少，我知道他离家以后有一阵子是传道的。不过，他的儿子告诉我，说他现在已经不干这个了。他在丹佛，我想，大概是在一家旅馆做事。""请问他那个儿子是什么样子呢?

"贝拉问。她只认识按照她现在的社会地位和父母的监护许可范围的那些衣冠楚楚和显然非常保守的年轻人与成年男子，因此，这一个新亲戚，西部一家旅馆老板的儿子，深深地把她吸引住了。

"一个堂兄弟?

他有多大年纪?

"吉尔伯特马上追问。他急于了解这个亲戚的性格。地位和能力。

"哦，依我看，他是个挺有意思的年轻小伙子，"格里菲思多少有点儿迟疑，欲说还休地说。因为，直到此刻为止，他真的还说不上对克莱德有个一定的看法。"他模样儿长得相当漂亮，举止言谈也相当正派……依我看，年纪同你差不多，吉尔，乍一看，也很象你……象极了……眼睛。嘴巴。下巴颏儿，都是一模一样。"他仔细端详着自己的儿子。"如果要说有什么不同，那就是:

他个儿稍微高些，显得瘦削些，虽然我看他实际上并非如此。"想到有一个堂兄弟很象他……各方面可能跟他一样漂亮。潇洒……又是同姓，吉尔伯特心里就打了个寒战，有一点儿反感。因为，到现在为止，在莱柯格斯这地方，人人都知道:

他是独生子，未来的厂主和继承人，姑且少说些，至少也是他父亲产业的三分之一的继承人。可现在呢，万一大家知道他有个亲戚，有一个年纪同他相仿，甚至外貌举止也跟他相象的堂兄弟……一想到这里，他禁不住怒火中烧。(这是一种他既不了解，而又控制不住的心理反应)他马上断定，他不喜欢他……无法喜欢他。

"他现在的职业是什么?

"他质问时的语调简慢，而又有一点酸溜溜的味道，虽然他也竭力想使后者不要暴露出来。

"哦，他的职位算不上什么，我想应当这么说，"格里菲思若有所思地微笑着说。"目前他只是芝加哥联谊俱乐部里的一名侍应生，不过，这孩子倒是很惹人喜欢，有点儿绅士派头，我想应当这么说。我倒是很喜欢他的。事实上，他告诉我，说他在那里没有什么晋升的机会，希望能够另找一个地方，以便有机会学到一点东西，日后也能出人头地。我对他说，要是他乐意上这儿来，他就不妨来碰碰运气吧，也许我们可以帮他一点小忙……至少给他一个机会，让他表现一下究竟有没有才能。"开头，他并不打算把自己对侄儿如此热心关怀一下子都讲出来……原是想等一等，跟妻儿商量几次后再说。殊不知他觉得既然有这么一个合适的机会，何不先说了出来呢。现在，他既然讲了，自己觉得也很高兴，因为克莱德很象吉尔伯特，他的确很想帮帮自己亲侄子的忙。

不过，吉尔伯特听后有些恼火，心里不觉凉了半截。贝拉和麦拉对父亲的意见倒是相当赞成。但格里菲思太太却不以为然;她不论什么事，一概站在她的独生子一边……甚至宁愿他连一个亲戚都没有，一个能跟他竞争的人也没有……她热衷于这么想。一个堂兄弟，也姓格里菲思，长得很漂亮。潇洒，年纪跟吉尔伯特相仿……据爸爸说，很惹人喜欢，举止言谈又很正派……这就使贝拉和麦拉很喜欢。而格里菲思太太一发觉吉尔伯特阴沉的脸色，也就很不高兴了。这表明吉尔伯特不喜欢他啊。不过，为了尊重丈夫的权威和遇事果断的才干，这时她依然默不作声。但贝拉并不这样。

"哦，你打算给他一个位置，是吧，爸?

"她说。"那多有意思。我希望他比我们其他的一些堂兄弟长得更漂亮。更潇洒些。""贝拉，"格里菲思太太呵责她说。麦拉回想起好几年前有一个笨拙的叔叔和堂兄弟从佛蒙特来看望他们，在这里还待过一两天，就会心地笑了一笑。这时，深为恼火的吉尔伯特心里竭力反对父亲这个意见。他简直不理会父亲的用心。"当然罗，只要有人想进厂来学咱们这个生意，我们怎么也不能马上回绝他们，"他尖刻地说。

"哦，这个我明白，"他爸爸回答说，"不过，堂表兄弟，阿侄外甥嘛，那就另当别论了。再说，依我看，他很聪明，很有抱负。如果说我们反正仅仅接纳个把亲戚，给个机会让他试试看，那也无伤大雅嘛。我真闹不明白，为什么我们就不能象雇用陌生人那样雇用他呢。""我可知道吉尔不喜欢莱柯格斯有人跟他同姓，外貌也象他。"贝拉佻巧地说，话里带着一点儿恶意，因为她哥哥动不动就当面数落她。

"嘿，胡扯淡!

"吉尔伯特忿忿地回嘴说。"你要是过一段时间能说上一句有点儿头脑的话多好?

至于他跟我同不同姓……或者说他长得同我象不象，这些跟我又有什么相干呢?

"这时，他的一言一语。一颦一笑，就显得特别酸溜溜的。

"吉尔伯特!

"母亲带着呵责的口吻大声说道。"你怎么能说这样的话?

而且还是冲着你自己的妹妹说?

""得了，那我就不打算给这个年轻人出点子了，如果说要引起大家心里不愉快的话，"老格里菲思接下去说。"我只知道，他父亲做事从来不是很能干的，我怀疑克莱德过去是不是有过一个正经八百的机会。"(儿子一听见他父亲如此善意。亲切地称呼他堂兄弟的名字，不由得有点儿畏缩不前了。)"我要他上这里来的本意，不外乎是要帮着他迈出第一步呗。至于以后他行不行，我可一点儿都说不准。也许他行，也许他不行。要是他真的不行……"他忽然一只手往上一扬，好象是说，"要是他真的不行，那时，我们当然就得把他抛开。""哦，依我看，你可真是个好心肠，孩子爸，"格里菲思太太殷勤而又委婉地说。"我可巴望他能不辜负你的一番好意。""还有一点，"老格里菲思经过深思熟虑之后，意味深长地找补着说。"要是他受雇了，那末，他在我厂里工作期间，我不希望仅仅因为他是我的侄儿，他的待遇就跟其他雇员有什么不同。他来这儿是做事的……可不是来玩儿的。他在这儿接受考验期间，我可不希望你们里头哪一位同他有来往……哪怕是一点儿也不行。反正他还不是一味依赖我们的那种人……至少他并没有给我留下这样的印象。再说他来的时候，心里也不会想到以后自己要跟我们里头任何一位平起平坐呗，要不然，那就太蠢了。往后要是他果然真的表现不错，能够自己照顾自己，知道牢守自己的岗位，而又不出风头，如果说你们里头又有人也想照拂他一些……得了，到那时候还来得及，瞧着办，不过，在那以前可万万不行。"特鲁斯黛尔太太的助手……女仆阿曼达，正在把盘子撤去，准备上甜食。

不过，格里菲思先生平素很少吃甜食，除非有客人在座，通常他就利用这一空隙，看看放在书房小书桌里的股票，以及有关银行业务的报表。这时，他就把椅子往后一挪，站起身来，跟家里人说他有事，径直走进隔壁书房去了。其余的人仍然留下来吃甜食。

"我倒是很想看看这位堂兄究竟是什么个样子。你呢，妈?

"麦拉问母亲说。

"可不是啊。我真巴不得他能不辜负你爸爸对他如此厚望。要不然，会叫他伤心的。""我可怎么也闹不明白，"吉尔伯特说，"我们对原来已有的人，总算好不容易才给安置下来了，现在干吗还要另外添人。再说，只要想一想:

要是一发现我们的堂兄弟上这儿来以前只不过是旅馆里一名侍应生，人们又会怎样风言风语!

""嘿，他们不一定会知道，不是吗?

"麦拉说。

"嘿，怎么会不知道?

唉，我们怎能不让他自己说出来呢……除非我们特别关照他千万别说……又怎能不让在那里见过他的人上这儿来呢。"他眼里凶光闪闪。

"一句话，我可希望他千万不要乱说一通。不用说，这对我们大家一点儿好处都没有。"贝拉找补着说，"但愿他别象艾伦伯父的两个孩子那样傻呵呵。依我看，他们才是天底下最没有味儿的男孩子。""贝拉，"她母亲又一次规劝她。
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Part 2 Chapter 3
The Clyde whom Samuel Griffiths described as having met at the Union League Club in Chicago, was asomewhat modified version of the one who had fled from Kansas City three years before. He was now twenty, a little taller and more firmly but scarcely any more robustly built, and considerably more experienced, of course.
　　For since leaving his home and work in Kansas City and coming in contact with some rough usage in the world-humbletasks, wretched rooms, no intimates to speak of, plus the compulsion to make his own way as best hemight--he had developed a kind of self-reliance and smoothness of address such as one would scarcely havecredited him with three years before. There was about him now, although he was not nearly so smartly dressed aswhen he left Kansas City, a kind of conscious gentility of manner which pleased, even though it did not at firstarrest attention. Also, and this was considerably different from the Clyde who had crept away from Kansas Cityin a box car, he had much more of an air of caution and reserve.
　　For ever since he had fled from Kansas City, and by one humble device and another forced to make his way, hehad been coming to the conclusion that on himself alone depended his future. His family, as he now definitelysensed, could do nothing for him. They were too impractical and too poor--his mother, father, Esta, all of them.
　　At the same time, in spite of all their difficulties, he could not now help but feel drawn to them, his mother inparticular, and the old home life that had surrounded him as a boy--his brother and sisters, Esta included, sinceshe, too, as he now saw it, had been brought no lower than he by circumstances over which she probably had nomore control. And often, his thoughts and mood had gone back with a definite and disconcerting pang because ofthe way in which he had treated his mother as well as the way in which his career in Kansas City had beensuddenly interrupted--his loss of Hortense Briggs--a severe blow; the troubles that had come to him since; thetrouble that must have come to his mother and Esta because of him.
　　On reaching St. Louis two days later after his flight, and after having been most painfully bundled out into thesnow a hundred miles from Kansas City in the gray of a winter morning, and at the same time relieved of hiswatch and overcoat by two brakemen who had found him hiding in the car, he had picked up a Kansas Citypaper--The Star--only to realize that his worst fear in regard to all that had occurred had come true. For there,under a two-column head, and with fully a column and a half of reading matter below, was the full story of allthat had happened: a little girl, the eleven-year-old daughter of a well-to-do Kansas City family, knocked downand almost instantly killed--she had died an hour later; Sparser and Miss Sipe in a hospital and under arrest at thesame time, guarded by a policeman sitting in the hospital awaiting their recovery; a splendid car very seriouslydamaged; Sparser's father, in the absence of the owner of the car for whom he worked, at once incensed andmade terribly unhappy by the folly and seeming criminality and recklessness of his son.
　　But what was worse, the unfortunate Sparser had already been charged with larceny and homicide, and wishing,no doubt, to minimize his own share in this grave catastrophe, had not only revealed the names of all who werewith him in the car--the youths in particular and their hotel address--but had charged that they along with himwere equally guilty, since they had urged him to make speed at the time and against his will--a claim which wastrue enough, as Clyde knew. And Mr. Squires, on being interviewed at the hotel, had furnished the police and thenewspapers with the names of their parents and their home addresses.
　　This last was the sharpest blow of all. For there followed disturbing pictures of how their respective parents orrelatives had taken it on being informed of their sins. Mrs. Ratterer, Tom's mother, had cried and declared herboy was a good boy, and had not meant to do any harm, she was sure. And Mrs. Hegglund--Oscar's devoted butaged mother--had said that there was not a more honest or generous soul and that he must have been drinking.
　　And at his own home--The Star had described his mother as standing, pale, very startled and very distressed, clasping and unclasping her hands and looking as though she were scarcely able to grasp what was meant,unwilling to believe that her son had been one of the party and assuring all that he would most certainly returnsoon and explain all, and that there must be some mistake.
　　However, he had not returned. Nor had he heard anything more after that. For, owing to his fear of the police, aswell as of his mother--her sorrowful, hopeless eyes, he had not written for months, and then a letter to his motheronly to say that he was well and that she must not worry. He gave neither name nor address. Later, after that hehad wandered on, essaying one small job and another, in St. Louis, Peoria, Chicago, Milwaukee-- dishwashing ina restaurant, soda-clerking in a small outlying drug-store, attempting to learn to be a shoe clerk, a grocer's clerk,and what not; and being discharged and laid off and quitting because he did not like it. He had sent her tendollars once--another time five, having, as he felt, that much to spare. After nearly a year and a half he haddecided that the search must have lessened, his own part in the crime being forgotten, possibly, or by then notdeemed sufficiently important to pursue--and when he was once more making a moderate living as the driver of adelivery wagon in Chicago, a job that paid him fifteen dollars a week, he resolved that he would write hismother, because now he could say that he had a decent place and had conducted himself respectably for a longtime, although not under his own name.
　　And so at that time, living in a hall bedroom on the West Side of Chicago--Paulina Street--he had written hismother the following letter:
　　DEAR MOTHER:
　　Are you still in Kansas City? I wish you would write and tell me. I would so like to hear from you again and towrite you again, too, if you really want me to. Honestly I do, Ma. I have been so lonely here. Only be careful anddon't let any one know where I am yet. It won't do any good and might do a lot of harm just when I am trying sohard to get a start again. I didn't do anything wrong that time, myself. Really I didn't, although the papers saidso--just went along. But I was afraid they would punish me for something that I didn't do. I just couldn't comeback then. I wasn't to blame and then I was afraid of what you and father might think. But they invited me, Ma. Ididn't tell him to go any faster or to take that car like he said. He took it himself and invited me and the others togo along. Maybe we were all to blame for running down that little girl, but we didn't mean to. None of us. And Ihave been so terribly sorry ever since. Think of all the trouble I have caused you! And just at the time when youmost needed me. Gee! Mother, I hope you can forgive me. Can you?
　　I keep wondering how you are. And Esta and Julia and Frank and Father. I wish I knew where you are and whatyou are doing. You know how I feel about you, don't you, Ma? I've got a lot more sense now, anyhow, I seethings different than I used to. I want to do something in this world. I want to be successful. I have only a fairplace now, not as good as I had in K. C., but fair, and not in the same line. But I want something better, though Idon't want to go back in the hotel business either if I can help it. It's not so very good for a young man like me-toohigh-flying, I guess. You see I know a lot more than I did back there. They like me all right where I am, but Igot to get on in this world. Besides I am not really making more than my expenses here now, just my room andboard and clothes but I am trying to save a little in order to get into some line where I can work up and learnsomething. A person has to have a line of some kind these days. I see that now.
　　Won't you write me and tell me how you all are and what you are doing? I'd like to know. Give my love to Frank and Julia and Father and Esta, if they are all still there. I love you just the same and I guess you care for me alittle, anyhow, don't you? I won't sign my real name, because it may be dangerous yet (I haven't been using itsince I left K. C.) But I'll give you my other one, which I'm going to leave off pretty soon and take up my oldone. Wish I could do it now, but I'm afraid to yet. You can address me, if you will, asHARRY TENET,General Delivery, ChicagoI'll call for it in a few days. I sign this way so as not to cause you or me any more trouble, see? But as soon as Ifeel more sure that this other thing has blown over, I'll use my own name again sure.
　　Lovingly,YOUR SON.
　　He drew a line where his real name should be and underneath wrote "you know" and mailed the letter.
　　Following that, because his mother had been anxious about him all this time and wondering where he was, hesoon received a letter, postmarked Denver, which surprised him very much, for he had expected to hear from heras still in Kansas City.
　　DEAR SON:
　　I was surprised and so glad to get my boy's letter and to know that you were alive and safe. I had hoped andprayed that you would return to the straight and narrow path--the only path that will ever lead you to success andhappiness of any kind, and that God would let me hear from you as safe and well and working somewhere anddoing well. And now he has rewarded my prayers. I knew he would. Blessed be His holy name.
　　Not that I blame you altogether for all that terrible trouble you got into and bringing so much suffering anddisgrace on yourself and us--for well I know how the devil tempts and pursues all of us mortals and particularlyjust such a child as you. Oh, my son, if you only knew how you must be on your guard to avoid these pitfalls.
　　And you have such a long road ahead of you. Will you be ever watchful and try always to cling to the teachingsof our Saviour that your mother has always tried to impress upon the minds and hearts of all you dear children?
　　Will you stop and listen to the voice of our Lord that is ever with us, guiding our footsteps safely up the rockypath that leads to a heaven more beautiful than we can ever imagine here? Promise me, my child, that you willhold fast to all your early teachings and always bear in mind that "right is might," and my boy, never, never, takea drink of any kind no matter who offers it to you. There is where the devil reigns in all his glory and is everready to triumph over the weak one. Remember always what I have told you so often "Strong drink is raging andwine is a mocker," and it is my earnest prayer that these words will ring in your ears every time you aretempted--for I am sure now that that was perhaps the real cause of that terrible accident.
　　I suffered terribly over that, Clyde, and just at the time when I had such a dreadful ordeal to face with Esta. Ialmost lost her. She had such an awful time. The poor child paid dearly for her sin. We had to go in debt so deep and it took so long to work it out--but finally we did and now things are not as bad as they were, quite.
　　As you see, we are now in Denver. We have a mission of our own here now with housing quarters for all of us.
　　Besides we have a few rooms to rent which Esta, and you know she is now Mrs. Nixon, of course, takes care of.
　　She has a fine little boy who reminds your father and me of you so much when you were a baby. He does littlethings that are you all over again so many times that we almost feel that you are with us again--as you were. It iscomforting, too, sometimes.
　　Frank and Julie have grown so and are quite a help to me. Frank has a paper route and earns a little money whichhelps. Esta wants to keep them in school just as long as we can.
　　Your father is not very well, but of course, he is getting older, and he does the best he can.
　　I am awful glad, Clyde, that you are trying so hard to better yourself in every way and last night your father wassaying again that your uncle, Samuel Griffiths, of Lycurgus, is so rich and successful and I thought that maybe ifyou wrote him and asked him to give you something there so that you could learn the business, perhaps hewould. I don't see why he wouldn't. After all you are his nephew. You know he has a great collar business therein Lycurgus and he is very rich, so they say. Why don't you write him and see? Somehow I feel that perhaps hewould find a place for you and then you would have something sure to work for. Let me know if you do andwhat he says.
　　I want to hear from you often, Clyde. Please write and let us know all about you and how you are getting along.
　　Won't you? Of course we love you as much as ever, and will do our best always to try to guide you right. Wewant you to succeed more than you know, but we also want you to be a good boy, and live a clean, righteous life,for, my son, what matter it if a man gaineth the whole world and loseth his own soul?
　　Write your mother, Clyde, and bear in mind that her love is always with you--guiding you--pleading with you todo right in the name of the Lord.
　　Affectionately,MOTHER.
　　And so it was that Clyde had begun to think of his uncle Samuel and his great business long before heencountered him. He had also experienced an enormous relief in learning that his parents were no longer in thesame financial difficulties they were when he left, and safely housed in a hotel, or at least a lodging house,probably connected with this new mission.
　　Then two months after he had received his mother's first letter and while he was deciding almost every day thathe must do something, and that forthwith, he chanced one day to deliver to the Union League Club on JacksonBoulevard a package of ties and handkerchiefs which some visitor to Chicago had purchased at the store, forwhich he worked. Upon entering, who should he come in contact with but Ratterer in the uniform of a clubemployee. He was in charge of inquiry and packages at the door. Although neither he nor Ratterer quite graspedimmediately the fact that they were confronting one another again, after a moment Ratterer had exclaimed:
　　"Clyde!" And then seizing him by an arm, he added enthusiastically and yet cautiously in a very low tone: "Well,of all things! The devil! Whaddya know? Put 'er there. Where do you come from anyhow?" And Clyde, equallyexcited, exclaimed, "Well, by jing, if it ain't Tom. Whaddya know? You working here?"Ratterer, who (like Clyde) had for the moment quite forgotten the troublesome secret which lay between them,added: "That's right. Surest thing you know. Been here for nearly a year, now." Then with a sudden pull atClyde's arm, as much as to say, "Silence!" he drew Clyde to one side, out of the hearing of the youth to whom hehad been talking as Clyde came in, and added: "Ssh! I'm working here under my own name, but I'd rather not let'em know I'm from K. C., see. I'm supposed to be from Cleveland."And with that he once more pressed Clyde's arm genially and looked him over. And Clyde, equally moved,added: "Sure. That's all right. I'm glad you were able to connect. My name's Tenet, Harry Tenet. Don't forgetthat." And both were radiantly happy because of old times' sake.
　　But Ratterer, noticing Clyde's delivery uniform, observed: "Driving a delivery, eh? Gee, that's funny. Youdriving a delivery. Imagine. That kills me. What do you want to do that for?" Then seeing from Clyde'sexpression that his reference to his present position might not be the most pleasing thing in the world, sinceClyde at once observed: "Well, I've been up against it, sorta," he added: "But say, I want to see you. Where areyou living?" (Clyde told him.) "That's all right. I get off here at six. Why not drop around after you're throughwork. Or, I'll tell you--suppose we meet at--well, how about Henrici's on Randolph Street? Is that all right? Atseven, say. I get off at six and I can be over there by then if you can."Clyde, who was happy to the point of ecstasy in meeting Ratterer again, nodded a cheerful assent.
　　He boarded his wagon and continued his deliveries, yet for the rest of the afternoon his mind was on thisapproaching meeting with Ratterer. And at five-thirty he hurried to his barn and then to his boarding house onthe west side, where he donned his street clothes, then hastened to Henrici's. He had not been standing on thecorner a minute before Ratterer appeared, very genial and friendly and dressed, if anything, more neatly thanever.
　　"Gee, it's good to have a look at you, old socks!" he began. "Do you know you're the only one of that bunch thatI've seen since I left K. C.? That's right. My sister wrote me after we left home that no one seemed to know whatbecame of either Higby or Heggie, or you, either. They sent that fellow Sparser up for a year--did you hear that?
　　Tough, eh? But not so much for killing the little girl, but for taking the car and running it without a license andnot stopping when signaled. That's what they got him for. But say,"--he lowered his voice most significantly atthis point--"we'da got that if they'd got us. Oh, gee, I was scared. And run?" And once more he began to laugh,but rather hysterically at that. "What a wallop, eh? An' us leavin' him and that girl in the car. Oh, say. Tough,what? Just what else could a fellow do, though? No need of all of us going up, eh? What was her name? LauraSipe. An' you cut out before I saw you, even. And that little Briggs girl of yours did, too. Did you go home withher?"Clyde shook his head negatively.
　　"I should say I didn't," he exclaimed.
　　"Well, where did you go then?" he asked.
　　Clyde told him. And after he had set forth a full picture of his own wayfarings, Ratterer returned with: "Gee, youdidn't know that that little Briggs girl left with a guy from out there for New York right after that, did you? Somefellow who worked in a cigar store, so Louise told me. She saw her afterwards just before she left with a new furcoat and all." (Clyde winced sadly.) "Gee, but you were a sucker to fool around with her. She didn't care for youor nobody. But you was pretty much gone on her, I guess, eh?" And he grinned at Clyde amusedly, and chuckedhim under the arm, in his old teasing way.
　　But in regard to himself, he proceeded to unfold a tale of only modest adventure, which was very different fromthe one Clyde had narrated, a tale which had less of nerves and worry and more of a sturdy courage and faith inhis own luck and possibilities. And finally he had "caught on" to this, because, as he phrased it, "you can alwaysget something in Chi."And here he had been ever since--"very quiet, of course," but no one had ever said a word to him.
　　And forthwith, he began to explain that just at present there wasn't anything in the Union League, but that hewould talk to Mr. Haley who was superintendent of the club--and that if Clyde wanted to, and Mr. Haley knew ofanything, he would try and find out if there was an opening anywhere, or likely to be, and if so, Clyde could slipinto it.
　　"But can that worry stuff," he said to Clyde toward the end of the evening. "It don't get you nothing."And then only two days after this most encouraging conversation, and while Clyde was still debating whether hewould resign his job, resume his true name and canvass the various hotels in search of work, a note came to hisroom, brought by one of the bell-boys of the Union League which read: "See Mr. Lightall at the Great Northernbefore noon to-morrow. There's a vacancy over there. It ain't the very best, but it'll get you something betterlater."And accordingly Clyde, after telephoning his department manager that he was ill and would not be able to workthat day, made his way to this hotel in his very best clothes. And on the strength of what references he couldgive, was allowed to go to work; and much to his relief under his own name. Also, to his gratification, his salarywas fixed at twenty dollars a month, meals included. But the tips, as he now learned, aggregated not more thanten a week--yet that, counting meals was far more than he was now getting as he comforted himself; and somuch easier work, even if it did take him back into the old line, where he still feared to be seen and arrested.
　　It was not so very long after this--not more than three months--before a vacancy occurred in the Union Leaguestaff. Ratterer, having some time before established himself as day assistant to the club staff captain, and beingon good terms with him, was able to say to the latter that he knew exactly the man for the place--ClydeGriffiths--then employed at the Great Northern. And accordingly, Clyde was sent for, and being carefullycoached beforehand by Ratterer as to how to approach his new superior, and what to say, he was given the place.
　　And here, very different from the Great Northern and superior from a social and material point of view, as Clydesaw it, to even the Green-Davidson, he was able once more to view at close range a type of life that mostaffected, unfortunately, his bump of position and distinction. For to this club from day to day came or went sucha company of seemingly mentally and socially worldly elect as he had never seen anywhere before, the self-integrated and self-centered from not only all of the states of his native land but from all countries andcontinents. American politicians from the north, south, east, west--the principal politicians and bosses, or allegedstatesmen of their particular regions--surgeons, scientists, arrived physicians, generals, literary and social figures,not only from America but from the world over.
　　Here also, a fact which impressed and even startled his sense of curiosity and awe, even--there was no faintesttrace of that sex element which had characterized most of the phases of life to be seen in the Green-Davidson,and more recently the Great Northern. In fact, in so far as he could remember, had seemed to run through andmotivate nearly, if not quite all of the phases of life that he had thus far contacted. But here was no sex--no traceof it. No women were admitted to this club. These various distinguished individuals came and went, singly as arule, and with the noiseless vigor and reserve that characterizes the ultra successful. They often ate alone,conferred in pairs and groups, noiselessly--read their papers or books, or went here and there in swiftly drivenautomobiles--but for the most part seemed to be unaware of, or at least unaffected by, that element of passion,which, to his immature mind up to this time, had seemed to propel and disarrange so many things in those lesserworlds with which up to now he had been identified.
　　Probably one could not attain to or retain one's place in so remarkable a world as this unless one were indifferentto sex, a disgraceful passion, of course. And hence in the presence or under the eyes of such people one had toact and seem as though such thoughts as from time to time swayed one were far from one's mind.
　　After he had worked here a little while, under the influence of this organization and various personalities whocame here, he had taken on a most gentlemanly and reserved air. When he was within the precincts of the clubitself, he felt himself different from what he really was--more subdued, less romantic, more practical, certain thatif he tried now, imitated the soberer people of the world, and those only, that some day he might succeed, if notgreatly, at least much better than he had thus far. And who knows? What if he worked very steadily and madeonly the right sort of contacts and conducted himself with the greatest care here, one of these very remarkablemen whom he saw entering or departing from here might take a fancy to him and offer him a connection withsomething important somewhere, such as he had never had before, and that might lift him into a world such as hehad never known.
　　For to say the truth, Clyde had a soul that was not destined to grow up. He lacked decidedly that mental clarityand inner directing application that in so many permits them to sort out from the facts and avenues of life theparticular thing or things that make for their direct advancement.
       塞缪尔。格里菲思所说在芝加哥联谊俱乐部遇到的克莱德，早就不是三年前从堪萨斯城逃出来的那个年轻小伙子了。他现年二十岁，个子比头几年长得稍微高些，更为结实，但也不见得太强壮，不用说，阅世经验倒是较为丰富了。

自从丢掉了堪萨斯城的老家和那份差使以后，他不得不接触到许多人世间的艰辛……他体验到低贱累活。身居陋室的况味，身边又没有一个亲友，不由得竭尽全力给自己闯出一条生路来……久而久之，他就养成了三年前谁都不信他能具备的。一切依靠自己的品质，以及善于曲意奉承。很懂分寸的习惯。现在，他穿的衣服，虽然远远地比不上逃离堪萨斯城时那么讲究，可是，他身上总是流露出一种极为文雅的风度，哪怕不能一下子就引人注目，毕竟还是惹人喜欢。

更有甚者，他已变得非常谨慎，而又善于节制，跟当初爬上一辆敞篷货车从堪萨斯城逃出来时的那个克莱德，简直可以说判若两人了。

他从堪萨斯城出逃以后，就得施展出各种各样诡计，才得以勉强过活，由此他得出了一个结论:

他的前程完全取决于自己。现在他终于认识到，家里人一点儿也不能帮助他。他的父亲。母亲。爱思达……他们通通都是太不能干，而且也是太穷了。

这时，尽管他们处境艰难，他心中不由得非常惦念他们，尤其是他的母亲，还有他从孩提时就熟悉的往昔家庭生活……连同他的弟弟。妹妹和爱思达也都在内。现在他才认识到，爱思达如同他自己一样，早已成为再也不受自己意志支配的现实环境的牺牲品了。他不时满怀痛苦地回忆过去:

当初他对待母亲的态度;他在堪萨斯城的事业突然中断……失掉霍丹斯。布里格斯，对他来说，是一大打击;从那时起他心中感到的种种苦恼;以及想必由于他的缘故给母亲和爱思达带来的苦恼。

出逃后过了两天，他来到了圣路易。两个司闸员发现他躲藏在货车上，先是抄走了他的手表和外套，接着就在一个灰蒙蒙的冬天早晨，离堪萨斯城一百英里远的地方，把他推到了雪地里，简直惨不忍睹。后来，克莱德无意中捡到一张堪萨斯城的报纸……《星报》，这才知道车祸发生后叫他最揪心的忧虑，早已成为事实。该报在两栏标题下面，就以满满的一栏半篇幅刊载了这一事件的始末经过:

一个小女孩，堪萨斯城某小康人家的十一岁的女儿，被车撞倒，几乎立时毙命……过了一个钟头后，她果然气绝身亡;斯帕塞和赛普小姐现在医院诊治，同时已被逮捕，由一名警察在医院内守护，等待他们恢复健康;一辆豪华汽车早已严重损毁;斯帕塞的父亲，就是在那个出门未归的车主手下做事的，得知自己那个蠢儿子，如此莽撞犯了罪，不由得愤怒填胸，悲痛难抑。

可是更糟的是，那个倒霉的斯帕塞，早已以盗窃和杀人罪被控。毋庸置疑，斯帕塞希望减轻自己在这一起重大的惨案中的罪责，不仅把所有同他在车上的人都给招供出来了……特别说出了那些年轻的侍应生和他们酒店的地址……而且还提出指控，说他们跟他同样有罪，因为当时他们一个劲儿催促他开快车，那是违背了他的意志的……这个说法，据克莱德所知，也是符合实际的。斯夸尔斯先生在酒店里接见警方人员与各报记者采访时，早已说出了那些肇事者父母的姓名，以及他们的家庭地址。

就数这最后一着，对他打击最大。因为接下来就是一段令人不安的报道，写到他们的亲属在获悉他们的罪行之后，无不震惊。拉特勒太太，就是汤姆。

拉特勒的母亲，哭着说她的孩子是个好孩子，当然不会存心做坏事。赫格伦太太……也就是奥斯卡一向热爱的老母亲……说天底下再也没有比她儿子更老实。更厚道的人了，想必是他酒喝多了。写到他自己家里，《星报》上是这样说的……他母亲站在那里，脸色煞白，惊恐万状，茫然不知所措，一个劲儿来回搓手……那样子仿佛她压根儿闹不清这是怎么回事，硬是不相信她儿子参加了这次汽车郊游。她还对众人说她儿子当然很快就回来的，一切都会说清楚的;她又说想必这里头一定有些误会了。

可是，克莱德并没有回去。后来，他再也没听到过什么别的消息了。因为他害怕警察，也害怕他母亲……害怕她那充满悲哀而又陷于绝望的眼睛，一连好几个月没有写过家信。到后来，他才给母亲寄去一封信，也只不过说他在外一切很好，千万请她放心好了。他既没有署名，也没有留下通讯处。后来，他一直在外流浪漂泊，想寻摸到这个或那个小小的工作，在圣路易。皮奥里亚。

芝加哥。密尔沃基……在一家餐馆里洗盘子，在近郊一家小铺里卖汽水，在皮鞋店。食品店学做小伙计，总之一句话，什么都干;不过样样不走运:

不是被人家开革，歇生意，就是因为自己不爱干而辞掉了工作。有一回，他给母亲寄过十块美元，另一次又寄过五块美元，这是他觉得好不容易才省下的。大约在一年半以后，他心里断定想必搜捕放松了，他应负那份罪责很可能也给忘掉了，或者说到那时已被认为不必追究了……这时，他正在芝加哥送货车上当司机，生活还算过得去，每星期有十五块美元收入，他就决定给他母亲写一封信。因为现在他可以告诉她说，他已有了一个体面的职业，而且长时间以来一直安守本分，循规蹈矩，虽然信末他并没有署上自己的真实姓名。

那时节，他正住在芝加哥西区……波林那街……一家寄宿舍里。下面就是他写给母亲的信:

亲爱的妈妈:

您还在堪萨斯城吗?

我盼望您写信告诉我。我真巴不得又接到您的来信，而且我也会再给您写信的，如果说您真的要我写的话。说真的，我是会这样做的，妈。我在这里一直很孤单。不过您还得处处小心，千万别让任何人知道我现在什么地方。让人知道了不会有什么好处，还可能有很大的害处，特别是正当我竭尽全力，好不容易重新做人的时候。那次我自个儿可一点儿差错都没有。说真的，我一点儿差错都没有，尽管报上说我有错……我只不过跟着他们跑了一趟罢了。但我害怕人家会拿我并没有做过的事来惩罚我。那时候，我就只好不回家了。我虽然没有什么错，但当时我却害怕您和父亲会有怎么个想法。不过话又说回来，是他们邀我去的，妈。我可并没有象他所说的要他开快车，或则是要他去寻摸那一辆车子。是他自己开了人家的车，来邀我和另外一些人一块去的。也许把那个小女孩撞死了，我们人人都有罪责，不过，我们也并不是故意这样的。我们谁也没有这个意图。打从那时候起，我心里一直难过极了。想一想由于我的缘故，给你们增添了多少麻烦呀!

何况又是正当您最最需要我帮助的时候。啊!

简直太可怕呀!

但是我依然希望您能够饶恕我，妈。您真的能饶恕我吗?

我心中一直纳闷，真不知道您现在怎么样了。还有爱思达。朱丽娅。弗兰克和父亲。我心里很想知道您在哪儿，现在做些什么。您知道我有多么爱您，妈。现在我反正懂得的东西多了一些，我看问题也跟过去不同了。我就是要出人头地。我巴望自己碰上好运道。现在我有一个相当不错的职位，说真的，不象堪萨斯城的那么好，不过还算说得过去，尽管不是过去的那个行业。我希望能够得到更好的发展，要是这样的话，我也就不想回去干酒店这一行了。这一行对我这样的年轻人来说，太不合适了……依我看，总觉得自己太了不起了。

您看，现在我比过去要聪明得多了。我在这儿工作，人家对我都很喜欢，不过，我到社会上去一定要高人一等。再说，现在我赚的钱，真的并不比花的多，刚够我付房钱。饭钱和穿衣的钱，不过，我还是尽量设法节省一些，因为我还要给自己寻摸一个合适的行业，到了那里，我可要好好工作，真的学一点本领。

现在这个时代，每一个人都得精通一行才成。这个道理现在我才算明白了。

您会写信给我，说说你们大家的近况和现下您正在做些什么，好吗?

我很想知道。请您向弗兰克。朱丽娅。爸爸和爱思达转达我的深情，要是他们还跟您住在一块的话。我还是如同往日一样地爱您，我想您也有点儿爱我，不是吗?

我不能署上真名，因为也许还有危险性。(我从离开堪萨斯城以来，就一直没有用过真名。)不过，我会告诉您另一个名字，但愿这个名字不久我就要不用了，又将恢复自己原来的姓名。我真恨不得现在就用自己的原名，不过，我还是有些害怕。您要是愿意给我写信的话，请写:

哈里。台纳特芝加哥留局待领我将在几天以内就去取。我之所以这样署名，是为了不给您，或是不给我增添更多麻烦，明白了吧?

不过，我完全深信，只要那件事风头一过，我当然重新使用我原来的名字。

爱您的您的儿子他在应该署上自己真名实姓的地方划了一道线，下面写"知名不具"几个字，就把信寄发了。

正是因为他母亲不知道现下他在什么地方，心里本来就一直惦念着他，所以此信发出后不久，他很快收到了一封回信，信封上盖的是丹佛的邮戳，不由得使他万分惊讶。因为他本来以为她至今还在堪萨斯城哩。

亲爱的儿子:

我接到我孩子的信，知道你太太平平活着，我真是又惊诧，又高兴。我无时无刻不在衷心希望和虔诚祷祝，愿你重新走上那正直的仁慈道路……那是唯一可以引导你通往成功和幸福的道路，并且祈求上帝允许我得到有关你的消息，知道你平安无事，而且在诚实地工作和生活。由此可见，现在主已经垂听了我的祈祷。我知道主会垂听的。赞美主的神圣名字。

你前次身陷可怕的灾祸，并使你本人和我们大家深受痛苦和耻辱，对此我并不全都责怪你……因为我很明白，魔鬼是怎样诱惑和追逐我们所有的凡夫俗子，特别是象你这样的孩子。哦，我的儿子，要是你早就明白，你该如何保持警惕，以免坠入这些陷坑，该有多好!

摆在你面前的，是一条漫长的道路。你从今以后能时刻警惕，始终恪守我们救世主的教旨，好吗?

而你妈历来就给你们……我亲爱的儿女们心坎里灌输的，也正是主的这些教旨。你能停下来，仔细倾听跟我们永远同在的主的声音，按照主指引我们的方向，迈开步伐，平安地踏上通往比我们想象中更为壮丽的天国的那条崎岖不平的道路，好吗?

你要向我保证，我的孩子，保证你将永远牢记你幼年时代所接受的教旨，心里念念不忘……"正义就是力量"。还有，我的孩子啊，任何一种酒，永远。永远喝不得，也不管是谁要你喝的。魔鬼就在那儿耀武扬威，主宰一切，随时准备征服意志软弱的人。

要永远记住我一贯告诉你的话:

"酒是骗子，一喝就疯。"此刻我以最虔诚的心情祈祷，但愿你一受到引诱的时候，这些话就会在你耳际回响……因为现在我相信，发生那次可怕事件的真正原因，也许就在这里。

我为了那事饱受痛苦，克莱德，而且正好发生在我为爱思达经受如此骇人的考验的时刻。我差一点就失去了她。那一阵子她真好苦啊。这个可怜的孩子啊，她为了自己的罪孽付出了多么昂贵的代价!

那时候，我们只好债台高筑，要工作很长一段日子才还得清呢……不过到头来，我们终于还清了，现在我们的境况，早就不象往日里那么差劲了。

你已知道，现在我们都在丹佛。我们在这里有一个自己的传道馆，还有可供全家人居住的一所房子。此外，我们有几个房间可以出租，归爱思达经管。

你知道，现在爱思达，当然罗，已是尼克松太太了。她有一个顶呱呱的小男孩。

你父亲和我一见到这个小男孩，就常常回想到你小时候的情景。瞧他那淘气劲儿，活灵活现，跟你一模一样，我们简直觉得你又变成了小伢儿，重新回到了我们跟前。有时这也给我们一点儿安慰。

弗兰克和朱丽娅都长大了，好歹也是我的帮手了。弗兰克现在挨门逐户送报，赚点钱也可以贴补家用。爱思达希望能尽量让他们俩继续上学。

你父亲健康状况不大好，不过，当然罗，他毕竟上了年纪，可他依然尽力而为。

克莱德，你现在一个劲儿使自己出人头地，我听了真有说不出的高兴。昨天晚上，你父亲又说到你在莱柯格斯的伯父塞缪尔。格里菲思很有钱，很发迹，我想你不妨给他写一封信，请他给你找个事由，好让你学一点本事。也许他会乐意的。我看他不会不答应的。说到底，你总是他的侄儿啊。你知道，他在莱柯格斯有一家规模宏大的领子工厂，而且很有钱，人们都是这么说的。你干吗不给他写封信看看，怎么样?

我总觉得也许他会给你找个职位的。那你干起活来，就有奔头了。要是你给他写了信，就请你告诉我，他是怎么回复你的。

我希望经常收到你的来信，克莱德。请你来信，谈谈有关你的一切情况，包括目前生活情况都在内。你说好吗?

当然罗，我如同过去一样爱你，并且愿意永远引导你走正路。我们衷心希望你远比你想象的有更大发迹。不过，我们同样希望你还是个好孩子，过着一种纯洁。正当的生活。因为，我的儿子啊，要是有一个人得到了整个世界却丧失了自己的灵魂，那样的人又有什么用处呢?

要给你妈写信，克莱德，时刻记住你妈的爱永远与你同在……引导着你……恳求你为了主的缘故走正路。

爱你的妈妈其实，克莱德在同他的伯父塞缪尔邂逅以前，早就想着他和他那规模宏大的企业了。当他获悉他父母目前经济状况已不象他出走时那么紧巴巴，而且生活起居也很平安，住的也许就是跟新传道馆有关系的一家旅馆，或则至少也是一家寄宿舍……他心里这才得到了极大宽慰。

他接到母亲头一次回信，已有两个月过去了，这时，他心里几乎每天都在琢磨，应该马上有所作为才好。有一天，一个到芝加哥来的客人在他干活的店里买了一大包领带和手绢，正好要他送到杰克逊林荫大道联谊俱乐部去。殊不知他一进去，突然撞见了什么人来着?

不是穿着俱乐部雇工制服的拉特勒，还会是谁呢?

拉特勒专门负责入口处问讯和收转包裹杂品。开头，不管是他，就是拉特勒，谁都没有闹清楚他们俩如今又面对面地碰上了，但过了半晌，还是拉特勒先叫了出来:

"克莱德!

"接着一把抓住他，虽然欣喜若狂，但还是小心翼翼地把声音压得很低，找补着说:

"乖乖，真想不到在这儿碰上了!

你这机灵鬼!

你是怎么啦?

大包就撂在这儿。可你到底打哪儿来?

"克莱德同样激动万分，大声喊道:

"哎哟哟，我的老天爷哪，这可不就是汤姆吗?

你是怎么啦?

你就在这儿工作吗?

"拉特勒(如同克莱德一样)在这一刹那，几乎忘掉了他们俩之间休戚相关的那个令人痛苦的秘密，随后才回答说:

"是啊。当然罗，这是千真万确的事。我在这儿差不多快一年啦。"说罢，猛地把克莱德的手一拉，好象是说:

"别吭声!

"把克莱德拽到那个年轻人听不见的地方(因为刚才克莱德进门时，拉特勒正在跟这年轻人说话)，找补着说:

"嘘!

我在这儿工作，用的是真名实姓，不过，我可不让人们知道我是从堪萨斯城来的，你懂吗。所以人们都认为我是从克利夫兰来的。

"话音刚落，他又一次怪亲热地捏了一把克莱德的胳臂，从头到脚，把他仔细打量了一番。克莱德同样无比激动，找补着说:

"当然罗，我懂。这就很好嘛。

你还认得我，我很高兴。现在我的名字叫台纳特，哈里。台纳特。你可别忘啦。

"两人一回想起往日情景，心里简直乐开了花。

不过，拉特勒一发觉克莱德身上穿的是送货员制服，便说:

"是开送货车，嗯?

嘿，真是太逗人。你也开送货车。想一想，真要笑死我了。你干吗耍弄这个?

"拉特勒发现自己一扯到克莱德目下的遭际，克莱德脸上就露出不快的神色，这时，克莱德马上回答说:

"唉，说心里话，我压根儿不想干这个活儿。"他又接下去说:

"不过，听我说，我们俩总得在一块扯一扯。可你住在哪儿?

"(克莱德把自己地址告诉了他。)"这样就得了。我六点钟下班。你完事后，干吗不过来坐坐。要不然，我再告诉你……比方说我们就在……嗯，在伦道夫街'

''''亨利西，见面，怎么样?

可以吧?

比方说，七点钟。我六点钟下班;我也可以七点钟上那儿去，只要你觉得方便就得了。"克莱德由于同拉特勒聚首重逢，真是喜出望外，就乐呵呵地点头同意了。

他爬上了自己的车子，继续送货去，不过，这天下午，他心里始终想到自己马上就要跟拉特勒晤面这件事。五点半，他就急冲冲赶到车房，然后再到他在西区的寄宿舍，换上出门穿的衣服，风风火火地赶到了"亨利西"。他刚站在大街拐角处，不一会儿，拉特勒也来了，他是那样乐乐呵呵，亲亲热热，特别是身上的穿着，比过去任何时候都要整洁。

"喂，老兄，我一看见你，就打心眼里高兴!

"他一开头就这样说。"你知道吧，打从我离开堪萨斯城以来，咱们这一伙里就数你是见到的头一个。一点没错。

我离家以后，我妹妹写信告诉我，说好象谁都不知道希格比。赫吉(赫吉是赫格伦的昵称。)或是你的情况究竟怎样。斯帕塞那个家伙，给抓起来，关了一年……你听说过吗?

真倒霉，嗯?

不过，多半并不是因为撞死了那个小女孩，而是因为私自开走别人的车子，没有驾驶执照开车，并且，不顾警察招手，他还是不肯停下来。他之所以挨罚，原因就在这里。不过，听我说，"这时，他煞有其事地把声音压低，说:

"我们要是给抓住了，可也都得挨罚啊。嘿，那时我真害怕，就拔脚跑了。"他又一次格格大笑起来，不过有一点儿歇斯底里似的。"简直就象马儿草上飞啊，嗯?

我们还把他和那个姑娘给扔在车厢里。哦，听我说。真够呛，嗯?

不过，那时候你又有什么办法?

我们犯不着个个都给警察抓走啊，嗯?

她的名字叫什么来着?

劳拉。赛普。我还没有看见，你就滑脚溜啦。还有你的那位小妞布里格斯，也跟着溜了。你陪她一块回家，是吗?

"克莱德摇摇头。

"不，我才没有哩，"他大声喊道。

"哦，那你上哪儿去了?

"拉特勒问。

克莱德向他如实相告。听了克莱德流浪的经过以后，拉特勒说:

"嘿，你知不知道，出事以后不久，那个小妞布里格斯小姐就跟一个家伙到纽约去了，你知道了吗?

路易斯跟我说，她跟一个烟铺里的伙计一块跑了。就在她出走以前，路易斯看见她身上穿着一件新的裘皮外套。"(克莱德伤心地往后退缩了一下。)"嘿，当初你跟她一块儿鬼混，才上了老当。她压根儿没把你放在心上，不论是谁，她也都是这样。不过，依我看，你倒是对她着了迷，嗯?

"他乐哈哈地向克莱德露齿一笑，往他胳肢窝里捏了一把，还是照自己老脾气，把他逗弄一番。

至于他自己，拉特勒也讲了一个毫不跌宕起伏的历险故事，同克莱德所讲的简直大异其趣;他很少讲到内心紧张和忧虑重重，净讲顽强的勇气和对自己命运。前途的信心。最后，他"搞到"了他眼前这个工作，因为，用他的话来说，"你在芝〔加哥〕好歹总能寻摸到一点事儿干的。"打那以后，他就一直在这儿……"当然罗，相当安静，"从来就没有人责难过他。

随后，他又马上解释说，在目前，联谊俱乐部里还没有什么空缺，不过嘛，他倒是可以跟俱乐部总管哈利先生谈一谈……他又说，要是克莱德本人乐意，而哈利先生也知道有什么空缺的话，那末，他一定会设法打听到哪儿有一个什么样的空缺，或是可能会有什么样的空缺;要是果真有的话，克莱德就算被录用了。

"不过，千万要把心里烦恼通通抛开，"就在黄昏即将逝去的时候，他对克莱德说。"那对你可没有什么用处。"在这次令人激奋的谈话以后仅仅两天光景，克莱德正在暗自思忖:

要不要辞掉他的这个工作，恢复自己的真名实姓;要不要到各个旅馆去兜揽一些活儿;就在这时，联谊俱乐部的一个侍应生把一张便条送到了他的房间。这张便条上说:

"请在明天中午前到大北旅馆同拉托尔先生面晤。该处现有一个空缺，虽然不算最理想，但是将来会有更好的机会。"于是，克莱德马上给他那个部门的经理打电话，说他今天有病，上不了班，然后穿上他最漂亮的衣服，径直前往那家旅馆。根据他的自我推荐，旅馆就同意他上工了，而且，用的是自己的真实姓名，使他深感欣慰。还有，让他满意的是，他的薪水规定每月二十块美元……此外还供给膳食。他早就知道，每星期小费不超过十块美元……可是，连膳食也算在内，比现在的收入反正要多得多，因此也足以使他聊以自慰了。何况，工作也要轻松得多。他心中至今仍害怕:

要是他重操旅馆旧业，很可能一下子就被人发现，给抓了起来。

打这以后没多久……不出三个月……联谊俱乐部有了一个侍应生空缺。恰巧不久前拉特勒已担任了日班侍应生领班助理，跟领班很谈得来。他就对领班说，他想推荐一个最合适的人来填补这个空缺:

此人就是克莱德。格里菲思，现在大北旅馆工作。于是，拉特勒就把克莱德叫来，事前精心教给他一套如何进见新上司的规矩，以及应该说些什么话。这样，克莱德就得到了俱乐部这个工作。

克莱德一下子就发现，这儿跟大北旅馆竟然有天壤之别，从宾客的社会地位和高贵的物质设施来说，甚至还凌驾于格林－戴维逊大酒店之上。现在他又可以在这里就近观察另一种生活方式了，只是不幸这种生活方式又直接触及了他灵魂深处爱慕虚荣。急欲出人头地的肿块。在这个俱乐部里，经常来来往往都是他过去从没见过的上流社会各界杰出人物，他们正直无私，而又以自我为本位，不仅来自祖国各州，而且来自世界各国，来自五大洲。来自四面八方的美国政界人士……杰出的政治家。大亨，或是以他们地区政治家自居的一些人……还有外科医生。科学家。著名医生。将军。文坛巨匠和社会人士，不仅来自美国，而且还遍及全世界。

这里还有一个事实，给他印象很深，甚至激起了他的好奇和敬畏心理，那就是:

格林－戴维逊大酒店和最近大北旅馆的生活里彰明较著。屡见不鲜的那种性的因素，在这里简直连一丝儿影子都没有。事实上，就他记忆所及，这种性的因素，看来已经到处泛滥，而且在他迄今接触过的生活里，几乎所有一切也都是由它激发产生的。可是在这里，却并没有性的因素……一丝一毫都没有。

女人一概不许进入俱乐部。各种各样的著名人物照例是独自一人来来往往，而且显得精力饱满而又沉默寡言，这些性格特征，正是成就特别卓著的人所固有的。他们往往单独进餐，三三两两在一起低声交谈……自己看报。读书，或是坐上风驰电掣一般的汽车到各处去……可是，他们当中十之八九好象并没有听说过有那种欲念的因素，或者至少说根本不受到它的影响。如今，在他不成熟的心灵看来，就在包括他本人在内的那些微不足道的小人物的生活之中，好象有很多事情都摆脱不了这种欲念的驱使和困扰。

在如此超尘拔俗的一个环境中，一个人也许既不能达到，也不能保住他那卓尔不群的地位，除非他对性……这一个当然很不体面的东西表示极其冷淡。

因此，克莱德认为，在这些人们面前，或是在他们的心目中，你的一举一动，就不能不表现得好象你根本不存在这些思想似的，而事实上，你却是不时受到这些思想的支配。

克莱德在这里工作了很短一段时间以后，在这个机构以及来这里的各种人物的影响下，看来也渐渐具有一种地地道道的绅士风度了。只要他置身于俱乐部范围以内，他就觉得跟自己的过去相比，如今已是判若两人了……更能克制自己，更加讲究实际，也不再那么罗曼蒂克了:

他相信，现在他就应该倍加努力，仿效那些头脑清醒的人，而且也只有仿效那些人，也许有一天他会成功，哪怕不是极大的成功，至少也要比他迄今为止好得多。有谁知道呢?

要是他工作努力勤奋，只跟正派人交往，在这里举止态度特别谨慎小心，那末，也许在他见过的那些进进出出的大人物(俱乐部的宾客)里头不知是哪一位喜爱他，要他到什么地方去担任他从来没有担任过的一个要职，说不定也就让他一下子擢升到一个从来把他拒之门外的社会中去。

说实话，克莱德生来注定永远也不会成为一个完全成熟的人。他断断乎缺乏的，就是思想的明晰性与坚定的目的性……而这些特性，正是许多人所固有，并使他们能在生活里所有道路与机遇之中，给自己找出最合适的进身之阶。
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Part 2 Chapter 4
However, as he now fancied, it was because he lacked an education that he had done so poorly. Because of thosevarious moves from city to city in his early youth, he had never been permitted to collect such a sum of practical training in any field as would permit him, so he thought, to aspire to the great worlds of which these menappeared to be a part. Yet his soul now yearned for this. The people who lived in fine houses, who stopped atgreat hotels, and had men like Mr. Squires, and the manager of the bell-hops here, to wait on them and arrangefor their comfort. And he was still a bell-hop. And close to twenty-one. At times it made him very sad. Hewished and wished that he could get into some work where he could rise and be somebody--not always remain abell- hop, as at times he feared he might.
　　About the time that he reached this conclusion in regard to himself and was meditating on some way to improveand safeguard his future, his uncle, Samuel Griffiths, arrived in Chicago. And having connections here whichmade a card to this club an obvious civility, he came directly to it and for several days was about the placeconferring with individuals who came to see him, or hurrying to and fro to meet people and visit concerns whomhe deemed it important to see.
　　And it was not an hour after he arrived before Ratterer, who had charge of the pegboard at the door by day andwho had but a moment before finished posting the name of this uncle on the board, signaled to Clyde, who cameover.
　　"Didn't you say you had an uncle or something by the name of Griffiths in the collar business somewhere in NewYork State?""Sure," replied Clyde. "Samuel Griffiths. He has a big collar factory in Lycurgus. That's his ad you see in all thepapers and that's his fire sign over there on Michigan Avenue.""Would you know him if you saw him?""No," replied Clyde. "I never saw him in all my life.""I'll bet anything it's the same fellow," commented Ratterer, consulting a small registry slip that had been handedhim. "Looka here--Samuel Griffiths, Lycurgus, N. Y. That's probably the same guy, eh?""Surest thing you know," added Clyde, very much interested and even excited, for this was the identical uncleabout whom he had been thinking so long.
　　"He just went through here a few minutes ago," went on Ratterer. "Devoy took his bags up to K. Swell-lookingman, too. You better keep your eye open and take a look at him when he comes down again. Maybe it's youruncle. He's only medium tall and kinda thin. Wears a small gray mustache and a pearl gray hat. Good-lookin'. I'llpoint him out to you. If it is your uncle you better shine up to him. Maybe he'll do somepin' for you--give you acollar or two," he added, laughing.
　　Clyde laughed too as though he very much appreciated this joke, although in reality he was flustered. His uncleSamuel! And in this club! Well, then this was his opportunity to introduce himself to his uncle. He had intendedwriting him before ever he secured this place, but now he was here in this club and might speak to him if hechose.
　　But hold! What would his uncle think of him, supposing he chose to introduce himself? For he was a bell-boyagain and acting in that capacity in this club. What, for instance, might be his uncle's attitude toward boys whoworked as bell-boys, particularly at his-- Clyde's--years. For he was over twenty now, and getting to be pretty oldfor a bell-boy, that is, if one ever intended to be anything else. A man of his wealth and high position might lookon bell-hopping as menial, particularly bell-boys who chanced to be related to him. He might not wish to haveanything to do with him--might not even wish him to address him in any way. It was in this state that heremained for fully twenty-four hours after he knew that his uncle had arrived at this club.
　　The following afternoon, however, after he had seen him at least half a dozen times and had been able toformulate the most agreeable impressions of him, since his uncle appeared to be so very quick, alert, incisive--sovery different from his father in every way, and so rich and respected by every one here--he began to wonder, tofear even at times, whether he was going to let this remarkable opportunity slip. For after all, his uncle did notlook to him to be at all unkindly--quite the reverse--very pleasant. And when, at the suggestion of Ratterer, hehad gone to his uncle's room to secure a letter which was to be sent by special messenger, his uncle had scarcelylooked at him, but instead had handed him the letter and half a dollar. "See that a boy takes that right away andkeep the money for yourself," he had remarked.
　　Clyde's excitement was so great at the moment that he wondered that his uncle did not guess that he was hisnephew. But plainly he did not. And he went away a little crest-fallen.
　　Later some half dozen letters for his uncle having been put in the key-box, Ratterer called Clyde's attention tothem. "If you want to run in on him again, here's your chance. Take those up to him. He's in his room, I think."And Clyde, after some hesitation, had finally taken the letters and gone to his uncle's suite once more.
　　His uncle was writing at the time and merely called: "Come!" Then Clyde, entering and smiling ratherenigmatically, observed: "Here's some mail for you, Mr. Griffiths.""Thank you very much, my son," replied his uncle and proceeded to finger his vest pocket for change. but Clyde,seizing this opportunity, exclaimed: "Oh, no, I don't want anything for that." And then before his uncle could sayanything more, although he proceeded to hold out some silver to him, he added: "I believe I'm related to you, Mr.
　　Griffiths. You're Mr. Samuel Griffiths of the Griffiths Collar Company of Lycurgus, aren't you?""Yes, I have a little something to do with it, I believe. Who are you?" returned his uncle, looking at him sharply.
　　"My name's Clyde Griffiths. My father, Asa Griffiths, is your brother, I believe."At the mention of this particular brother, who, to the knowledge of all the members of this family, was distinctlynot a success materially, the face of Samuel Griffiths clouded the least trifle. For the mention of Asa broughtrather unpleasingly before him the stocky and decidedly not well-groomed figure of his younger brother, whomhe had not seen in so many years. His most recent distinct picture of him was as a young man of about Clyde'sage about his father's house near Bertwick, Vermont. But how different! Clyde's father was then short, fat andpoorly knit mentally as well as physically--oleaginous and a bit mushy, as it were. His chin was not firm, hiseyes a pale watery blue, and his hair frizzled. Whereas this son of his was neat, alert, good-looking andseemingly well-mannered and intelligent, as most bell- hops were inclined to be as he noted. And he liked him.
　　However, Samuel Griffiths, who along with his elder brother Allen had inherited the bulk of his father'smoderate property, and this because of Joseph Griffiths' prejudice against his youngest son, had always felt thatperhaps an injustice had been done Asa. For Asa, not having proved very practical or intelligent, his father hadfirst attempted to drive and then later ignore him, and finally had turned him out at about Clyde's age, and hadafterward left the bulk of his property, some thirty thousand dollars, to these two elder brothers, share and sharealike--willing Asa but a petty thousand.
　　It was this thought in connection with this younger brother that now caused him to stare at Clyde rathercuriously. For Clyde, as he could see, was in no way like the younger brother who had been harried from hisfather's home so many years before. Rather he was more like his own son, Gilbert, whom, as he now saw heresembled. Also in spite of all of Clyde's fears he was obviously impressed by the fact that he should have anykind of place in this interesting club. For to Samuel Griffiths, who was more than less confined to the limitedactivities and environment of Lycurgus, the character and standing of this particular club was to be respected.
　　And those young men who served the guests of such an institution as this, were, in the main, possessed ofefficient and unobtrusive manners. Therefore to see Clyde standing before him in his neat gray and blackuniform and with the air of one whose social manners at least were excellent, caused him to think favorably ofhim.
　　"You don't tell me!" he exclaimed interestedly. "So you're Asa's son. I do declare! Well, now, this is a surprise.
　　You see I haven't seen or heard from your father in at least--well, say, twenty-five or six years, anyhow. The lasttime I did hear from him he was living in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I think, or here. He isn't here now, Ipresume.""Oh, no, sir," replied Clyde, who was glad to be able to say this. "The family live in Denver. I'm here all alone.""Your father and mother are living, I presume.""Yes, sir. They're both alive.""Still connected with religious work, is he--your father?""Well, yes, sir," answered Clyde, a little dubiously, for he was still convinced that the form of religious work hisfather essayed was of all forms the poorest and most inconsequential socially. "Only the church he has now," hewent on, "has a lodging house connected with it. About forty rooms, I believe. He and my mother run that andthe mission too.""Oh, I see."He was so anxious to make a better impression on his uncle than the situation seemed to warrant that he wasquite willing to exaggerate a little.
　　"Well, I'm glad they're doing so well," continued Samuel Griffiths, rather impressed with the trim and vigorousappearance of Clyde. "You like this kind of work, I suppose?""Well, not exactly. No, Mr. Griffiths, I don't," replied Clyde quickly, alive at once to the possibilities of thisquery. "It pays well enough. But I don't like the way you have to make the money you get here. It isn't my idea ofa salary at all. But I got in this because I didn't have a chance to study any particular work or get in with somecompany where there was a real chance to work up and make something of myself. My mother wanted me towrite you once and ask whether there was any chance in your company for me to begin and work up, but I wasafraid maybe that you might not like that exactly, and so I never did."He paused, smiling, and yet with an inquiring look in his eye.
　　His uncle looked solemnly at him for a moment, pleased by his looks and his general manner of approach in thisinstance, and then replied: "Well, that is very interesting. You should have written, if you wanted to--" Then, aswas his custom in all matters, he cautiously paused. Clyde noted that he was hesitating to encourage him.
　　"I don't suppose there is anything in your company that you would let me do?" he ventured boldly, after amoment.
　　Samuel Griffiths merely stared at him thoughtfully. He liked and he did not like this direct request. However,Clyde appeared at least a very adaptable person for the purpose. He seemed bright and ambitious--so much likehis own son, and he might readily fit into some department as head or assistant under his son, once he hadacquired a knowledge of the various manufacturing processes. At any rate he might let him try it. There could beno real harm in that. Besides, there was his younger brother, to whom, perhaps, both he and his older brotherAllen owed some form of obligation, if not exactly restitution.
　　"Well," he said, after a moment, "that is something I would have to think over a little. I wouldn't be able to say,offhand, whether there is or not. We wouldn't be able to pay you as much as you make here to begin with," hewarned.
　　"Oh, that's all right," exclaimed Clyde, who was far more fascinated by the thought of connecting himself withhis uncle than anything else. "I wouldn't expect very much until I was able to earn it, of course.""Besides, it might be that you would find that you didn't like the collar business once you got into it, or we mightfind we didn't like you. Not every one is suited to it by a long way.""Well, all you'd have to do then would be to discharge me," assured Clyde. "I've always thought I would be,though, ever since I heard of you and your big company."This last remark pleased Samuel Griffiths. Plainly he and his achievements had stood in the nature of an ideal tothis youth.
　　"Very well," he said. "I won't be able to give any more time to this now. But I'll be here for a day or two more,anyhow, and I'll think it over. It may be that I will be able to do something for you. I can't say now." And heturned quite abruptly to his letters.
　　And Clyde, feeling that he had made as good an impression as could be expected under the circumstances andthat something might come of it, thanked him profusely and beat a hasty retreat.
　　The next day, having thought it over and deciding that Clyde, because of his briskness and intelligence, waslikely to prove as useful as another, Samuel Griffiths, after due deliberation as to the situation at home, informedClyde that in case any small opening in the home factory occurred he would be glad to notify him. But he wouldnot even go so far as to guarantee him that an opening would immediately be forthcoming. He must wait.
　　Accordingly Clyde was left to speculate as to how soon, if ever, a place in his uncle's factory would be made forhim.
　　In the meanwhile Samuel Griffiths had returned to Lycurgus. And after a later conference with his son, hedecided that Clyde might be inducted into the very bottom of the business at least--the basement of the Griffithsplant, where the shrinking of all fabrics used in connection with the manufacture of collars was brought about,and where beginners in this industry who really desired to acquire the technique of it were placed, for it was hisidea that Clyde by degrees was to be taught the business from top to bottom. And since he must support himselfin some form not absolutely incompatible with the standing of the Griffiths family here in Lycurgus, it wasdecided to pay him the munificent sum of fifteen dollars to begin.
　　For while Samuel Griffiths, as well as his son Gilbert, realized that this was small pay (not for an ordinaryapprentice but for Clyde, since he was a relative) yet so inclined were both toward the practical rather than thecharitable in connection with all those who worked for them, that the nearer the beginner in this factory was tothe clear mark of necessity and compulsion, the better. Neither could tolerate the socialistic theory relative tocapitalistic exploitation. As both saw it, there had to be higher and higher social orders to which the lower socialclasses could aspire. One had to have castes. One was foolishly interfering with and disrupting necessary andunavoidable social standards when one tried to unduly favor any one--even a relative. It was necessary whendealing with the classes and intelligences below one, commercially or financially, to handle them according tothe standards to which they were accustomed. And the best of these standards were those which held these lowerindividuals to a clear realization of how difficult it was to come by money--to an understanding of how verynecessary it was for all who were engaged in what both considered the only really important constructive workof the world--that of material manufacture--to understand how very essential it was to be drilled, and that sharplyand systematically, in all the details and processes which comprise that constructive work. And so to becomeinured to a narrow and abstemious life in so doing. It was good for their characters. It informed and strengthenedthe minds and spirits of those who were destined to rise. And those who were not should be kept right where theywere.
　　Accordingly, about a week after that, the nature of Clyde's work having been finally decided upon, a letter wasdispatched to him to Chicago by Samuel Griffiths himself in which he set forth that if he chose he might presenthimself any time now within the next few weeks. But he must give due notice in writing of at least ten days inadvance of his appearance in order that he might be properly arranged for. And upon his arrival he was to seekout Mr. Gilbert Griffiths at the office of the mill, who would look after him.
　　And upon receipt of this Clyde was very much thrilled and at once wrote to his mother that he had actuallysecured a place with his uncle and was going to Lycurgus. Also that he was going to try to achieve a real success now. Whereupon she wrote him a long letter, urging him to be, oh, so careful of his conduct and associates. Badcompanionship was at the root of nearly all of the errors and failures that befell an ambitious youth such as he. Ifhe would only avoid evil-minded or foolish and headstrong boys and girls, all would be well. It was so easy for ayoung man of his looks and character to be led astray by an evil woman. He had seen what had befallen him inKansas City. But now he was still young and he was going to work for a man who was very rich and who coulddo so much for him, if he would. And he was to write her frequently as to the outcome of his efforts here.
　　And so, after having notified his uncle as he had requested, Clyde finally took his departure for Lycurgus. But onhis arrival there, since his original notification from his uncle had called for no special hour at which to call atthe factory, he did not go at once, but instead sought out the important hotel of Lycurgus, the Lycurgus House.
　　Then finding himself with ample time on his hands, and very curious about the character of this city in which hewas to work, and his uncle's position in it, he set forth to look it over, his thought being that once he reported andbegan work he might not soon have the time again. He now ambled out into Central Avenue, the very heart ofLycurgus, which in this section was crossed by several business streets, which together with Central Avenue fora few blocks on either side, appeared to constitute the business center--all there was to the life and gayety ofLycurgus.
第四章
不过,克莱德生活中的种种不幸,如按他解释,完全归咎于自己过去没有受过教育.他从幼时起经常随家从这个城市迁至那个城市,始终没让他在某个方面获得一些实际知识使他能够平步青云,成为那个高贵社会的一个成员,而这个高贵社会,正是属于俱乐部里来来往往的那些客人所有.不过,如今他心中正热切渴望自己能进入这么一个高贵社会.这些绅士们住的是漂亮的府邸,出门下榻豪华的大酒店,还有斯夸尔斯先生和这里的侍应生领班这类人侍候他们,让他们得到舒适享受.而他,克莱德,还只不过是一名侍应生.年纪快要二十一岁了.有时真让他够伤心.他整日价梦想能另觅一个什么事由,以便步步高升,做一个了不起的人物——总不能一辈子当侍应生啊.有时候,他一想到这里,就不寒而栗了.
当他对自己作出这么一个结论,心中暗自琢磨怎样才能使自己前途无量的时候,他的伯父塞缪尔·格里菲思来到了芝加哥.本来他同俱乐部就有一些联系,这里对他又特别殷勤,当即邀请他入会.他径直来到了俱乐部,一连好几天,就在这里跟前来拜访他的人交谈,或是来去匆匆,拜访了一些他认为必需拜访的有关人士和厂商.
他到后还不到一个钟头,白天在入口处专管旅客登记的拉特勒,刚把写上克莱德伯父名字的牌子挂到留宿旅客一览牌照上,就跟迎面走来的克莱德打了个招呼.
"你不是说你有个伯父,或是一个什么亲戚,也姓格里菲思,在纽约州某某地方经营领子业,是吧?"
"是啊,"克莱德回答说."塞缪尔·格里菲思.他在莱柯格斯开设一家规模宏大的领子工厂.你在各报都可以看到他登的广告.也许你在密执安大街上已看见他的灯光广告."
"你要是见到他,还认得不认得?"
"不认得,"克莱德回答说."我从来没见过他哩.""我敢打赌,那包管是他,"拉特勒一口咬定说,一面看着叫他登记的小纸条."你看——塞缪尔·格里菲思,纽约州莱柯格斯.恐怕就是这个人吧,嗯?"
"千真万确,"克莱德接下去说,觉得挺有意思,乃至于很激动.因为有多少个日子,他朝思暮想的,就是这一个伯父啊."几分钟前他才打这儿走过,"拉特勒继续说着."德沃埃把他的手提包送到K号房间去了.看起来是个时髦人物.你最好睁大眼睛,等他下来的时候,把他好好看个清楚呗.也许他就是你的伯父.他中等身材,相当瘦,蓄着一络灰色小胡子,戴一顶银灰色帽子.样子可神气哩.我会指给你看的.要是他真的是你伯父,你还得设法巴结巴结他.说不定他会帮帮你的忙——给你一两条领子什么的,"他一面说着,一面哈哈大笑.
克莱德也笑了起来,好象非常赞赏这个玩笑,其实,他心里却无比激动.他的伯父塞缪尔!就在这个俱乐部!啊,跟伯父相见的大好机会已到了.克莱德在这儿觅到职位以前,一直就想给他写信,如今伯父亲自来到了这个俱乐部,也许还会屈尊俯就,跟他说说话哩.
不过,且慢!假定说他冒昧地自我介绍的话,那他伯父对他会怎么个想法呢?因为他到现在充其量还只是在这个俱乐部里当一名侍应生.比方说,对于当侍应生的小伙子,尤其是象他克莱德那样的年纪,他伯父又会持什么样态度呢?现在他已二十出头了,要是还想干别的事情的话,当这么一个侍应生,年纪已经大了一些.象塞缪尔·格里菲思那样有钱有势的人,也许会把侍应生看成是下贱的,特别碰上这个侍应生正好是他的亲戚.也许他不愿意跟他来往——甚至还不愿意他跟自己说话呢.他知道伯父来到这个俱乐部以后,整整一昼夜,心里始终这样迟疑不决.
可是,到了转天下午,他看见伯父已有五六次了,觉得印象很好.他伯父显得很活泼、机灵、果断——样样都跟他父亲迥然不同,何况他又是那么富有,这儿每个人都尊敬他.克莱德心里开始纳闷,有时甚至感到害怕,担心自己会不会错过了这个难得的机会.依他看,他伯父毕竟还不象是冷若冰霜的人——恰好相反——倒是非常和蔼可亲.后来,还是拉特勒出的主意,克莱德跑到伯父房间去取一封需交专门信差送出的信.殊不知伯父几乎连看都没有看他,只把信和半块美元一起递给了他,说:"派一个人马上送去,这钱是给你的."
克莱德当时心情非常激动,暗自纳闷伯父也许是没有猜到这是他的亲侄儿吧.显然,伯父确实没有猜到.克莱德就不免有点儿垂头丧气地走了.
不久,他伯父的信箱里已有了五六封信,拉特勒又关照克莱德:"如果你心里想要再去找他,这就是你的机会啦.把这些信给他一块送去.我想这会儿他在房间里."克莱德迟疑了一会儿,终于拿了信,再次上他伯父那个套间去.
他伯父正在写东西,只不过说了一声:"进来!"克莱德走进去,有点儿神秘莫测地微笑着说:"有您几封信,格里菲思先生."
"谢谢你,小伙子,"他伯父回答说,一面往马夹口袋里找零钱.克莱德抓住这个机会说:"哦,不,不,这点事就不用给啦."他伯父正掏出一些银币想给他,可是还来不及说什么的时候,没想到克莱德却接下去说:"我觉得我好象是您的亲戚,格里菲思先生.您就是莱柯格斯格里菲思领子工厂的格里菲思先生,是吧?"
"是啊,我想我跟这家工厂有些关系.你是谁呀?"他伯父回答说,目光如炬地把他仔细端详着.
"我叫克莱德·格里菲思.我父亲阿萨·格里菲思,跟您是弟兄吧?"
塞缪尔·格里菲思一听有人提到自己这个兄弟——格里菲思家人人都知道他穷愁潦倒——脸上立时笼罩一层阴影.多少年来他没有跟阿萨见过面,如今一提到阿萨,令人不快的兄弟的身影马上映入他眼帘.塞缪尔还清楚地记得最后一次是在佛蒙特州伯特威克附近父亲家里见到他,那时他还是一个年纪跟克莱德相仿的年轻人.不过,两人长得多么不一样啊!克莱德的父亲,当时既矮又胖,无论体质与智力都很差劲——只会阿谀奉承,而且还有点儿粘粘糊糊.他长着一头鬈发,他那淡蓝色眼睛总是水汪汪的,他的下巴颏儿给人以缺乏坚强意志的印象.可是阿萨这个儿子,长得倒干净利落,很机警、漂亮,显然很懂规矩,头脑也聪明,如同他平时所看到大多数侍应生.不用说,他倒是喜欢他.
塞缪尔·格里菲思与他的长兄艾伦,继承了父亲菲薄财产的一大半.这是因为约瑟夫·格里菲思对自己的小儿子怀有偏见的缘故.塞缪尔·格里菲思历来认为这对阿萨也许是不公道的.因为他们的父亲发现阿萨既不能干,又不聪明,开头想把他赶出去,接着干脆不睬他,最后终于在跟克莱德现下年纪相仿的时候把他逐出了家门.后来,做父亲的将自己的财产(大约三万块美元左右)留给了两个大儿子,由他们平分——而留给阿萨的,就只有区区一千块美元.
正是因为塞缪尔·格里菲思想起了自己的兄弟,现在才十分好奇地直瞅着克莱德.他觉得,克莱德简直一点儿都不象很多年前被逐出父亲家门的小兄弟.还不如说克莱德更象他自己的儿子吉尔伯特.因为他觉得,他们两人长得非常相象.这时,尽管克莱德心里很害怕,可是塞缪尔对他印象显然很好,认为克莱德居然能在这样时髦的俱乐部里觅到一个位置了.塞缪尔·格里菲思平时所接触到的,仅仅局限于莱柯格斯的活动环境,因而在他看来,联谊俱乐部的性质和地位,确是令人可敬的.侍候这里客人的那些年轻人,通常都是态度谦逊,办事利索.所以,他看见克莱德伫立在他面前,身穿整洁的灰黑相间制服,至少举止风度很出色,因而对他产生了好感."嘿,你说到哪儿去了!"他很感兴趣地大声说道."那末,你就是阿萨的儿子!真是太巧了!唉,真是怎么也想不到.要知道,我没见到你父亲,没接到他的信,至少有——哦,至少也有二十五六个年头了.最后一次接到他的信时,记得他正住在密执安州大瀑布城那里,要不然就住在这里.我想,现在他不在这里吧."
"是的,他不在这里,先生,"克莱德回答说.他能有回话的机会,心里觉得高兴."全家都住在丹佛.只有我一个人在这里."
"我想,你父母都健在吧."
"是的,先生.都健在."
"你父亲,他——还在做宗教工作吗?"
"哦,是的,先生,"克莱德有点儿迟疑地回答说,因为他至今仍然认为,父亲所从事的宗教工作,在众人心目中,乃是最穷酸、最不中用的."只不过现在他的那个传道馆,"他接下去说,"附设一家寄宿舍.我看大约有四十多个房间.他和母亲一块在照管这个寄宿舍和传道馆."
"哦,我明白."
他恨不得让伯父留下更好的印象,因此在介绍家里境况时不免有点儿夸大了.
"现下他们光景很好,我很高兴,"塞缪尔·格里菲思接下去说,对克莱德衣冠整洁、精力饱满的模样儿印象颇佳."我想你对眼前这种工作很满意吧?"
"哦,还说不上十分满意.不,格里菲思先生,我可不满意,"克莱德马上回答说,深知伯父这一句问话的重要性."当然罗,收入还不错.不过,我不喜欢这儿赚钱的那种方式,老实说,与我所想象的压根儿不一样.我干上这一行,是因为过去我没有机会去学某一个专门手艺,或是上哪一家公司,在那里才有真正机会得到擢升,使自己成为一个了不起的人物.妈有一次要我给您写信,想问问贵厂有没有什么机会,好让我从头学起,但是我怕您也许会不高兴,因此也就没有写."
他沉默无语,微笑着,不过眼里依然流露出探询的神色.
伯父严峻地瞅着他一会儿,对他的容貌以及他提出这样恳求的方式心里都很满意,于是回答说:"哦,那可很有意思.我觉得你就应该写嘛,要是你心里想——"随后,正如他在所有业务的谈话时常有那种谨慎的习惯,他沉吟不语了.克莱德觉察到伯父有些踌躇不定了,他在思忖该不该鼓励自己的侄儿.
"我猜想贵厂大概没有什么工作能让我做吧?"过了半晌克莱德大胆问道.
塞缪尔·格里菲思只是若有所思地两眼直瞅着他.对这样开门见山地提出要求,他心里虽然喜欢,但也有点儿不喜欢.不过,在他看来,克莱德好象少说也是个很合适的人.看来他很聪明能干,也有很大抱负——很象他自己的儿子;只要他熟悉了产品制造过程,也许他完全可以在他儿子手下当个某某部门的负责人或是助理.不管怎么说,不妨就让他试一试.说真的,不会有什么坏处吧.再说,这毕竟还是他小兄弟阿萨的儿子,他和艾伦大哥也许对他负有某种义务,如果说不是恢复遗产继承权的话.
"哦,"他过了半晌说,"这事我得考虑一下.我可一时还说不上有没有合适的工作.我们一开头给你的钱,可不会象这儿那么多哩,"他提醒克莱德说.
"哦,那敢情好,"克莱德大声说.一想到他本人有可能在伯父手下任职,不消说,比啥都更让他动心了."当然罗,在我还没有能耐赚这么多钱以前,我可不会指望那么多的.""再说,你一旦进入了领子业,也许会觉得你并不喜欢它,或者是我们也许会不喜欢你.在这儿顺便说一下,这个行业决不是对每个人都适合的."
"哦,到时候您不妨开除我,那就得了,"克莱德为了让伯父放心才这么说."不过,打从我一听到您和您那个规模宏大的公司以后,我心里一直在想:我干这一行是适合的."
这最后一句话,让塞缪尔·格里菲思听了很开心.他本人和他的成就,显然已成为这个年轻人的理想了.
"好吧,"他说."此刻我还没有更多时间来考虑这个问题.不过,反正我在这儿还得待上一两天,让我再想一想.也许我可以帮你一点儿忙.可现在我还说不准,"说罢,他突然回过头去看信了.
克莱德觉得自己在现有情况下已经给他伯父留下了一个尽可能好的印象,因此,也许会有一些结果,于是就一再向他道谢,随后匆匆退了出来.
转天,塞缪尔·格里菲思经过通盘考虑,觉得克莱德以他这般聪明伶俐的劲儿,来厂工作想必也决不会比别人逊色,同时又考虑到自己家里情况以后,就对克莱德说,只要厂里一有什么空缺,他很乐意马上通知他.不过,他还不能保证马上就会有空缺.克莱德必须耐心地等待.
这样,克莱德心里就不时在想,要是伯父厂里可以给他一个职位,不知道多咱才能实现.
就在这时,塞缪尔·格里菲思回到了莱柯格斯,后来跟他儿子商量以后,就决定克莱德应该学点业务,要从最基层,至少——在格里菲思工厂的地下室里先干起来:制造领子所需用的坯布,都要送到这里下水防缩,凡是真的有志于掌握这一行制造技术的初学者,首先都得被安置在这里,伯父的想法是:要让克莱德逐步精通这一行业务.而既然要他以一种与莱柯格斯格里菲思家的地位相埒的形式维持自己的生活,便决定一开始就付给他优厚薪金每星期十五块美元.
当然罗,塞缪尔·格里菲思和他儿子吉尔伯特都知道:这是小小不言的薪金(不是指一般的练习生,而是指克莱德来说的,因为他好歹还是个亲戚).不过,他们父子俩都很讲究实际,对所有替他们做事的人不是一味仁慈为怀,他们认为:在本厂初学的人,越是接近生活最低水准就越好.有关资本家剥削的社会主义理论——他们俩谁都觉得不能容忍.他们俩都认为,应该有一些高贵的社会阶层,好让低微的社会阶层渴求逐步得到晋升.社会阶层是断断乎非有不可的.要是过分照顾了某一个人——哪怕是一个亲戚,那就是愚蠢地破坏了必不可缺的社会标准.要是跟阶级地位、知识水平低下的人在商业上或是在钱财上发生关系,那就必须按照他们所熟悉的标准来对待他们.而最佳标准就是:要让地位低微的人清晰地认识到这钱来之不易,要让他了解到不管哪一个人,只要从事依他们父子俩观点来看乃是世界上唯一真正重要的建设性的工作——制造物质财富的工作——就必须在构成那一建设性工作的一切细部和一切过程中接受训练,而且还要严格地、有系统地接受训练.懂得以上各点,方可适应一种天地虽然狭小,然而却有节制的生活.这对他们的品格来说也有好处.这将使日后一定会按照社会阶层晋升的人在心灵上和精神上都得到更好的锻炼.至于那些没有能耐,得不到晋升的人,就得让他们依然留在原地不动.
因此,大约一周以后,克莱德的工作性质已经最后确定了,塞缪尔·格里菲思就亲自给在芝加哥的克莱德写信,说如果他有意,可在最近几周内随时前来报到.不过,他必须至少在十天前写信告知行期,以便及时给他作好一切安排.他一到莱柯格斯,应去工厂办公处找吉尔伯特·格里菲思,届时后者会照料他的.
克莱德接到这封信后,简直惊喜若狂,马上给母亲写信,说他真的在伯父那里得到了一个位置,眼下就要动身到莱柯格斯去了.信上还说他准备奋力做去,以便将来真正发迹起来.她给儿子回了一封长信,勉励他对举止和择友两事要特别谨小慎微.象他这样的年轻有为的小伙子之所以误入歧途,其根源就在于交上了坏朋友.他只要能躲开那一伙好色的,或是愚蠢和任性的男孩子和女孩子,一切就相安无事了.象他这样外貌和性格的年轻人,很容易被一个坏女人引入歧途.他在堪萨斯城闯下了什么样的大祸,谅他自己心里有数了.不过,现在他还很年轻,而且正要给那个有钱有势的人做事了,此人只要乐意的话,也许会给他帮大忙呢.信上还说希望他经常写信,向她谈谈自己在那儿努力的成果.
克莱德遵照伯父的话事前通知了他以后,就动身去莱柯格斯了.不过,当初伯父关照他时,并没有说定必须在何时何刻到工厂里去,所以,他一到莱柯格斯,并没有马上就去,而是先找到莱柯格斯独一无二的大旅馆,亦即莱柯格斯大饭店.
他觉得眼下时间还很从容,同时,心中又急于想了解一下他即将在此工作的这个城市是个什么样子,还有伯父在本城的地位又是怎样,因此,他就出去游览市容了.那时,他认为自己一旦报到,开始上班以后,也许马上就不会再有这样的闲情逸致了.于是,他就漫步来到了中央大道——莱柯格斯真正的闹市中心区,有好几条生意兴隆的街道都从这里通过,这些街道,连同中央大道两旁几个街区,组成了一个商业中心——莱柯格斯的交际中心与赏心乐事,也都集中在这里.
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Part 2 Chapter 5
But once in this and walking about, how different it all seemed to the world to which so recently he had beenaccustomed. For here, as he had thus far seen, all was on a so much smaller scale. The depot, from which only ahalf hour before he had stepped down, was so small and dull, untroubled, as he could plainly see, by muchtraffic. And the factory section which lay opposite the small city--across the Mohawk--was little more than a redand gray assemblage of buildings with here and there a smokestack projecting upward, and connected with thecity by two bridges--a half dozen blocks apart--one of them directly at this depot, a wide traffic bridge acrosswhich traveled a car-line following the curves of Central Avenue, dotted here and there with stores and smallhomes.
　　But Central Avenue was quite alive with traffic, pedestrians and automobiles. Opposite diagonally from thehotel, which contained a series of wide plate-glass windows, behind which were many chairs interspersed withpalms and pillars, was the dry-goods emporium of Stark and Company, a considerable affair, four stories inheight, and of white brick, and at least a hundred feet long, the various windows of which seemed bright andinteresting, crowded with as smart models as might be seen anywhere. Also there were other large concerns, asecond hotel, various automobile showrooms, a moving picture theater.
　　He found himself ambling on and on until suddenly he was out of the business district again and in touch with awide and tree-shaded thoroughfare of residences, the houses of which, each and every one, appeared to possessmore room space, lawn space, general ease and repose and dignity even than any with which he had ever been incontact. In short, as he sensed it from this brief inspection of its very central portion, it seemed a veryexceptional, if small city street--rich, luxurious even. So many imposing wrought-iron fences, flower-borderedwalks, grouped trees and bushes, expensive and handsome automobiles either beneath porte-cocheres within or speeding along the broad thoroughfare without. And in some neighboring shops--those nearest Central Avenueand the business heart where this wide and handsome thoroughfare began, were to be seen such expensive-looking and apparently smart displays of the things that might well interest people of means and comfort-motors,jewels, lingerie, leather goods and furniture.
　　But where now did his uncle and his family live? In which house? What street? Was it larger and finer than anyof these he had seen in this street?
　　He must return at once, he decided, and report to his uncle. He must look up the factory address, probably in thatregion beyond the river, and go over there and see him. What would he say, how act, what would his uncle sethim to doing? What would his cousin Gilbert be like? What would he be likely to think of him? In his last letterhis uncle had mentioned his son Gilbert. He retraced his steps along Central Avenue to the depot and foundhimself quickly before the walls of the very large concern he was seeking. It was of red brick, six stories high-almosta thousand feet long. It was nearly all windows--at least that portion which had been most recently addedand which was devoted to collars. An older section, as Clyde later learned, was connected with the newerbuilding by various bridges. And the south walls of both these two structures, being built at the water's edge,paralleled the Mohawk. There were also, as he now found, various entrances along River Street, a hundred feetor more apart--and each one, guarded by an employee in uniform--entrances numbered one, two and three-whichwere labeled "for employees only"--an entrance numbered four which read "office"--and entrances fiveand six appeared to be devoted to freight receipts and shipments.
　　Clyde made his way to the office portion and finding no one to hinder him, passed through two sets of swingingdoors and found himself in the presence of a telephone girl seated at a telephone desk behind a railing, in whichwas set a small gate--the only entrance to the main office apparently. And this she guarded. She was short, fat,thirty-five and unattractive.
　　"Well?" she called as Clyde appeared.
　　"I want to see Mr. Gilbert Griffiths," Clyde began a little nervously.
　　"What about?""Well, you see, I'm his cousin. Clyde Griffiths is my name. I have a letter here from my uncle, Mr. SamuelGriffiths. He'll see me, I think."As he laid the letter before her, he noticed that her quite severe and decidedly indifferent expression changed andbecame not so much friendly as awed. For obviously she was very much impressed not only by the informationbut his looks, and began to examine him slyly and curiously.
　　"I'll see if he's in," she replied much more civilly, and plugging at the same time a switch which led to Mr.
　　Gilbert Griffiths' private office. Word coming back to her apparently that Mr. Gilbert Griffiths was busy at themoment and could not be disturbed, she called back: "It's Mr. Gilbert's cousin, Mr. Clyde Griffiths. He has aletter from Mr. Samuel Griffiths." Then she said to Clyde: "Won't you sit down? I'm sure Mr. Gilbert Griffithswill see you in a moment. He's busy just now."And Clyde, noting the unusual deference paid him--a form of deference that never in his life before had beenoffered him--was strangely moved by it. To think that he should be a full cousin to this wealthy and influentialfamily! This enormous factory! So long and wide and high--as he had seen--six stories. And walking along theopposite side of the river just now, he had seen through several open windows whole rooms full of girls andwomen hard at work. And he had been thrilled in spite of himself. For somehow the high red walls of thebuilding suggested energy and very material success, a type of success that was almost without flaw, as he sawit.
　　He looked at the gray plaster walls of this outer waiting chamber--at some lettering on the inner door whichread: "The Griffiths Collar & Shirt Company, Inc. Samuel Griffiths, Pres. Gilbert Griffiths, Sec'y."--andwondered what it was all like inside--what Gilbert Griffiths would be like--cold or genial, friendly or unfriendly.
　　And then, as he sat there meditating, the woman suddenly turned to him and observed: "You can go in now. Mr.
　　Gilbert Griffiths' office is at the extreme rear of this floor, over toward the river. Any one of the clerks inside willshow you."She half rose as if to open the door for him, but Clyde, sensing the intent, brushed by her. "That's all right.
　　Thanks," he said most warmly, and opening the glass-plated door he gazed upon a room housing many over ahundred employees--chiefly young men and young women. And all were apparently intent on their duties beforethem. Most of them had green shades over their eyes. Quite all of them had on short alpaca office coats or sleeveprotectors over their shirt sleeves. Nearly all of the young women wore clean and attractive gingham dresses oroffice slips. And all about this central space, which was partitionless and supported by round white columns,were offices labeled with the names of the various minor officials and executives of the company--Mr. Smillie,Mr. Latch, Mr. Gotboy, Mr. Burkey.
　　Since the telephone girl had said that Mr. Gilbert Griffiths was at the extreme rear, Clyde, without muchhesitation, made his way along the railed-off aisle to that quarter, where upon a half-open door he read: "Mr.
　　Gilbert Griffiths, Sec'y." He paused, uncertain whether to walk in or not, and then proceeded to tap. At once asharp, penetrating voice called: "Come," and he entered and faced a youth who looked, if anything, smaller and alittle older and certainly much colder and shrewder than himself--such a youth, in short, as Clyde would haveliked to imagine himself to be--trained in an executive sense, apparently authoritative and efficient. He wasdressed, as Clyde noted at once, in a bright gray suit of a very pronounced pattern, for it was once moreapproaching spring. His hair, of a lighter shade than Clyde's, was brushed and glazed most smoothly back fromhis temples and forehead, and his eyes, which Clyde, from the moment he had opened the door had felt drillinghim, were of a clear, liquid, grayish-green blue. He had on a pair of large horn-rimmed glasses which he wore athis desk only, and the eyes that peered through them went over Clyde swiftly and notatively, from his shoes tothe round brown felt hat which he carried in his hand.
　　"You're my cousin, I believe," he commented, rather icily, as Clyde came forward and stopped--a thin andcertainly not very favorable smile playing about his lips.
　　"Yes, I am," replied Clyde, reduced and confused by this calm and rather freezing reception. On the instant, as henow saw, he could not possibly have the same regard and esteem for this cousin, as he could and did have for his uncle, whose very great ability had erected this important industry. Rather, deep down in himself he felt that thisyoung man, an heir and nothing more to this great industry, was taking to himself airs and superiorities which,but for his father's skill before him, would not have been possible.
　　At the same time so groundless and insignificant were his claims to any consideration here, and so grateful washe for anything that might be done for him, that he felt heavily obligated already and tried to smile his best andmost ingratiating smile. Yet Gilbert Griffiths at once appeared to take this as a bit of presumption which oughtnot to be tolerated in a mere cousin, and particularly one who was seeking a favor of him and his father.
　　However, since his father had troubled to interest himself in him and had given him no alternative, he continuedhis wry smile and mental examination, the while he said: "We thought you would be showing up to-day or tomorrow.
　　Did you have a pleasant trip?""Oh, yes, very," replied Clyde, a little confused by this inquiry.
　　"So you think you'd like to learn something about the manufacture of collars, do you?" Tone and manner wereinfiltrated by the utmost condescension.
　　"I would certainly like to learn something that would give me a chance to work up, have some future in it,"replied Clyde, genially and with a desire to placate his young cousin as much as possible.
　　"Well, my father was telling me of his talk with you in Chicago. From what he told me I gather that you haven'thad much practical experience of any kind. You don't know how to keep books, do you?""No, I don't," replied Clyde a little regretfully.
　　"And you're not a stenographer or anything like that?""No, sir, I'm not."Most sharply, as Clyde said this, he felt that he was dreadfully lacking in every training. And now GilbertGriffiths looked at him as though he were rather a hopeless proposition indeed from the viewpoint of thisconcern.
　　"Well, the best thing to do with you, I think," he went on, as though before this his father had not indicated tohim exactly what was to be done in this case, "is to start you in the shrinking room. That's where themanufacturing end of this business begins, and you might as well be learning that from the ground up.
　　Afterwards, when we see how you do down there, we can tell a little better what to do with you. If you had anyoffice training it might be possible to use you up here." (Clyde's face fell at this and Gilbert noticed it. It pleasedhim.) "But it's just as well to learn the practical side of the business, whatever you do," he added rather coldly,not that he desired to comfort Clyde any but merely to be saying it as a fact. And seeing that Clyde said nothing,he continued: "The best thing, I presume, before you try to do anything around here is for you to get settledsomewhere. You haven't taken a room anywhere yet, have you?""No, I just came in on the noon train," replied Clyde. "I was a little dirty and so I just went up to the hotel tobrush up a little. I thought I'd look for a place afterwards.""Well, that's right. Only don't look for any place. I'll have our superintendent see that you're directed to a goodboarding house. He knows more about the town than you do." His thought here was that after all Clyde was a fullcousin and that it wouldn't do to have him live just anywhere. At the same time, he was greatly concerned lestClyde get the notion that the family was very much concerned as to where he did live, which most certainly itwas NOT, as he saw it. His final feeling was that he could easily place and control Clyde in such a way as tomake him not very important to any one in any way--his father, the family, all the people who worked here.
　　He reached for a button on his desk and pressed it. A trim girl, very severe and reserved in a green ginghamdress, appeared.
　　"Ask Mr. Whiggam to come here."She disappeared and presently there entered a medium-sized and nervous, yet moderately stout, man who lookedas though he were under a great strain. He was about forty years of age--repressed and noncommittal--andlooked curiously and suspiciously about as though wondering what new trouble impended. His head, as Clyde atonce noticed, appeared chronically to incline forward, while at the same time he lifted his eyes as though actuallyhe would prefer not to look up.
　　"Whiggam," began young Griffiths authoritatively, "this is Clyde Griffiths, a cousin of ours. You remember Ispoke to you about him.""Yes, sir.""Well, he's to be put in the shrinking department for the present. You can show him what he's to do. Afterwardsyou had better have Mrs. Braley show him where he can get a room." (All this had been talked over and fixedupon the week before by Gilbert and Whiggam, but now he gave it the ring of an original suggestion.) "Andyou'd better give his name in to the timekeeper as beginning to-morrow morning, see?""Yes, sir," bowed Whiggam deferentially. "Is that all?""Yes, that's all," concluded Gilbert smartly. "You go with Whiggam, Mr. Griffiths. He'll tell you what to do."Whiggam turned. "If you'll just come with me, Mr. Griffiths," he observed deferentially, as Clyde could see--andthat for all of his cousin's apparently condescending attitude--and marched out with Clyde at his heels. Andyoung Gilbert as briskly turned to his own desk, but at the same time shaking his head. His feeling at the momentwas that mentally Clyde was not above a good bell-boy in a city hotel probably. Else why should he come onhere in this way. "I wonder what he thinks he's going to do here," he continued to think, "where he thinks he'sgoing to get?"And Clyde, as he followed Mr. Whiggam, was thinking what a wonderful place Mr. Gilbert Griffiths enjoyed.
　　No doubt he came and went as he chose--arrived at the office late, departed early, and somewhere in this very interesting city dwelt with his parents and sisters in a very fine house--of course. And yet here he was--Gilbert'sown cousin, and the nephew of his wealthy uncle, being escorted to work in a very minor department of thisgreat concern.
　　Nevertheless, once they were out of the sight and hearing of Mr. Gilbert Griffiths, he was somewhat divertedfrom this mood by the sights and sounds of the great manufactory itself. For here on this very same floor, butbeyond the immense office room through which he had passed, was another much larger room filled with rowsof bins, facing aisles not more than five feet wide, and containing, as Clyde could see, enormous quantities ofcollars boxed in small paper boxes, according to sizes. These bins were either being refilled by stock boys whobrought more boxed collars from the boxing room in large wooden trucks, or were being as rapidly emptied byorder clerks who, trundling small box trucks in front of them, were filling orders from duplicate check listswhich they carried in their hands.
　　"Never worked in a collar factory before, Mr. Griffiths, I presume?" commented Mr. Whiggam with somewhatmore spirit, once he was out of the presence of Gilbert Griffiths. Clyde noticed at once the Mr. Griffiths.
　　"Oh, no," he replied quickly. "I never worked at anything like this before.""Expect to learn all about the manufacturing end of the game in the course of time, though, I suppose." He waswalking briskly along one of the long aisles as he spoke, but Clyde noticed that he shot sly glances in everydirection.
　　"I'd like to," he answered.
　　"Well, there's a little more to it than some people think, although you often hear there isn't very much to learn."He opened another door, crossed a gloomy hall and entered still another room which, filled with bins as was theother, was piled high in every bin with bolts of white cloth.
　　"You might as well know a little about this as long as you re going to begin in the shrinking room. This is thestuff from which the collars are cut, the collars and the lining. They are called webs. Each of these bolts is a web.
　　We take these down in the basement and shrink them because they can't be used this way. If they are, the collarswould shrink after they were cut. But you'll see. We tub them and then dry them afterwards."He marched solemnly on and Clyde sensed once more that this man was not looking upon him as an ordinaryemployee by any means. His MR. Griffiths, his supposition to the effect that Clyde was to learn all about themanufacturing end of the business, as well as his condescension in explaining about these webs of cloth, hadalready convinced Clyde that he was looked upon as one to whom some slight homage at least must be paid.
　　He followed Mr. Whiggam, curious as to the significance of this, and soon found himself in an enormousbasement which had been reached by descending a flight of steps at the end of a third hall. Here, by the help offour long rows of incandescent lamps, he discerned row after row of porcelain tubs or troughs, lengthwise of theroom, and end to end, which reached from one exterior wall to the other. And in these, under steaming hot waterapparently, were any quantity of those same webs he had just seen upstairs, soaking. And near-by, north andsouth of these tubs, and paralleling them for the length of this room, all of a hundred and fifty feet in length, were enormous drying racks or moving skeleton platforms, boxed, top and bottom and sides, with hot steam pipes,between which on rolls, but festooned in such a fashion as to take advantage of these pipes, above, below and oneither side, were more of these webs, but unwound and wet and draped as described, yet moving along slowly onthese rolls from the east end of the room to the west. This movement, as Clyde could see, was accompanied byan enormous rattle and clatter of ratchet arms which automatically shook and moved these lengths of clothforward from east to west. And as they moved they dried, and were then automatically re-wound at the west endof these racks into bolt form once more upon a wooden spool and then lifted off by a youth whose duty it was to"take" from these moving platforms. One youth, as Clyde saw, "took" from two of these tracks at the west end,while at the east end another youth of about his own years "fed." That is, he took bolts of this now partiallyshrunk yet still wet cloth and attaching one end of it to some moving hooks, saw that it slowly and properlyunwound and fed itself over the drying racks for the entire length of these tracks. As fast as it had gone the wayof all webs, another was attached.
　　Between each two rows of tubs in the center of the room were enormous whirling separators or dryers, intowhich these webs of cloth, as they came from the tubs in which they had been shrinking for twenty-four hours,were piled and as much water as possible centrifugally extracted before they were spread out on the drying racks.
　　Primarily little more than this mere physical aspect of the room was grasped by Clyde--its noise, its heat, itssteam, the energy with which a dozen men and boys were busying themselves with various processes. Theywere, without exception, clothed only in armless undershirts, a pair of old trousers belted in at the waist, and withcanvas-topped and rubber-soled sneakers on their bare feet. The water and the general dampness and the heat ofthe room seemed obviously to necessitate some such dressing as this.
　　"This is the shrinking room," observed Mr. Whiggam, as they entered. "It isn't as nice as some of the others, butit's where the manufacturing process begins. Kemerer!" he called.
　　A short, stocky, full-chested man, with a pate, full face and white, strong-looking arms, dressed in a pair of dirtyand wrinkled trousers and an armless flannel shirt, now appeared. Like Whiggam in the presence of Gilbert, heappeared to be very much overawed in the presence of Whiggam.
　　"This is Clyde Griffiths, the cousin of Gilbert Griffiths. I spoke to you about him last week, you remember?""Yes, sir.""He's to begin down here. He'll show up in the morning.""Yes, sir.""Better put his name down on your check list. He'll begin at the usual hour.""Yes, sir."Mr. Whiggam, as Clyde noticed, held his head higher and spoke more directly and authoritatively than at anytime so far. He seemed to be master, not underling, now.
　　"Seven-thirty is the time every one goes to work here in the morning," went on Mr. Whiggam to Clydeinformatively, "but they all ring in a little earlier--about seven-twenty or so, so as to have time to change theirclothes and get to the machines.
　　"Now, if you want to," he added, "Mr. Kemerer can show you what you'll have to do to-morrow before you leavetoday. It might save a little time. Or, you can leave it until then if you want to. It don't make any difference tome. Only, if you'll come back to the telephone girl at the main entrance about five-thirty I'll have Mrs. Braleythere for you. She's to show you about your room, I believe. I won't be there myself, but you just ask thetelephone girl for her. She'll know." He turned and added, "Well, I'll leave you now."He lowered his head and started to go away just as Clyde began. "Well, I'm very much obliged to you, Mr.
　　Whiggam." Instead of answering, he waved one fishy hand slightly upward and was gone--down between thetubs toward the west door. And at once Mr. Kemerer--still nervous and overawed apparently--began.
　　"Oh, that's all right about what you have to do, Mr. Griffiths. I'll just let you bring down webs on the floor aboveto begin with to-morrow. But if you've got any old clothes, you'd better put 'em on. A suit like that wouldn't lastlong here." He eyed Clyde's very neat, if inexpensive suit, in an odd way. His manner quite like that of Mr.
　　Whiggam before him, was a mixture of uncertainty and a very small authority here in Clyde's case--of extremerespect and yet some private doubt, which only time might resolve. Obviously it was no small thing to be aGriffiths here, even if one were a cousin and possibly not as welcome to one's powerful relatives as one mightbe.
　　At first sight, and considering what his general dreams in connection with this industry were, Clyde was inclinedto rebel. For the type of youth and man he saw here were in his estimation and at first glance rather below thetype of individuals he hoped to find here--individuals neither so intelligent nor alert as those employed by theUnion League and the Green-Davidson by a long distance. And still worse he felt them to be much moresubdued and sly and ignorant--mere clocks, really. And their eyes, as he entered with Mr. Whiggam, while theypretended not to be looking, were very well aware, as Clyde could feel, of all that was going on. Indeed, he andMr. Whiggam were the center of all their secret looks. At the same time, their spare and practical manner ofdressing struck dead at one blow any thought of refinement in connection with the work in here. Howunfortunate that his lack of training would not permit his being put to office work or something like that upstairs.
　　He walked with Mr. Kemerer, who troubled to say that these were the tubs in which the webs were shrunk overnight--these the centrifugal dryers--these the rack dryers. Then he was told that he could go. And by then it wasonly three o'clock.
　　He made his way out of the nearest door and once outside he congratulated himself on being connected with thisgreat company, while at the same time wondering whether he was going to prove satisfactory to Mr. Kemererand Mr. Whiggam. Supposing he didn't. Or supposing he couldn't stand all this? It was pretty rough. Well, ifworst came to worst, as he now thought, he could go back to Chicago, or on to New York, maybe, and get work.
　　But why hadn't Samuel Griffiths had the graciousness to receive and welcome him? Why had that young GilbertGriffiths smiled so cynically? And what sort of a woman was this Mrs. Braley? Had he done wisely to come on here? Would this family do anything for him now that he was here?
　　It was thus that, strolling west along River Street on which were a number of other kinds of factories, and thennorth through a few other streets that held more factories--tinware, wickwire, a big vacuum carpet cleaning plant,a rug manufacturing company, and the like--that he came finally upon a miserable slum, the like of which, smallas it was, he had not seen outside of Chicago or Kansas City. He was so irritated and depressed by the povertyand social angularity and crudeness of it--all spelling but one thing, social misery, to him--that he at onceretraced his steps and recrossing the Mohawk by a bridge farther west soon found himself in an area which wasvery different indeed--a region once more of just such homes as he had been admiring before he left for thefactory. And walking still farther south, he came upon that same wide and tree-lined avenue--which he had seenbefore--the exterior appearance of which alone identified it as the principal residence thoroughfare of Lycurgus.
　　It was so very broad and well-paved and lined by such an arresting company of houses. At once he was verymuch alive to the personnel of this street, for it came to him immediately that it must be in this street very likelythat his uncle Samuel lived. The houses were nearly all of French, Italian or English design, and excellent periodcopies at that, although he did not know it.
　　Impressed by their beauty and spaciousness, however, he walked along, now looking at one and another, andwondering which, if any, of these was occupied by his uncle, and deeply impressed by the significance of somuch wealth. How superior and condescending his cousin Gilbert must feel, walking out of some such place asthis in the morning.
　　Then pausing before one which, because of trees, walks, newly-groomed if bloomless flower beds, a largegarage at the rear, a large fountain to the left of the house as he faced it, in the center of which was a boy holdinga swan in his arms, and to the right of the house one lone cast iron stag pursued by some cast iron dogs, he feltespecially impelled to admire, and charmed by the dignity of this place, which was a modified form of oldEnglish, he now inquired of a stranger who was passing--a middle-aged man of a rather shabby working type,"Whose house is that, mister?" and the man replied: "Why, that's Samuel Griffiths' residence. He's the man whoowns the big collar factory over the river."At once Clyde straightened up, as though dashed with cold water. His uncle's! His residence! Then that was oneof his automobiles standing before the garage at the rear there. And there was another visible through the opendoor of the garage.
　　Indeed in his immature and really psychically unilluminated mind it suddenly evoked a mood which was as ofroses, perfumes, lights and music. The beauty! The ease! What member of his own immediate family had evereven dreamed that his uncle lived thus! The grandeur! And his own parents so wretched--so poor, preaching onthe streets of Kansas City and no doubt Denver. Conducting a mission! And although thus far no single memberof this family other than his chill cousin had troubled to meet him, and that at the factory only, and although hehad been so indifferently assigned to the menial type of work that he had, still he was elated and uplifted. For,after all, was he not a Griffiths, a full cousin as well as a full nephew to the two very important men who livedhere, and now working for them in some capacity at least? And must not that spell a future of some sort, betterthan any he had known as yet? For consider who the Griffiths were here, as opposed to "who" the Griffiths werein Kansas City, say--or Denver. The enormous difference! A thing to be as carefully concealed as possible. Atthe same time, he was immediately reduced again, for supposing the Griffiths here--his uncle or his cousin or some friend or agent of theirs--should now investigate his parents and his past? Heavens! The matter of that slainchild in Kansas City! His parents' miserable makeshift life! Esta! At once his face fell, his dreams being sothickly clouded over. If they should guess! If they should sense!
　　Oh, the devil--who was he anyway? And what did he really amount to? What could he hope for from such agreat world as this really, once they knew why he had troubled to come here?
　　A little disgusted and depressed he turned to retrace his steps, for all at once he felt himself very much of anobody.
第五章
可是,克莱德在中央大道逛了一圈以后,马上觉得这个地方跟他最近所熟稔的那个世界该有多么不一样.这里的一切,在他看来,规模要小得多了.半个钟头前下车的那个火车站是那么小,那么死气沉沉,他一看就很明白压根儿没有多少车马的喧嚣声.工厂区正好位于这座小城闹市中心区对面,莫霍克河对岸,也不过是一片红色和灰色的建筑物,偶尔才有一个烟囱森然矗立.那儿有两座桥——相距五六个街区——跟市区连接起来——其中有一座桥直接通往火车站.这是一座路面宽阔可以通车的大桥,有一条有轨电车通过这里,然后沿着两旁稀稀落落、点缀着商店和小小家园的中央大道转弯而去.不过,中央大道上车辆、行人、汽车,倒是相当热闹.他下榻的这家饭店,临街有一长溜大块玻璃窗,窗后可以后到一些棕榈树和高大圆柱,以及散放其间的许多椅子.它的斜对面,是斯塔克公司的棉毛纺织品商场,规模很大,有四层楼,由白砖砌成,至少有一百英尺长,在它的明亮、有趣的橱窗里,陈列着到处可见的一些眼下最时髦的模特儿.此外还有好几家大商店,一家普通旅馆,几个汽车样品间和一座电影院.
他往前走啊走的,突然发现自己又走出了市区,置身于街道宽敞、浓荫蔽日的住宅区.那一带房子,不管是哪一幢,看来地面都很开阔,有草坪,一般还有一种舒适、静谧和庄严的气派,甚至比他所见过的任何一幢房子还要有过之无不及.总之,他只是走马看花地逛过了这座小城中心区以后,就觉得它别具一格,虽然区区一座小城的街道,却也说得上富丽奢华了.那么多威风凛凛的铁栅栏,两旁栽上花的小径,成片树林子和一簇簇灌木丛,还有漂亮的豪华汽车,有的停放在门廊里,有的奔驰在户外宽阔的大道上.邻近有一些商店——离中央大道和商业中心区最近,这条宽敞、漂亮的大道就从这里开始——这些商店里,陈列着豪华、漂亮的商品,诸如汽车、珠宝、女用内衣、皮货和家具,而且只有讲究享受的有钱人才感兴趣.
不过,他的伯父和伯父的家,又在哪儿呢?是哪一所房子?在哪一条街上?是不是比他在这条街上见到的更宽大、更漂亮?
他转念一想,他非得马上回去,上伯父那儿去报到.他还得找到工厂地址,大概是在河那边吧,他也得上那儿看他去.见面时他该说些什么呢?举止态度又该怎样呢?伯父会给他一个什么样的位置呢?他的堂兄弟吉尔伯特,是个什么样儿呢?他对他可能会有什么个想法?伯父在最近一封信里就提到过自己的儿子吉尔伯特.他沿着中央大道朝火车站往回走,没有多久就来到了他正要寻摸的那家很大的工厂墙根前.这是一幢用红砖砌成、高六层的大楼,差不多有一千英尺长.四面几乎都是窗子——至少最近增设的专做领子的那一部分是这样.后来克莱德知道,老厂区已通过几座桥与新建的大楼连成一片.河沿着两座厂房南墙,跟莫霍克河平行.他发现里佛街还有好几处大门,相距一百英尺以上——每一处都有一个身穿制服的工人把守——一、二、三号门上都标着"只准职工出入"——四号门上写着"办公处"——五、六号大门,看来是装卸货物专用的.
克莱德径直往办公处大门走去,发现并没有人拦阻他.他通过两重转门,走到坐在铁栅栏后电话桌旁的一个接电话的女士跟前.铁栅栏上有个小门——显然是通向总办公处唯一的一道门,而这道门就归这位女士把守.她身子又矮又胖,三十五岁,长得一点儿都不好看.
"您有什么事?"她一见克莱德就大声问.
"我要见吉尔伯特·格里菲思先生,"克莱德一开头不免有些心神不安地说.
"什么事?"
"哦,我是他的堂兄弟.我的名字叫克莱德·格里菲思.这里是我伯父塞缪尔·格里菲思的信.我想,他会见我的."
他把那封信一放到她面前,发现她那相当严峻、非常冷淡的表情就一下子变了,变得与其说是和蔼可亲,还不如说肃然起敬了.她之所以对他产生很深印象,显然不仅仅因为他所说的话,而是因为他的仪态风度.她佻巧、好奇地开始仔细打量着他.
"让我看看他在不在呢,"她彬彬有礼地回答他,一面接通了吉尔伯特·格里菲思办公室的电话.回话显然是说:吉尔伯特·格里菲思现在很忙,不能打扰他;她也回话说:"来客是吉尔伯特先生的堂兄弟——克莱德·格里菲思先生.他还带着塞缪尔·格里菲思先生的一封信."随后,她对克莱德说:"请坐吧.也许吉尔伯特·格里菲思先生马上就接见您的.现在他正忙着呢."
克莱德注意到她说话时对他异乎寻常地恭恭敬敬,这是他一辈子都没领受过的,因而感到异常激动.只要想一想,他就是这样有钱有势的人家的近亲、堂兄弟啊!偌大的工厂!厂房有这么宽、这么长、这么高——他看清楚了——有六层楼.刚才他从河对岸走过,从好几个敞开的窗子里望见许多宽敞房间里许许多多姑娘和妇女在紧张地工作.他情不自禁地一下子激动起来.因为,这幢大楼高高的红墙,仿佛体现了活力和真正物质成就,这种成就在他后来简直是无懈可击.
他两眼望着这个接待室的灰色墙壁——里面一道门上有这么几个字:"格里菲思领子衬衫公司总经理:塞缪尔·格里菲思秘书:吉尔伯特·格里菲思"——心里纳闷,真不知道厂里是什么个样子,吉尔伯特·格里菲思又是个什么样的人,冷淡呢,还是和气?友好呢,还是不友好?
克莱德正坐在那儿沉思默想的时候,那个女人突然侧过脸来对他说:"现在您可以进去了.吉尔伯特·格里菲思的办公室在这一层楼最里面,是对着河边的.里面每个职员都会指给你看的."
她欠了一下身子,仿佛要给他开门,但克莱德一望而知她的想法,就打她身边匆匆走过."谢谢你,不打扰你了,"他非常热情地说,同时推开玻璃门,两眼注视这个差不多有一百来个工人的房间——里面多半是青年男女.所有的人显然都在专心干活.他们大多戴着绿色遮护罩.几乎人人穿着短的羊驼呢工作服,或则衬衫袖子上罩着防护袖套.年轻的女工,差不多个个都穿着整洁、漂亮的格子布衣服,或是工作时穿的套裙.这个大房间,中间不隔开,有许多白色圆柱.举目四顾,都是办公室,上面写着厂内各部门负责人的名字——斯米利先生、拉奇先生、戈特博伊先生、伯基先生.
接电话的女士说过吉尔伯特·格里菲思先生的办公室在最后一间,克莱德毫不犹豫地沿着有铁栅栏的过道径直往前走去,只见一个半敞开着的门上写着:"吉尔伯特·格里菲思先生,秘书".他迟疑了半晌,心里真不知道该进去呢,还是不进去,随后才轻轻敲了一下门,马上听见一个尖细刺耳的声音喊道:"进来."克莱德就走了进去,迎面看见一个年轻人,个儿也许比他矮小些、年纪稍微大些,当然头脑比他要冷静、精明得多——总之,正好就是克莱德梦想自己也能成为那样的年轻人——精通管理业务,显然很威严,很能干.克莱德马上发觉,他身穿一套淡灰色长条子西服,因为春天快要到了.他的头发颜色比克莱德淡一些,从太阳穴和额角往后梳去,而且搽得油光锃亮.克莱德一开门,就觉得他那明亮、澄澈、淡蓝色眼睛,仿佛钻孔似的盯住自己.他戴着一副只在办公时才戴的大型角质边框眼镜.那对透过镜片窥探着的眼睛,一下子就把克莱德仔细打量一番,从他的鞋子一直到他手里拿着的圆形棕色呢帽.
"你——大概就是我的堂兄弟吧?"克莱德走上来、一站住时,他冷冰冰地说——嘴边露出当然不太友好的微笑."是啊,我就是,"克莱德回答说.这种故作镇静、乃至于冷冰冰的接见,不由得使他扫兴和困惑不解.他顿时觉得,眼前这家大工厂,伯父毕竟是以其非常卓越的才干建起来的,他可不能象自己尊敬伯父那样尊敬他的堂兄.他内心深处倒是觉得:眼前这个年轻人,至多只不过是这个大厂商的继承人,别的没有什么了不起,要不是由于他父亲的才干,他压根儿没法神气活现,摆出一副顶头上司的架子来.
可是,克莱德要求在这里得到器重,本来就是毫无特别理由,同时也无足轻重.而他对人们可能做到的一切,却是非常感激的.所以,他早就觉得深深地欠了人情债,就竭力陪着一副奉承讨好的笑脸来.殊不知吉尔伯特·格里菲思似乎一下子把这副笑脸当成一种傲慢无礼的标志,对此断断乎不能容忍,再说,克莱德只不过是一个堂兄弟,况且还是一个向他父亲恳求帮助的人.
不过话又说回来,既然父亲不怕麻烦,对自己侄子发生兴趣,并使吉尔伯特毫无选择的余地,所以,他便一面继续讥刺地笑着,心中暗自琢磨堂兄弟,一面说道:"我们都是这样认为,你在今、明两天会来的.一路上很愉快吗?"
"哦,是的,很愉快,"克莱德回答说.这一问让他心里感到有点儿别扭.
"这么说,你很想学做领子这一行,是吗?"瞧他那语调和态度,简直已是大大地降贵纡尊了.
"我当然很想学点本领,赶明儿好歹让我也能出人头地,"克莱德和颜悦色地回答说,心想尽可能抚慰一下这位堂兄弟.
"哦,我父亲已把他在芝加哥跟你的谈话说给我听了.不过,从他的话里,我觉得你不论在哪个方面都是没有实际经验.比方说,管帐你就不懂,是不是?"
"是的,我不懂,"克莱德有些遗憾似的回答说.
"你也不会速记,或是类似这样的工作吧?"
"不会,先生,我不会."
克莱德说话时,深感自己不论在哪个实际知识领域都是严重缺少训练,颇有切肤之痛.吉尔伯特·格里菲思两眼直瞅着他,仿佛在说,从本公司的观点来看,他简直是一点儿用处都没有的.
"哦,我看,你最好是,"吉尔伯特接下去说,好象只是此刻作出这样决定,事前父亲并没有对他作出过明确指示似的,"先到防缩车间去工作.本厂产品制造过程是从那里开始的,你不妨从头学起就得了.我们先让你在下面试试看,往后了解清楚了,给你再作安排.你要是多少熟悉办公室的工作的话,也许这里就用得着你了."(克莱德一听这话,脸就一沉.这表情立即被吉尔伯特所察觉并使他感到高兴)"不过,无论你做什么事,这一行的实际方面学会了,同样也好嘛."他冷冰冰地找补着说,压根儿不想安慰克莱德,只不过是实话实说罢了.他见克莱德没有吭声,又接下去说:"我看,你上这儿来工作以前,最好先在什么地方安顿下来.你还没有租好房间,是吧?""没有,我是中午火车才到的,"克莱德回答说."一路上有点脏,需要洗一洗,因此,我就借宿在一家旅馆.我想过后另找个地方."
"那敢情好啊.不过,你自己不用去找了.我会关照总务给你找一家好的寄宿舍.本城的情况他可比你熟悉."这时,吉尔伯特心里想克莱德毕竟是近亲、堂弟,让他随便住在什么地方总是不很合适.同时,他也非常担心,生怕克莱德会以为吉尔伯特家对自己住在哪儿也很关注似的.但他自己心里明白,实际情况并不是这样.最后,他暗自寻思,既然自己轻而易举地已把克莱德安排好、控制住了,克莱德便不论在吉尔伯特家里,还是在他父亲,以及所有在厂里工作的人心目中,都不会得到非常器重了.
他伸手摁了一下桌上一个电钮.一个身穿绿格子布衣服、正经八百、沉默寡言的姑娘走了进来.
"请惠甘先生来一趟."
她告退后不一会儿,走进来一个中等身材、惴惴不安,但身体相当结实的人.瞧他那副神气仿佛心情紧张到了极点.他大约四十岁——从来俯首听命,唯唯诺诺——这时好奇而疑惑地东张西望着,好象心中纳闷,不知哪儿又出了新的差错.克莱德马上发觉,此人的头总是朝前耷拉着,当他的眼睛抬起来的时候,那神情仿佛他真的不敢仰望他的主子呢."惠甘,"年轻的格里菲思威风凛凛地开口说,"这位是克莱德·格里菲思,是我的堂弟.你记得前次我跟你谈到过他吧."
"是的,先生."
"这样吧,他暂时分配到防缩车间.你不妨先给他说说该怎么做.随后,你最好让布雷莉太太告诉他上哪儿能找到一个房间."(所有这一切,吉尔伯特和惠甘在一周前就已经谈定了,可他现在说起来,就象他此刻出的主意似的.)"还有,你最好让考勤员把他的名字登记入册,从明天上午算起,明白了吗?"
"是,先生,"惠甘必恭必敬地鞠了一躬."就是这些吗?"
"是的,就是这些,"吉尔伯特神气活现地结束了这场谈话."你跟惠甘一块去,格里菲思先生.一切他都会关照你的."
惠甘侧过身去对克莱德说:"跟我一块走,格里菲思先生,"克莱德发觉此人说话很客气——尽管堂兄对自己显然持屈尊俯就的态度,惠甘一走出办公室,克莱德就跟在他后面.年轻的吉尔伯特马上精神奕奕地掉过头去办公,一面还直晃着脑袋.这时,他认为:论智力,克莱德也许只不过跟大酒店里侍应生不相上下.要不然他又干吗上这儿来."我真不知道他想在这儿做些什么?"他继续想道,"他又打算在这儿得到些什么呢?"
克莱德跟在惠甘后头边走边想:吉尔伯特·格里菲思先生的地位,可真了不起啊.他无疑是来去全凭自己高兴——来得迟,走得早,而且在城里什么地方,跟他的父母姐妹住在一幢很漂亮的府邸里——那是不消说了.可是他自己呢——吉尔伯特的堂兄弟,富翁塞缪尔·格里菲思的侄子,此刻被打发到这家大厂一个极小的部门去干活.
到了吉尔伯特·格里菲思先生视听范围以外的地方,克莱德已被这家大厂的种种景象和声响所吸引,他的心情倏然为之一变.就在这同一层楼上,他刚走过的宽大的办公室的另一边,有一个更大的房间,里面堆满了一排排箱子,每排箱子之间只留出宽不足五英尺的过道.据克莱德看见,箱子里有大量领子,依照尺码大小,分装在小纸盒里.这些箱子有时由装卸工用大型木板车从装盒间把许多装盒的领子推到这儿,再把箱子装得满满的;也有时定货员推着装盒的小车进来,依照他们手里拿的清单副本来取货,一下子就全给提空了.
"我说,也许你以前没有在领子工厂工作过吧,格里菲思先生?"惠甘先生一到吉尔伯特·格里菲思先生看不见的地方,多少就有点儿精神了.克莱德顿时发觉自己被尊称为"格里菲思先生"了.
"哦,没有,"他连忙接话说."过去我从没有在这么一个地方工作过."
"我说,大概你很想逐步了解清楚本厂产品的全部制造过程吧."他一边说话,一边兴冲冲走过一条长长的过道,但是克莱德注意到此人狡黠的目光正在到处扫视着.
"我可巴不得这样,"克莱德回答说.
"是啊,虽然有人说这可没有什么好学的,其实,真的学起来可也真不易呀."他打开另一道门,穿过一个阴暗的过道,走进另一个房间,那里就象刚才所看见的,箱子码得高高的,每个箱子里头都装着一卷卷白布.
"你既然先从防缩车间做起,就得对这个东西了解一些.领子和里子,就是用这个东西做的.它叫做坯布.每一卷布都是坯布.我们把这些坯布送往地下室,先要落水防缩,因为不防缩是不能就这样去剪裁的.要不然,领子裁好之后都会皱缩的.不过,赶明儿你自己就会明白的.我们要把这些东西浸湿泡透,然后再把它们烘干."
他严肃地往前大步走去,克莱德再一次感到自己在这个人的心目中绝对不是做一名普通工人.他不时使用那个格里菲思先生的尊称,他认为克莱德愿意了解清楚产品全部制造过程的想法,以及他屈尊俯就不厌其烦地介绍了坯布的性质——所有这一切,早已使克莱德确信:惠甘就象看待一个至少应该受到相当尊敬的人那样来看待自己了.
克莱德跟在惠甘后面,心里暗自琢磨这一切意味着什么.他们在第三个过道尽头下了楼,突然来到一个偌大的地下室.在这里,借着长长的四排令人耀眼的灯光,他方才看清楚一排排瓷缸或是瓷槽,其长度和房间相同,头尾相接,从这儿墙根一直延伸到那儿墙根.浸泡在这些瓷缸里的,就是刚才他在楼上看见的大批坯布,瓷缸里显然都是热气腾腾的开水.就在一排排瓷缸的南北两头,跟这些瓷缸并排架设着与这个房间全长一百五十英尺相同的一长溜、一长溜巨大的烘干架,或是活动钢骨台架,四周围都有滚烫的蒸汽管道,这些烘干架中间滚轴上,就象悬灯结彩似的挂着许许多多坯布,以充分利用四周围蒸汽管道,但象上面所说的那样,一卷卷都打开,湿漉漉地垂挂在那儿,通过滚轴从地下室的东头向西头缓缓移动.克莱德看到,坯布移动时,棘轮吊杆就发出吱吱嘎嘎的噪声.这些棘轮吊杆可以自动转动,把长长的坯布从东头缓慢地送到西头.坯布就在移动过程中烘干了,并在西头烘干架自动卷起来,在一根木轴上又成为一卷卷形状,随后由一个年轻小伙子专门负责把它从这些活动台架上"卸下来".克莱德看见一个年轻小伙子从西头这些轨道上把两卷布一块卸下来;而在东头,另一个跟他年龄相仿的人正在"投料".那就是说,此人把已经浸泡过的、湿漉漉的坯布,一头搭在缓缓移动中的挂钩上,看着坯布慢慢地、一丝不错地全部展开,铺在烘干架上,沿着整个轨道向前伸展过去.一俟坯布完全通过了,再把另一卷坯布搭在挂钩上.
在地下室中央,每两排瓷缸中间,有很多转动着的脱水机,亦即烘干机.坯布在瓷缸里浸泡二十四个小时以后,就一堆堆码在那里,由脱水机尽量把水分吸出来,然后再把它们铺开在烘干架上.
开头,克莱德只知道这个房间外部环境特点——它的噪声、热度、蒸汽,以及十几个成年人和小伙子在各个工段忙活的劲儿.他们个个穿着无袖衬衫、旧裤子,腰里扎一根带子,没有袜子的脚上穿一双帆布面、树胶底运动鞋,没有一个例外.这样穿戴,显然是满屋子里有这么多的水和潮气,以及这么炎热逼出来的.
"这是防缩车间,"他们一走进去,惠甘就这样说."说真的,这儿没有别的车间舒服,不过,本厂产品制造过程,却是在这儿开始的.凯默勒!"他大声喊道.
走过来一个身体矮胖、胸脯厚实的人,长着苍白的圆脸膛,身穿一条皱巴巴的脏裤子、一件无袖法兰绒衬衣.如同惠甘在吉尔伯特面前,此人在惠甘面前也显得必恭必敬.
"这位是克莱德·格里菲思,是吉尔伯特·格里菲思的堂兄弟.上星期我跟你说到过他,你记得吗?"
"记得,先生."
"他先从这儿做起.明儿早上他就来."
"是,先生."
"最好把他的名字记入花名册.他根据通常规定的时间开始工作."
"是,先生."
克莱德发觉,惠甘先生的头昂得比刚才更高了,话儿说得更坚决、更威严.现在看来他就象是主人,而不是下属了."在这里,早上七点半开始干活,"惠甘先生继续对克莱德说,"不过,大伙儿来得总要早一些——大约在七点二十分左右,好有时间换衣服,来到机器跟前."
"现在你要是乐意的话,"他找补着说,"趁你还没有走,凯默勒先生可以把明天你应该做的事情告诉你.这样也许可以省一点儿时间.不过,你不妨也可以留到明天再说.反正对我都是无所谓的.只不过你要是在五点半左右到大门口接电话小姐那里,我就会派布雷莉太太到那里去.我想,她可以领你去看一看你的房间.我自己不会去了,但你不妨向接电话小姐打听一下布雷莉太太就得了.她会知道的."他掉过身来,找补着说:"哦,我得先走了."
他点一点头以示告别,很快大步流星地走了.这时,克莱德才开口说:"哦,我实在非常感谢您,惠甘先生."他并没有答话,只是稍微抬起一只手,冷冰冰地摆了一下就走了——打从两排瓷缸中间走向西头的出口处.这时,凯默勒先生,依然心神紧张不安,显然带着敬畏的神色,开始说道.
"哦,讲到你的工作嘛,那你可不要着急,格里菲思先生.明天你开始上班,我只叫你把坯布从上面卸下来.不过,要是你找得到旧衣服,还是穿上的好.象眼前这样的衣服,在这儿是穿不了多久的."他两眼古里古怪地直瞅着克莱德身上那套非常洁净、但又不太昂贵的衣服.他对待克莱德的态度,很象对待惠甘那样,可以说半信半疑和稍感敬畏,极端尊敬和私下里又有些犯疑掺杂在一起,而这种怀疑心理,只有随着时间推移才能加以解决.在这里,一个姓格里菲思的人,显然非同小可,哪怕他仅仅是一个堂兄弟,而且可能还不是有钱有势的亲戚十分欢迎的人.
克莱德看到地下室之后得到的印象,跟自己原来对伯父这个厂的种种梦想大相径庭,就有点儿恼火了.他在这儿见到的那些年轻人和成年男子,依他看,一望可知比他原先想象要粗野得多——论才智和机警,跟联谊俱乐部和格林－戴维逊大酒店那些侍应生相比,更要差远了.最精的是,他觉得他们更加低三下四、更加狡黠、更加愚笨——说真的,不过是些机器罢了.克莱德还发觉,他和惠甘先生一进去的时候,他们假装没看见,实际上对这一切都看在眼里.说实话,他和惠甘先生已成为他们偷偷地观察的中心人物.他们如此爱惜衣服与切合实际的作风,又给了他原先以为这儿工作该有多么高雅的想法以致命打击.他就是因为过去没有受过专门训练,如今不能在办公室里,或在楼上担任什么工作,该有多么不幸啊.
他跟着凯默勒先生往前走,凯默勒先生不厌其烦地跟他说,这些是瓷缸,坯布都要浸泡在里面过夜——这些是脱水烘干机——这些是台架式烘干机.随后,凯默勒先生关照克莱德可以走了.这时才三点钟.
克莱德从最近的一道门走了出去,心里一想到自己能在这家大公司做事,自然深感高兴.同时,他又担心自己能不能让凯默勒先生和惠甘先生感到满意.要是不能呢?或者说,这一切他要是受不了呢?这活儿实在不轻啊.他暗自寻思,好吧,反正最糟的话,他还可以回芝加哥,或是,比方说,到纽约去,另谋工作.
不过,塞缪尔·格里菲思为什么没有亲自接见他,欢迎他呢?这位年轻的吉尔伯特·格里菲思为什么对他一个劲儿冷笑呢?这个布雷莉太太,又是个什么样的女人呢?他上这儿来,是不是明智之举?现在既然他已到了这儿,格里菲思一家人肯不肯助他一臂之力呢?
他就这样一边想,一边顺着还有一些别的工厂的里佛街往西走去,随后又朝北走过一些街道,那儿工厂更多了——有制造马口铁的,编织柳藤的,还有一家制造真空吸尘器的大厂,一家地毯织造公司等等.后来,他闯进了一个可怜的贫民窟,虽然很小,可是,他在芝加哥或是堪萨斯城郊外都没看到过这种景象,使他心中感到激愤与压抑,因为这里居民的贫穷与粗鲁,以及社会地位低下,这一切他觉得全都体现出了社会的不幸.于是,他就马上折返,走过西边一座桥,又过了莫霍克河,来到了迥然不同的另一个地区——这一带的房子,同他去工厂前不胜羡慕过的那些房子一样.再往南走,又来到那条两旁有树的宽阔的大街——就是他刚到此地时观赏过的——单就这条大街的外观,就一望可知是莱柯格斯主要的住宅区.路面很宽敞,铺得很讲究,两旁都是一排排令人瞩目的府邸.他马上对住在这条街上的人发生惊人的兴趣,因为他立时就想到,他伯父塞缪尔·格里菲思必定是住在这条街上.这里府邸差不多都是法国式、意大利式,或是英国式的,而且是集各个时代最佳式样的大成,虽说这些玩意儿克莱德都是一窍不通.
这些府邸美丽、宽敞,给他留下很深印象.但他还是往前走去,而且还不时东张西望,被这种高门鼎贵的情景深深激动,心想真不知道自己伯父究竟住的是哪一座府邸.每天早上,他的堂兄吉尔伯特从这类府邸步出大门时,想必是够神气活现的.
不一会儿,他就在一座府邸前停步不前,看到宅园里有树木、有小径,花坛新近整修过,虽然眼前花朵还没有吐蕊.屋后有一大间汽车房,左边有一座大喷泉,喷泉中央,有一个小孩双手抱着一头天鹅.屋子右侧有一头铁铸的公鹿,被几只铁铸的狗紧追不舍.这座府邸原是仿照古老英国形式而又稍有变异建成,富有一种庄严的气派,他不由得艳羡不已,乃至于完全倾倒,便开口问一个过路行人——一个衣衫褴褛、好象工人模样的中年人:"先生,您知道这是谁家的公馆?"那个人回答说:"怎么你不知道?这是塞缪尔·格里菲思的府邸啊.此人就是河对岸制造领子的大工厂的老板."
克莱德身子马上震颤一下,好象被浇上了一阵凉水似的.是他伯父的!他的府邸!那末,屋后汽车房前停着的,就是他的汽车中的一辆.透过汽车房敞着的门,还看得见另外一辆呢.
是的,在克莱德还没有成熟的、实质上愚昧混沌的心灵里,突然一下子触发了他类似玫瑰、芳香、色彩和音乐的奇思遐想.多美!多豪华!在他自己家里,有哪一位做梦都不会想到他伯父过着如此的生活!如此富丽堂皇!可是回过头来,看看他自己的父母,却是那么可怜——那么穷愁潦倒,如今正在堪萨斯城沿街传道,在丹佛当然也是这样.经办一个传道馆!虽说这个巨富之家迄今还没有一个人出面接见过他,除了他那个冷冰冰的堂兄(而且还是在工厂里),如此无动于衷地指派他去干这种下贱的工作,即使这样,他依然感到扬扬自得.反正说到底,他不是也姓格里菲思吗?他还是莱柯格斯两个大人物的名正言顺的堂兄弟和亲侄子吗?但不管怎么说,如今他已开始为他们干活了.难道说这不意味着——等待着他的,将是比他所能想象得到的更好的前途吗?只要想一想:莱柯格斯城的格里菲思是何许人也,而在堪萨斯城——或是比方说,在丹佛吧——那里的格里菲思,又是何许人也.真有天壤之别啊!这事可非得想方设法隐瞒起来不可.想到这里,他马上又垂头丧气了,因为,万一此地的格里菲思——他的伯父,或是堂兄,或是他们的一些朋友或是职员——现在要调查他的父母和他的过去,那该怎么办?老天爷哪!堪萨斯城那个小女孩惨死案啊!他父母颠沛流离的悲惨生活啊!还有爱思达啊.他马上满脸愁云,他的梦想正在化为乌有.他们要是突然猜到了呢!?他们要是突然发觉了呢!?
哦,见鬼去吧——他到底算什么人呢?说真的,他又算得上什么?一旦他们知道了他干吗要投奔这里来,那么,他能指望从这么一个富丽堂皇的世界得到些什么呢?
克莱德掉过头去,原路折回.他心里有些懊恼,有些沮丧,因为他突然觉得自己完全微不足道.
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Part 2 Chapter 6
The room which Clyde secured this same day with the aid of Mrs. Braley, was in Thorpe Street, a thoroughfareenormously removed in quality if not in distance from that in which his uncle resided. Indeed the difference wassufficient to decidedly qualify his mounting notions of himself as one who, after all, was connected with him.
　　The commonplace brown or gray or tan colored houses, rather smoked or decayed, which fronted it--the leaflessand winter harried trees which in spite of smoke and dust seemed to give promise of the newer life so near athand--the leaves and flowers of May. Yet as he walked into it with Mrs. Braley, many drab and commonplacefigures of men and girls, and elderly spinsters resembling Mrs. Braley in kind, were making their way home fromthe several factories beyond the river. And at the door Mrs. Braley and himself were received by a none-toopolishedwoman in a clean gingham apron over a dark brown dress, who led the way to a second floor room, nottoo small or uncomfortably furnished--which she assured him he could have for four dollars without board orseven and one-half dollars with--a proposition which, seeing that he was advised by Mrs. Braley that this wassomewhat better than he would get in most places for the same amount, he decided to take. And here, afterthanking Mrs. Braley, he decided to remain--later sitting down to dinner with a small group of mill-town storeand factory employees, such as partially he had been accustomed to in Paulina Street in Chicago, before movingto the better atmosphere of the Union League. And after dinner he made his way out into the principalthoroughfares of Lycurgus, only to observe such a crowd of nondescript mill-workers as, judging these streets byday, he would not have fancied swarmed here by night--girls and boys, men and women of various nationalities,and types--Americans, Poles, Hungarians, French, English--and for the most part--if not entirely touched with apeculiar something--ignorance or thickness of mind or body, or with a certain lack of taste and alertness ordaring, which seemed to mark them one and all as of the basement world which he had seen only this afternoon.
　　Yet in some streets and stores, particularly those nearer Wykeagy Avenue, a better type of girl and young manwho might have been and no doubt were of the various office groups of the different companies over the river-neatand active.
　　And Clyde, walking to and fro, from eight until ten, when as though by pre-arrangement, the crowd in the morecongested streets seemed suddenly to fade away, leaving them quite vacant. And throughout this time contrastingit all with Chicago and Kansas City. (What would Ratterer think if he could see him now--his uncle's great houseand factory?) And perhaps because of its smallness, liking it--the Lycurgus Hotel, neat and bright and with abrisk local life seeming to center about it. And the post-office and a handsomely spired church, together with anold and interesting graveyard, cheek by jowl with an automobile salesroom. And a new moving picture theater just around the corner in a side street. And various boys and girls, men and women, walking here and there, someof them flirting as Clyde could see. And with a suggestion somehow hovering over it all of hope and zest andyouth--the hope and zest and youth that is at the bottom of all the constructive energy of the world everywhere.
　　And finally returning to his room in Thorpe Street with the conclusion that he did like the place and would like tostay here. That beautiful Wykeagy Avenue! His uncle's great factory! The many pretty and eager girls he hadseen hurrying to and fro!
　　In the meantime, in so far as Gilbert Griffiths was concerned, and in the absence of his father, who was in NewYork at the time (a fact which Clyde did not know and of which Gilbert did not trouble to inform him) he hadconveyed to his mother and sisters that he had met Clyde, and if he were not the dullest, certainly he was not themost interesting person in the world, either. Encountering Myra, as he first entered at five-thirty, the same daythat Clyde had appeared, he troubled to observe: "Well, that Chicago cousin of ours blew in to-day.""Yes!" commented Myra. "What's he like?" The fact that her father had described Clyde as gentlemanly andintelligent had interested her, although knowing Lycurgus and the nature of the mill life here and itsopportunities for those who worked in factories such as her father owned, she had wondered why Clyde hadbothered to come.
　　"Well, I can't see that he's so much," replied Gilbert. "He's fairly intelligent and not bad-looking, but he admitsthat he's never had any business training of any kind. He's like all those young fellows who work for hotels. Hethinks clothes are the whole thing, I guess. He had on a light brown suit and a brown tie and hat to match andbrown shoes. His tie was too bright and he had on one of those bright pink striped shirts like they used to wearthree or four years ago. Besides his clothes aren't cut right. I didn't want to say anything because he's just comeon, and we don't know whether he'll hold out or not. But if he does, and he's going to pose around as a relative ofours, he'd better tone down, or I'd advise the governor to have a few words with him. Outside of that I guess he'lldo well enough in one of the departments after a while, as foreman or something. He might even be made into asalesman later on, I suppose. But what he sees in all that to make it worth while to come here is more than I canguess. As a matter of fact, I don't think the governor made it clear to him just how few the chances are here forany one who isn't really a wizard or something."He stood with his back to the large open fireplace.
　　"Oh, well, you know what Mother was saying the other day about his father. She thinks Daddy feels that he'snever had a chance in some way. He'll probably do something for him whether he wants to keep him in the millor not. She told me that she thought that Dad felt that his father hadn't been treated just right by their father."Myra paused, and Gilbert, who had had this same hint from his mother before now, chose to ignore theimplication of it.
　　"Oh, well, it's not my funeral," he went on. "If the governor wants to keep him on here whether he's fitted foranything special or not, that's his look-out. Only he's the one that's always talking about efficiency in everydepartment and cutting and keeping out dead timber."Meeting his mother and Bella later, he volunteered the same news and much the same ideas. Mrs. Griffithssighed; for after all, in a place like Lycurgus and established as they were, any one related to them and havingtheir name ought to be most circumspect and have careful manners and taste and judgment. It was not wise forher husband to bring on any one who was not all of that and more.
　　On the other hand, Bella was by no means satisfied with the accuracy of her brother's picture of Clyde. She didnot know Clyde, but she did know Gilbert, and as she knew he could decide very swiftly that this or that personwas lacking in almost every way, when, as a matter of fact, they might not be at all as she saw it.
　　"Oh, well," she finally observed, after hearing Gilbert comment on more of Clyde's peculiarities at dinner, "ifDaddy wants him, I presume he'll keep him, or do something with him eventually." At which Gilbert wincedinternally for this was a direct slap at his assumed authority in the mill under his father, which authority he waseager to make more and more effective in every direction, as his younger sister well knew.
　　In the meanwhile on the following morning, Clyde, returning to the mill, found that the name, or appearance, orboth perhaps--his resemblance to Mr. Gilbert Griffiths--was of some peculiar advantage to him which he couldnot quite sufficiently estimate at present. For on reaching number one entrance, the doorman on guard therelooked as though startled.
　　"Oh, you're Mr. Clyde Griffiths?" he queried. "You're goin' to work under Mr. Kemerer? Yes, I know. Well, thatman there will have your key," and he pointed to a stodgy, stuffy old man whom later Clyde came to know as"Old Jeff," the time-clock guard, who, at a stand farther along this same hall, furnished and reclaimed all keysbetween seven-thirty and seven-forty.
　　When Clyde approached him and said: "My name's Clyde Griffiths and I'm to work downstairs with Mr.
　　Kemerer," he too started and then said: "Sure, that's right. Yes, sir. Here you are, Mr. Griffiths. Mr. Kemererspoke to me about you yesterday. Number seventy-one is to be yours. I'm giving you Mr. Duveny's old key."When Clyde had gone down the stairs into the shrinking department, he turned to the doorman who had drawnnear and exclaimed: "Don't it beat all how much that fellow looks like Mr. Gilbert Griffiths? Why, he's almosthis spittin' image. What is he, do you suppose, a brother or a cousin, or what?""Don't ask me," replied the doorman. "I never saw him before. But he's certainly related to the family all right.
　　When I seen him first, I thought it was Mr. Gilbert. I was just about to tip my hat to him when I saw it wasn't."And in the shrinking room when he entered, as on the day before, he found Kemerer as respectful and evasive asever. For, like Whiggam before him, Kemerer had not as yet been able to decide what Clyde's true position withthis company was likely to be. For, as Whiggam had informed Kemerer the day before, Mr. Gilbert had said noleast thing which tended to make Mr. Whiggam believe that things were to be made especially easy for him, noryet hard, either. On the contrary, Mr. Gilbert had said: "He's to be treated like all the other employees as to timeand work. No different." Yet in introducing Clyde he had said: "This is my cousin, and he's going to try to learnthis business," which would indicate that as time went on Clyde was to be transferred from department todepartment until he had surveyed the entire manufacturing end of the business.
　　Whiggam, for this reason, after Clyde had gone, whispered to Kemerer as well as to several others, that Clydemight readily prove to be some one who was a protege of the chief--and therefore they determined to "watchtheir step," at least until they knew what his standing here was to be. And Clyde, noticing this, was quite set upby it, for he could not help but feel that this in itself, and apart from whatever his cousin Gilbert might eitherthink or wish to do, might easily presage some favor on the part of his uncle that might lead to some good forhim. So when Kemerer proceeded to explain to him that he was not to think that the work was so very hard orthat there was so very much to do for the present, Clyde took it with a slight air of condescension. And inconsequence Kemerer was all the more respectful.
　　"Just hang up your hat and coat over there in one of those lockers," he proceeded mildly and ingratiatingly even.
　　"Then you can take one of those crate trucks back there and go up to the next floor and bring down some webs.
　　They'll show you where to get them."The days that followed were diverting and yet troublesome enough to Clyde, who to begin with was puzzled anddisturbed at times by the peculiar social and workaday worlds and position in which he found himself. For onething, those by whom now he found himself immediately surrounded at the factory were not such individuals ashe would ordinarily select for companions--far below bell-boys or drivers or clerks anywhere. They were, oneand all, as he could now clearly see, meaty or stodgy mentally and physically. They wore such clothes as onlythe most common laborers would wear--such clothes as are usually worn by those who count their personalappearance among the least of their troubles--their work and their heavy material existence being all. In addition,not knowing just what Clyde was, or what his coming might mean to their separate and individual positions, theywere inclined to be dubious and suspicious.
　　After a week or two, however, coming to understand that Clyde was a nephew of the president, a cousin of thesecretary of the company, and hence not likely to remain here long in any menial capacity, they grew morefriendly, but inclined in the face of the sense of subserviency which this inspired in them, to become jealous andsuspicious of him in another way. For, after all, Clyde was not one of them, and under such circumstances couldnot be. He might smile and be civil enough--yet he would always be in touch with those who were above them,would he not--or so they thought. He was, as they saw it, part of the rich and superior class and every poor manknew what that meant. The poor must stand together everywhere.
　　For his part, however, and sitting about for the first few days in this particular room eating his lunch, hewondered how these men could interest themselves in what were to him such dull and uninteresting items--thequality of the cloth that was coming down in the webs--some minute flaws in the matter of weight or weave-- thelast twenty webs hadn't looked so closely shrunk as the preceding sixteen; or the Cranston Wickwire Companywas not carrying as many men as it had the month before--or the Anthony Woodenware Company had posted anotice that the Saturday half- holiday would not begin before June first this year as opposed to the middle of Maylast year. They all appeared to be lost in the humdrum and routine of their work.
　　In consequence his mind went back to happier scenes. He wished at times he were back in Chicago or KansasCity. He though of Ratterer, Hegglund, Higby, Louise Ratterer, Larry Doyle, Mr. Squires, Hortense--all of theyoung and thoughtless company of which he had been a part, and wondered what they were doing. What hadbecome of Hortense? She had got that fur coat after all--probably from that cigar clerk and then had gone awaywith him after she had protested so much feeling for him--the little beast. After she had gotten all that money out of him. The mere thought of her and all that she might have meant to him if things had not turned as they had,made him a little sick at times. To whom was she being nice now? How had she found things since leavingKansas City? And what would she think if she saw him here now or knew of his present high connections? Gee!
　　That would cool her a little. But she would not think much of his present position. That was true. But she mightrespect him more if she could see his uncle and his cousin and this factory and their big house. It would be likeher then to try to be nice to him. Well, he would show her, if he ever ran into her again--snub her, of course, asno doubt he very well could by then.
第六章
克莱德在布雷莉太太帮助下当天就找到的那个房间,是坐落在索普街上.这条街虽说和他伯父住邸的那条街相隔不算太远,可就社会层次来说差得太远了.这种差异,完全足以抑制他自以为毕竟同伯父有近亲关系那种日益增长的想法.这个房间前面,都是一些棕色、灰色、褐色的普通房子,已被烟熏火燎,破败不堪.一些树木在严冬摧残下早已光秃秃,不过,虽然笼罩在烟尘之中,好象依然透出一线生机,预报五月花繁叶茂的日子不太远了.不过,他和布雷莉太太一走进去时,有一大拨灰不溜丢的普通男女,以及类似布雷莉那样的老处女,正从河对岸一些工厂回家转.在大门口招呼布雷莉太太和他自己的,是一位不算太文雅的女人,身上穿一件深褐色衣服,外面罩着一条很干净的细格子布围裙.这个女人引领他们到二楼一个房间,面积不算太小,室内陈设也不错——她对克莱德说,不供膳食的话,每周房租四块美元,如果供膳食的话,每周七块半美元.据布雷莉太太说,他在其他地方肯定找不到出这更加公道的价钱,所以他就决定租下来.他向布雷莉太太道谢以后,当即决定留下来,随后就跟一些商店和工厂的职工们一起坐下来吃晚饭,这些人就象他进入联谊俱乐部上流社会以前在芝加哥波林那街时面熟能详的那一类人.晚饭后,他款步来到莱柯格斯各主要大街,只看见一大群难以名状的工人,如按这些大街在白昼的光景来看,他决不会想到入夜后这里竟然麇集着这么多的人——少男少女与成年男女——他们国籍不同,类型殊异——有美国人、波兰人、匈牙利人、法国人,以及英国人.如果说不是指全体——至少大都分人都有一种特征——愚昧无知,或是心灵上、就是形体上的粗鲁作风,或是缺少某一种风雅、机警或胆量,看来所有这一切,都是属于他当天下午在地下室所见到的那个社会底层里的人物标志.不过,在某些大街上,某些商店里,特别是靠近威克吉大街的地方,他看到另外一类青年男女,衣着整洁,举止活泼——他们也许是,而且毫无疑问,一定是河对岸各大公司里的职员.
克莱德就这样在莱柯格斯城里来回徜徉,从八点钟一直到十点钟.仿佛事先约定似的,那些人群杂沓的大街上,这时突然连人影儿都不见了,显得空荡荡的.克莱德每走一步路,总要把这里所见的一切,跟芝加哥和堪萨斯城进行比较.(拉特勒要是现在看见他,看见他伯父的大公馆和大工厂,又会作何感想呢?)也许因为莱柯格斯这个地方很小,克莱德也就喜欢它了——莱柯格斯大饭店整洁、明亮,看来就是当地活跃的社交生活的中心.一幢邮政局大楼、一座有漂亮的尖顶的教堂,以及一块古老而又耐人寻味的墓地,紧挨着一个汽车样品间.在一条小巷拐角处,有一家新盖的电影院.一些少男少女和成年男女,正在大街拐角处溜达,克莱德看到其中有些人在卖弄风情.荡漾在这一切之上的,是希望、热情和青春,而希望、热情和青春正是全世界所有一切创造性活动的基础.后来,他回到索普街自己房间时,心里已有了谱:他喜欢这个地方,他愿意在这里待下去,多美的威克吉大街!他伯父的工厂气派又有多大!他看到大街上来去匆匆,又有多少美丽、热情的年轻女郎!
现在再说说吉尔伯特·格里菲思吧.这时他父亲正好有事去纽约.(此事克莱德并不知道,吉尔伯特也不想告诉他.)吉尔伯特就对母亲和姐妹们说,他已经跟克莱德晤过面了;还说,克莱德如果不是天底下最无聊的人,当然也决不会是天底下最有意思的人.吉尔伯特是在克莱德到达此地的当天下午五点半回家的,一碰到麦拉,就漫不经心地说:"喂,我们芝加哥的堂兄弟,不知怎的今儿个给风刮来啦."
"怎么啦!"麦拉说,"他什么模样儿?"因为听爸爸说过克莱德颇有绅士风度,人也很聪明,这就使她很感兴趣.要说莱柯格斯和厂里生活情况,以及那些替他父亲那样厂主干活的人前途如何,她心中都是一清二楚,但她就是暗自纳闷,不明白克莱德干吗要上这儿来.
"嘿,我可看不出他有什么了不起,"吉尔伯特回答说."尽管人相当聪明,长得也不难看,可是,说到做生意,他自己承认从没有受过什么专门训练.他压根儿就象在旅馆里做事的那些年轻小伙子.依我看,他认为人生在世,就数穿衣打扮最重要.他穿了一套淡褐色衣服,配上一条褐色领带,一顶褐色圆形帽子,还有一双褐色鞋子.他的领带色彩太鲜绝了,他那件色彩鲜艳的粉红色条子衬衫,就象人们三四年前穿过的那种货色.此外,他的衣服,做工也很差劲.现在我不想再说些什么,因为他毕竟新来乍到,能不能待得很久,我们也还不知道.不过话又说回来,要是他待下去,老是摆出象是我们亲戚的那副样子,那他的高兴劲儿还是收敛点好,要不然,我就得让爸爸数落他一顿.再说,我想过了一阵,他总可以在哪个部门当上一个领班什么的.依我看,赶明儿他甚至还可以当上一个推销员.不过,他为什么要上这儿来,我就闹不明白了.其实,我想当时爸爸也许没有跟他说清楚,在这儿,不拘是谁,除了真的有杰出才干的人以外,要出人头地的机会本来就很少的."
吉尔伯特背靠着大壁炉,伫立在那里.
"是啊,你知道有一天妈妈提到过他的父亲.她说,爸爸觉得他老是运气不好.也许爸爸总得帮帮他忙,能不能把他安插在厂里.妈还告诉我说,爸爸总觉得祖父在世时多少亏待他的父亲了."
麦拉说到这儿顿住了;吉尔伯特虽然在这以前从他母亲那里也听到过同样暗示,现在却偏偏装得不懂这句话的涵义似的.
"哦,这事可不归我管的,"他接过话题说."要是爸爸乐意把他留下来,也不看他合适不合适去做什么工作——那是爸爸的事.不过,爸爸自己一向说过,聪明能干的人,每个部门都要,但素质不好的人,通通要开革掉."
后来,吉尔伯特看见母亲和贝拉,就把克莱德到厂的消息和自己对他的看法告诉了他们.格里菲思太太叹了一口气.说来说去,象莱柯格斯这样一个地方,象他们这样有社会地位的人家,凡是跟他们沾亲带故,而且又同族同姓的人,都应该非常谨小慎微,同时还应该具有与之相应的举止、情趣和观点才成.现在,她丈夫把很不符合这样要求的年轻人带进厂里来,总不是明智之举.
可是,贝拉听了哥哥所描述的克莱德后,压根儿就不以为然.她并不认识克莱德,但她对吉尔伯特是了解的;她知道他一下子就会找出某某人身上所有缺点来,其实,依她看,完全是子虚乌有.
"哦,"吃晚饭时,贝拉听到吉尔伯特又把克莱德的种种怪僻数落了一顿,终于开口说,"如果说爸爸要他,我想,反正总会把他留在厂里,或是早晚还要帮他一点忙的."吉尔伯特听了心里很不高兴,因为他自以为在父亲厂里拥有权力,贝拉的话对他是一种直接的打击.而他的这种权力,正是他急急乎想要全面扩张的,这一点其实妹妹心里也明白.
转天早上,克莱德回到厂里,发现他的姓,或是他的外貌,也许两者都有关吧——这就是说,他的长相跟吉尔伯特·格里菲思先生十分相似——使他特别有利,不过对此他一时还不能作出正确的估计.当他走到一号门时,那看门的警卫好象大为惊诧.
"哦,您是克莱德·格里菲思先生,是吧?"他问."您将到凯默勒手下做事,是吧?是的,这个我知道.哦,您的号牌,对面那个人会给您的,"说完,他用手指着一个躯体臃肿、自命不凡的老头儿.后来,克莱德才得知老头儿名叫"老杰夫",负责按时给工人考勤卡打孔,每天七点半到七点四十分,在这过道那一头收发号牌.
克莱德走到他跟前,说:"我叫克莱德·格里菲思,我在楼下跟凯默勒先生一块工作."老头儿也吓了一跳,说:"当然,当然.是的,先生.您来啦,格里菲思先生.凯默勒先生昨儿个跟我谈起您啦.第七十一号牌是您的.我给您的是杜维尼先生的老号牌."克莱德已经下楼,来到了防缩车间,这时,老头儿掉过头来,冲迎面走来的看门的警卫大声喊道:"嘿,这个家伙干吗会活脱脱象吉尔伯特·格里菲思先生?怎么啦,简直跟他一个模子里浇出来呀.你说说他是谁?亲兄弟?堂兄弟?还是什么亲戚?"
"别问我啦,"看门的警卫回答说."以前我从没见过他.不过,当然罗,他跟格里菲思一家是亲戚,准没错.我正想向他脱帽行礼呢,后来,定神一看,原来不是他."
克莱德一走进防缩车间,发现凯默勒先生还是如同昨天那样,既是必恭必敬,而又模棱两可.凯默勒如同惠甘一样,对克莱德在这个公司里的真正地位至今还不能加以断定.前天,惠甘曾经告诉凯默勒说,吉尔伯特先生没有说过一句话使惠甘先生认为对克莱德可以特别放宽,但也决不是认为对他就可以特别严格.恰好相反,吉尔伯特先生说过:"在上班时间和工作性质上,他应该跟所有职工完全一样,绝无例外."不过,吉尔伯特给他介绍克莱德时,却说:"这位是我的堂弟,他想要学学我们这一行哩."言下之意,就是说,克莱德在这儿待不长久的,他将从这一个部门调往另一个部门,直到他对本厂产品制造过程完全了解为止.
因此,克莱德走了以后,惠甘就对凯默勒等职工低声说,也许克莱德是老板的心腹——所以,他们可得"小心防备",至少在目前还没有弄清楚他在厂里的地位以前.克莱德也觉察到这一点,相当得意扬扬.他不由得暗自思忖,先不管他的堂兄吉尔伯特对他态度如何,就凭这一好兆头,也许他伯父就会帮助他,使他得到一点好处.所以,当凯默勒先生向他解释,说他要干的工作并不太艰苦而且暂时也不要他干太多的事情时,克莱德听了,不免就带着一点儿优越感了.因此,凯默勒对他也就更加必恭必敬了.
"您的帽子和衣服,挂在那边柜子里就得了,"他语调温和,甚至于奉承讨好地说."随后,您可以在那里拉出一辆小车,推到一层楼去,把一些坯布车下来.上哪儿去车,他们会指给您看的."
随后的那些日子,克莱德觉得既有趣又烦恼不堪.先说这个特别含辛茹苦的社会阶层,以及他自己在这里所处的地位,有时就使他感到困感不安.比方说,在厂里,他周围的那些人,他未必乐意跟他们交朋友——远远地不如任何地方的侍应生,或是汽车司机,或是职员.如今他看得非常清楚,他们在智力上与生理上个个都是笨头笨脑,或是粗手粗脚的人.他们身上所穿的衣服,只有最低贱的苦力才穿——只有把自己的仪表看成是最不重要的人才穿——他们心心念念想的只是干活和艰苦的物质生活条件.此外,他们不知道克莱德何许人也,或者也不知道他的来临将对他们的个人地位有何影响,因此,他们对他都持怀疑态度.
果然,一两个星期以后,他们知道克莱德是本公司总经理的侄子,秘书的堂弟,因此,看来不可能在这儿长期从事低微的工作,他们就对他更加和和气气了.但因这事在他们身上又引起了自卑感,所以对他表示又妒忌,又怀疑.说到底,克莱德毕竟不是他们里头的一员,而且,在现有条件下,他也决不可能成为他们里头的一员.他尽管可以对他们笑,对他们完全客客气气——但他也经常跟地位比他们高的人接触,可不是吗——至少他们就是这么想的.他在他们心目中是属于富裕、优越阶级的一分子,而每一个穷人都懂得这就意味着什么.穷人不论到哪儿都得站在一块儿啊.
就克莱德来说,开头几天坐在这个怪别扭的房间里吃午饭,心里纳闷,真不知道这些人干吗老是对一些在他看来索然无味、无聊透顶的事情深感兴趣,比方说,运下来的坯布质地如何,在分量和质量上有哪些小毛病,最近一批二十卷坯布,与前一批十六卷坯布相比,紧缩程度还很不够;或是克兰斯顿柳藤制品公司本月份缩减职工名额;或是安东尼木器公司贴出了一道通告,说星期六工作半天,去年始自五月中旬,但今年却要自六月一日起才实行,如此等等,不一而足.看来他们全都醉心于单调琐碎的日常工作之中了.
于是,他心中就常常回想到往昔那些快乐无比的情景.有时,他真巴不得自己又回到芝加哥或是堪萨斯城.他回想到拉特勒、赫格伦、希格比、路易斯·拉特勒、拉里·多伊尔、斯夸尔斯先生、霍丹斯,这一伙无忧无虑的年轻人,而他正是他们里头的一员.他暗自思忖,此刻他们正在干些什么呢?霍丹斯现在怎么样了?反正那件袭皮外套,最后她弄到了——也许就是那个烟铺里伙计给她掏腰包的,随后就跟他一块出走了,可她不久前还对克莱德表示过那么多的感情,好一个小畜生.把他的钱通通都骗走了!有时候,只要一想到她,要不是他们后来出了事故,真不知道她对他又会怎么样了,克莱德马上心里就感到难过.如今,她正在向什么人献殷勤呢?她离开堪萨斯城以后,情况又如何呢?现在她要是看见他在这儿,或者她得知他有这么一个阔亲戚,她又会作何感想呢?嘿!还是让她头脑清醒点吧.不过话又说回来,按他现在的职位,她是不太喜欢的.这是显而易见的.然而,她要是看见他的伯父、他的堂兄,看见这个工厂,以及他们的大公馆,也许就会更加尊敬他吧.她就会跟他重归于好的——这才符合她这个人的脾性.唉,他要是再碰上她,就要给她好看的——叫她碰一鼻子灰,当然的,那时他一定会叫她碰一鼻子灰.
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Part 2 Chapter 7
In so far as his life at Mrs. Cuppy's went, he was not so very happily placed there, either. For that was but acommonplace rooming and boarding house, which drew to it, at best, such conservative mill and business typesas looked on work and their wages, and the notions of the middle class religious world of Lycurgus as mostessential to the order and well being of the world. From the point of view of entertainment or gayety, it was inthe main a very dull place.
　　At the same time, because of the presence of one Walter Dillard--a brainless sprig who had recently come herefrom Fonda, it was not wholly devoid of interest for Clyde. The latter--a youth of about Clyde's own age andequally ambitious socially--but without Clyde's tact or discrimination anent the governing facts of life, wasconnected with the men's furnishing department of Stark and Company. He was spry, avid, attractive enoughphysically, with very light hair, a very light and feeble mustache, and the delicate airs and ways of a small townBeau Brummell. Never having had any social standing or the use of any means whatsoever--his father havingbeen a small town dry goods merchant before him, who had failed--he was, because of some atavistic spur orfillip in his own blood, most anxious to attain some sort of social position.
　　But failing that so far, he was interested in and envious of those who had it--much more so than Clyde, even. Theglory and activity of the leading families of this particular city had enormous weight with him--the Nicholsons,the Starks, the Harriets, Griffiths, Finchleys, et cetera. And learning a few days after Clyde's arrival of hissomewhat left-handed connection with this world, he was most definitely interested. What? A Griffiths! Thenephew of the rich Samuel Griffiths of Lycurgus! And in this boarding house! Beside him at this table! At oncehis interest rose to where he decided that he must cultivate this stranger as speedily as possible. Here was a realsocial opportunity knocking at his very door--a connecting link to one of the very best families! And besides washe not young, attractive and probably ambitious like himself--a fellow to play around with if one could? Heproceeded at once to make overtures to Clyde. It seemed almost too good to be true.
　　In consequence he was quick to suggest a walk, the fact that there was a certain movie just on at the Mohawk,which was excellent--very snappy. Didn't Clyde want to go? And because of his neatness, smartness--a touch ofsomething that was far from humdrum or the heavy practicality of the mill and the remainder of this boardinghouse world, Clyde was inclined to fall in with him.
　　But, as he now thought, here were his great relatives and he must watch his step here. Who knew but that hemight be making a great mistake in holding such free and easy contacts as this. The Griffiths--as well as the entire world of which they were a part--as he guessed from the general manner of all those who even contactedhim, must be very removed from the commonalty here. More by instinct than reason, he was inclined to stand offand look very superior--more so since those, including this very youth on whom he practised this seemed torespect him the more. And although upon eager--and even--after its fashion, supplicating request, he now wentwith this youth--still he went cautiously. And his aloof and condescending manner Dillard at once translated as"class" and "connection." And to think he had met him in this dull, dubby boarding house here. And on hisarrival--at the very inception of his career here.
　　And so his manner was that of the sycophant--although he had a better position and was earning more moneythan Clyde was at this time, twenty-two dollars a week.
　　"I suppose you'll be spending a good deal of your time with your relatives and friends here," he volunteered onthe occasion of their first walk together, and after he had extracted as much information as Clyde cared to impart,which was almost nothing, while he volunteered a few, most decidedly furbished bits from his own history. Hisfather owned a dry goods store NOW. He had come over here to study other methods, et cetera. He had an unclehere--connected with Stark and Company. He had met a few--not so many as yet--nice people here, since hehadn't been here so very long himself--four months all told.
　　But Clyde's relatives!
　　"Say your uncle must be worth over a million, isn't he? They say he is. Those houses in Wykeagy Avenue arecertainly the cats'. You won't see anything finer in Albany or Utica or Rochester either. Are you SamuelGriffiths' own nephew? You don't say! Well, that'll certainly mean a lot to you here. I wish I had a connectionlike that. You bet I'd make it count."He beamed on Clyde eagerly and hopefully, and through him Clyde sensed even more how really important thisblood relation was. Only think how much it meant to this strange youth.
　　"Oh, I don't know," replied Clyde dubiously, and yet very much flattered by this assumption of intimacy. "I cameon to learn the collar business, you know. Not to play about very much. My uncle wants me to stick to that,pretty much.""Sure, sure. I know how that is," replied Dillard, "that's the way my uncle feels about me, too. He wants me tostick close to the work here and not play about very much. He's the buyer for Stark and Company, you know. Butstill a man can't work all the time, either. He's got to have a little fun.""Yes, that's right," said Clyde--for the first time in his life a little condescendingly.
　　They walked along in silence for a few moments. Then:
　　"Do you dance?""Yes," answered Clyde.
　　"Well, so do I. There are a lot of cheap dance halls around here, but I never go to any of those. You can't do itand keep in with the nice people. This is an awfully close town that way, they say. The best people won't haveanything to do with you unless you go with the right crowd. It's the same way up at Fonda. You have to 'belong'
　　or you can't go out anywhere at all. And that's right, I guess. But still there are a lot of nice girls here that afellow can go with--girls of right nice families--not in society, of course--but still, they're not talked about, see.
　　And they're not so slow, either. Pretty hot stuff, some of them. And you don't have to marry any of 'em, either."Clyde began to think of him as perhaps a little too lusty for his new life here, maybe. At the same time he likedhim some. "By the way," went on Dillard, "what are you doing next Sunday afternoon?""Well, nothing in particular, that I know of just now," replied Clyde, sensing a new problem here. "I don't knowjust what I may have to do by then, but I don't know of anything now.""Well, how'd you like to come with me, if you're not too busy. I've come to know quite a few girls since I'vebeen here. Nice ones. I can take you out and introduce you to my uncle's family, if you like. They're nice people.
　　And afterwards--I know two girls we can go and see--peaches. One of 'em did work in the store, but she don'tnow--she's not doing anything now. The other is her pal. They have a Victrola and they can dance. I know it isn'tthe thing to dance here on Sundays but no one need know anything about that. The girls' parents don't mind.
　　Afterwards we might take 'em to a movie or something--if you want to--not any of those things down near themill district but one of the better ones--see?"There formulated itself in Clyde's mind the question as to what, in regard to just such proposals as this, hiscourse here was to be. In Chicago, and recently--because of what happened in Kansas City--he had sought to beas retiring and cautious as possible. For--after that and while connected with the club, he had been taken withthe fancy of trying to live up to the ideals with which the seemingly stern face of that institution had inspiredhim--conservatism--hard work--saving one's money--looking neat and gentlemanly. It was such an Evelessparadise, that.
　　In spite of his quiet surroundings here, however, the very air of the city seemed to suggest some such relaxationas this youth was now suggesting--a form of diversion that was probably innocent enough but still connectedwith girls and their entertainment--there were so many of them here, as he could see. These streets, after dinner,here, were so alive with good-looking girls, and young men, too. But what might his new found relatives think ofhim in case he was seen stepping about in the manner and spirit which this youth's suggestions seemed to imply?
　　Hadn't he just said that this was an awfully close town and that everybody knew nearly everything abouteverybody else? He paused in doubt. He must decide now. And then, being lonely and hungry forcompanionship, he replied:
　　"Yes,--well--I think that's all right." But he added a little dubiously: "Of course my relatives here--""Oh, sure, that's all right," replied Dillard smartly. "You have to be careful, of course. Well, so do I." If he couldonly go around with a Griffiths, even if he was new around here and didn't know many people--wouldn't it reflecta lot of credit on him? It most certainly would--did already, as he saw it.
　　And forthwith he offered to buy Clyde some cigarettes--a soda--anything he liked. But Clyde, still feeling verystrange and uncertain, excused himself, after a time, because this youth with his complacent worship of society and position, annoyed him a little, and made his way back to his room. He had promised his mother a letter andhe thought he had better go back and write it, and incidentally to think a little on the wisdom of this new contact.
第七章
再说克莱德在柯比太太家的生活,也并不是很快活的.那仅仅是一家普通的供膳寄宿舍,至多只能把工厂和商店里一些相当保守的人给吸引过来.这些人都认为,他们的工作、工资,以及莱柯格斯中产阶级的种种宗教观念,就是维持当今世界秩序和幸福的最重要的基础.一般说来,这里是一个沉闷透顶的地方,毫无娱乐消遣或是赏心乐事可言.
由于这里有个名叫沃尔特·迪拉特的人——最近从方达来的一个楞小伙子,因此,克莱德觉得这里也并不能说是索然无味了.这个迪拉特,是克莱德的同龄人,同样也热衷于社会地位,只不过对自己周围生活并没有象克莱德那样具有机智圆通或是善于识别的能力.他在斯塔克公司男用服饰部做事.此人活泼、热切,长相也还漂亮,浅色头发,一撮淡淡的小胡子,完全是小镇上花花公子那副气派和德行.他既没有什么财产,又没有什么社会地位,父亲原是小镇上的绸布商,后来商店倒闭了——可是他血液里不知怎的却有祖辈那股子冲劲,急急乎想攫取到一个令人瞩目的社会地位.
不过,迄至目前为止,迪拉特一直没有成功,因此,他对那些高门鼎贵的人就特别关注,而又嫉妒——甚至比克莱德还要强烈.莱柯格斯城里那些名门世家——尼科尔森家、斯塔克家、哈里特家、格里菲思家、芬奇利家等等——他们的光荣和他们显赫的活动,给他留下很深印象.克莱德到后几天,迪拉特得知克莱德跟上述这个圈子多少有那么一点不伦不类的关系,不由得使他来了很大劲儿.乖乖!好一个姓格里菲思的!莱柯格斯城里大富翁塞缪尔·格里菲思的侄子!就在这个寄宿舍里!而且还跟他是在同一餐桌!他决定务必尽快跟这个陌生人交上朋友.这对他来说真的好比是三生有幸,是敲开巨富鼎贵的大门,使他得以进入莱柯格斯城里最最声名煊赫的人家的一条线索啊!何况克莱德不是很年轻,长得也漂亮,说不定就象他一样心怀奢望——如果说要玩儿,克莱德还不是—个好伙伴吗?看来迪拉特几乎觉得自己的运气好得不敢相信,马上就开始向克莱德套近乎了.
首先,迪拉特向克莱德提议,不妨出去逛一逛,还说离莫霍克河不远,正在放映一部什么影片,真是顶呱呱的——简直太迷人了.难道说克莱德不想去吗?由于迪拉特衣冠楚楚,时髦漂亮——自有一点儿风度,跟工厂和寄宿舍里那种单调沉闷迥然不同,所以,克莱德同他也就一见如故了.
不过,克莱德想到这里有他了不起的亲戚,他的一举一动务必谨慎小心才好.象他这样轻易随便结交新朋友,说不定自己会犯大错误呢.格里菲思这一家——正如他们那个圈子里所有的人一样——根据他接触过那些人的一般作风来看,想必跟这里老百姓相隔很远.更多是出于本能,而不是出于理性,克莱德同样自视甚高,不接近众人——而且,他越是用这样态度对待人家(包括迪拉特这个年轻人在内),人家也就越是尊敬他,因此,他越要摆出这副高人一等的派头来.虽然在迪拉特的热忱邀请,甚至还可以说是在恳求之下,克莱德终于跟这个年轻人一起出去了,可他的举止言谈还是小心翼翼的.对他那种超尘绝俗、降尊纡贵的态度,迪拉特马上解释为"阶级"和"亲戚"的标记.只要想一想,在这个沉闷无聊的寄宿舍里,他居然碰上了这么一个人.何况还是在他刚刚到这里——
正好他在这里的事业才开始.
因此,迪拉特就对克莱德一味溜须拍马——虽然同克莱德相比,现下他的地位要高,赚的钱也多,每星期二十五块美元.
"我想,您大概要花去不少时间,跟您的至亲好友在一块吧,"他们头一次外出散步时,迪拉特斗胆地这么说.当他已经探听到许多克莱德乐意透露、其实几乎毫无内容的事之后,迪拉特只好转换话题,谈起自己的身世来,向他添枝加叶地讲了一些事情.现在他父亲开一家绸布商店.他本人上这儿来,为的是学习这一行业新方法,如此等等.他在这里有个叔叔——在斯塔克公司做事.他在莱柯格斯已有几个——说真的,目前还为数不多——好朋友,因为他来这儿时间不太长——合起来才不过四个月.
可是克莱德的亲戚,该有多帅!
"您说,您伯父的家私,想必在一百万美元以上,是吧?人家都是这么说的.威克吉大街上那些华屋,简直太令人垂涎的了.您在奥尔巴尼、尤蒂卡,甚至在罗彻斯特,都不会见到更阔气的房子了.您是塞缪尔·格里菲思的亲侄子吗?一定没错!嘿,那您在这里可就非同小可啦.我真巴不得也有那么一门阔亲戚.那我包管要尽量利用啊."
他热乎乎地笑着瞅了克莱德一眼.克莱德从而觉察到他这种血亲关系该有多么重要.只要想一想,这个陌生的年轻人对它看得有多重啊.
"哦,我可不知道,"克莱德迟疑地回答说.不过,既然人家推想他跟此地格里菲思家有如此亲密的关系,克莱德心里还是感到挺美滋滋的."你知道,我上这儿来,就是为了要学会做领子这门手艺.可不是来玩的.伯父就要我认真地把它学好.""哦,当然,当然.这个我也明白,"迪拉特回答说,"我叔叔对我也是这样的意思,他要我在这里好好干,不要光想着玩.您知道,他在斯塔克公司是专管采买的.不过话又说回来,一个人也不能老是干活呀.有时也还得乐一乐呗."
"是啊,是这样,"克莱德破题儿头一遭带有一点儿屈尊俯就的口吻说.
他们默默无言地走了一会儿.
"您跳舞吗?"
"跳,"克莱德回答说.
"哦,我也跳.这儿有不少低级舞厅,可我从来都不去的.您千万别去那些地方,如果说您想跟上流社会人士交际应酬的话.据说,在这个域市里,上流社会真是惊人地不与外人相互往来的.要是您不属于他们这个圈子,上流社会人士简直就不会跟您来往.在方达也是这样.您必须'属于'上流社会,不然您就根本哪儿都去不了.我看,恐怕这也是应该的.不过话又说回来,这儿还是有不少好姑娘,可以跟她们跳跳舞,乐一乐.姑娘来自上等家庭——当然罗,并不是来自上流社会——反正人们也还没有说过她们什么坏话,您懂吗.再说,她们可也不都是那么迟钝不灵.恰好相反,她们里头有些人,还真的热火得够呛呢.可您也不见得就必须跟她们里头随便哪个结婚."克莱德暗自思忖,此人对自己在这里的新生活,也许有点儿太渴求了吧.与此同时,他也有点儿喜欢迪拉特."再说,"
迪拉特继续说道,"这个星期日下午,您打算干什么?""哦,好象没有什么特别的事,我一时还不知道,"克莱德回答说,感到他面前出现了新情况."我可不知道到时候会干些什么事,不过,现在我什么也说不上来."
"哦,您要是不太忙,就不妨跟我一块去吧.我来这儿以后,认识了好几个姑娘.全是好姑娘.您要是高兴,我包管把您捎去,介绍您跟我叔叔家里的人认识认识.他们个个都是挺不错的人.后来——我认识两个姑娘,我们可以找她们去——真是迷人的小娘儿们.她们里头有一个曾经在一家铺子里做过事,可现在她走了——她什么事儿都不干了.而另一个,是她的知心好友.她们有一台手摇留声机,她们俩一块跳舞哩.我知道,星期日在这里是不让跳舞的,但只要不让人知道就得了.姑娘她们的父母,倒是并不介意.随后,我们不妨带她们去看电影什么的——要是您高兴的话——不去工厂附近电影院,而是要到高级电影院去,您懂吗?"
克莱德暗自思忖,对于迪拉特提出的那些建议,他究竟该怎么办呢.在芝加哥——由于在堪萨斯城出了事故以后——他一向都尽量谨小慎微,很少抛头露面.因为,自从那次事故之后,他到俱乐部任职以来心里就想,务必让自己的生活尽量符合由于那里严肃的氛围使他领悟到的以下理想目标:举止稳健,工作努力,勤俭节约,仪表整洁,富有绅士风度.那就是一个没有夏娃①的天堂.
①《圣经》上说,亚当偷吃智慧果,被逐出伊甸园,乃是受到夏娃诱惑的缘故.此处指克莱德希望自己只要回避女人,就好比登上天堂.
如今,他在这里的环境虽然很清静,可是,从这个城市的气氛来看,似乎还是令人联想到这个年轻人正在谈论的娱乐消遣——其方式或许最简单也不过,但照样还是有姑娘们,可以跟他们作伴取乐——他亲眼看到这里就有许许多多姑娘.晚饭后,大街上热闹非凡,有漂亮姑娘,也有年轻小伙子.不过,如果按照这个年轻人所暗示的方式去玩儿,万一给人看见,那他新近攀附的亲戚对他会有怎么个想法呢.他刚才自己不是说过,莱柯格斯城里人际关系惊人地狭隘,谁在干什么,几乎大家心里都有数.他沉吟不语,马上犯疑了.但他现在又非得当机立断不可.不过,他委实太寂寞,急急乎想找个伴儿,于是回答说:"是啊——哦——我想这敢情好."然而,他又不免有点儿疑虑地找补着说:"当然罗,你知道,我这里的亲戚——"
"哦,没问题,这我知道,"迪拉特应答如流地说."当然罗,您可要小心留神才好.哦,我也得那样."只要他能跟着一位姓格里菲思的人(哪怕此人还是新来乍到,认识的人也不多)在哪儿露露面,那不就是使他脸上很有光彩吗?一定会这样,依他看,他自己脸上已经很光彩了.
迪拉特马上就请克莱德抽烟卷,问他喜欢不喜欢喝汽水.可是,克莱德还是感到非常别扭和心里没有底,过了一会儿才跟新朋友告别了.由于这个年轻人如此洋洋自得地崇拜社会地位,克莱德不觉对他感到有点儿腻味,于是径直朝自己住地走去.他早就答应给母亲写一封信,心想最好还是回去写信,顺便还得想一想,结交这样新朋友是否值得.
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Part 2 Chapter 8
Nevertheless, the next day being a Saturday and half holiday the year round in this concern, Mr. Whiggam camethrough with the pay envelopes.
　　"Here you are, Mr. Griffiths," he said, as though he were especially impressed with Clyde's position.
　　Clyde, taking it, was rather pleased with this mistering, and going back toward his locker, promptly tore it openand pocketed the money. After that, taking his hat and coat, he wandered off in the direction of his room, wherehe had his lunch. But, being very lonely, and Dillard not being present because he had to work, he decided upona trolley ride to Gloversville, which was a city of some twenty thousand inhabitants and reported to be as active,if not as beautiful, as Lycurgus. And that trip amused and interested him because it took him into a city verydifferent form Lycurgus in its social texture.
　　But the next day--Sunday--he spent idly in Lycurgus, wandering about by himself. For, as it turned out, Dillardwas compelled to return to Fonda for some reason and could not fulfill the Sunday understanding. EncounteringClyde, however, on Monday evening, he announced that on the following Wednesday evening, in the basementof the Diggby Avenue Congregational Church, there was to be held a social with refreshments. And according toyoung Dillard, at least this promised to prove worth while.
　　"We can just go out there," was the way he put it to Clyde, and buzz the girls a little. I want you to meet myuncle and aunt. They're nice people all right. And so are the girls. They're no slouches. Then we can edge outafterwards, about ten, see, and go around to either Zella or Rita's place. Rita has more good records over at herplace, but Zella has the nicest place to dance. By the way, you didn't chance to bring along your dress suit withyou, did you?" he inquired. For having already inspected Clyde's room, which was above his own on the thirdfloor, in Clyde's absence and having discovered that he had only a dress suit case and no trunk, and apparently nodress suit anywhere, he had decided that in spite of Clyde's father conducting a hotel and Clyde having worked inthe Union League Club in Chicago, he must be very indifferent to social equipment. Or, if not, must beendeavoring to make his own way on some character-building plan without help from any one. This was not tohis liking, exactly. A man should never neglect these social essentials. Nevertheless, Clyde was a Griffiths andthat was enough to cause him to overlook nearly anything, for the present anyhow.
　　"No, I didn't," replied Clyde, who was not exactly sure as to the value of this adventure--even yet--in spite of hisown loneliness,--"but I intend to get one." He had already thought since coming here of his lack in this respect,and was thinking of taking at least thirty-five of his more recently hard-earned savings and indulging in a suit ofthis kind.
　　Dillard buzzed on about the fact that while Zella Shuman's family wasn't rich--they owned the house they livedin--still she went with a lot of nice girls here, too. So did Rita Dickerman. Zella's father owned a little cottage upon Eckert Lake, near Fonda. When next summer came--and with it the holidays and pleasant week-ends, heand Clyde, supposing that Clyde liked Rita, might go up there some time for a visit, for Rita and Zella wereinseparable almost. And they were pretty, too. "Zella's dark and Rita's light," he added enthusiastically.
　　Clyde was interested by the fact that the girls were pretty and that out of a clear sky and in the face of his presentloneliness, he was being made so much of by this Dillard. But, was it wise for him to become very muchinvolved with him? That was the question--for, after all, he really knew nothing of him. And he gathered fromDillard's manner, his flighty enthusiasm for the occasion, that he was far more interested in the girls as girls--acertain freedom or concealed looseness that characterized them--than he was in the social phase of the worldwhich they represented. And wasn't that what brought about his downfall in Kansas City? Here in Lycurgus, ofall places, he was least likely to forget it-- aspiring to something better as he now did.
　　None-the-less, at eight-thirty on the following Wednesday evening--they were off, Clyde full of eageranticipation. And by nine o'clock they were in the midst of one of those semi-religious, semi-social and semi-emotional church affairs, the object of which was to raise money for the church--the general service of whichwas to furnish an occasion for gossip among the elders, criticism and a certain amount of enthusiastic, ifdisguised courtship and flirtation among the younger members. There were booths for the sale of quiteeverything from pies, cakes and ice cream to laces, dolls and knickknacks of every description, supplied by themembers and parted with for the benefit of the church. The Reverend Peter Isreals, the minister, and his wifewere present. Also Dillard's uncle and aunt, a pair of brisk and yet uninteresting people whom Clyde could sensewere of no importance socially here. They were too genial and altogether social in the specific neighborhoodsense, although Grover Wilson, being a buyer for Stark and Company, endeavored to assume a serious andimportant air at times.
　　He was an undersized and stocky man who did not seem to know how to dress very well or could not afford it. Incontrast to his nephew's almost immaculate garb, his own suit was far from perfect-fitting. It was unpressed andslightly soiled. And his tie the same. He had a habit of rubbing his hands in a clerkly fashion, of wrinkling hisbrows and scratching the back of his head at times, as though something he was about to say had cost him greatthought and was of the utmost importance. Whereas, nothing that he uttered, as even Clyde could see, was of theslightest importance.
　　And so, too, with the stout and large Mrs. Wilson, who stood beside him while he was attempting to rise to theimportance of Clyde. She merely beamed a fatty beam. She was almost ponderous, and pink, with a tendency toa double chin. She smiled and smiled, largely because she was naturally genial and on her good behavior here,but incidentally because Clyde was who he was. For as Clyde himself could see, Walter Dillard had lost no timein impressing his relatives with the fact that he was a Griffiths. Also that he had encountered and made a friendof him and that he was now chaperoning him locally.
　　"Walter has been telling us that you have just come on here to work for your uncle. You're at Mrs. Cuppy's now,I understand. I don't know her but I've always heard she keeps such a nice, refined place. Mr. Parsley, who liveshere with her, used to go to school with me. But I don't see much of him any more. Did you meet him yet?""No, I didn't," said Clyde in return.
　　"Well, you know, we expected you last Sunday to dinner, only Walter had to go home. But you must come soon.
　　Any time at all. I would love to have you." She beamed and her small grayish brown eyes twinkled.
　　Clyde could see that because of the fame of his uncle he was looked upon as a social find, really. And so it waswith the remainder of this company, old and young--the Rev. Peter Isreals and his wife; Mr. Micah Bumpus, alocal vendor of printing inks, and his wife and son; Mr. and Mrs. Maximilian Pick, Mr. Pick being a wholesaleand retail dealer in hay, grain and feed; Mr. Witness, a florist, and Mrs. Throop, a local real estate dealer. Allknew Samuel Griffiths and his family by reputation and it seemed not a little interesting and strange to all ofthem that Clyde, a real nephew of so rich a man, should be here in their midst. The only trouble with this wasthat Clyde's manner was very soft and not as impressive as it should be--not so aggressive and contemptuous.
　　And most of them were of that type of mind that respects insolence even where it pretends to condemn it.
　　In so far as the young girls were concerned, it was even more noticeable. For Dillard was making this importantrelationship of Clyde's perfectly plain to every one. "This is Clyde Griffiths, the nephew of Samuel Griffiths, Mr.
　　Gilbert Griffiths' cousin, you know. He's just come on here to study the collar business in his uncle's factory."And Clyde, who realized how shallow was this pretense, was still not a little pleased and impressed by the effectof it all. This Dillard's effrontery. The brassy way in which, because of Clyde, he presumed to patronize thesepeople. On this occasion, he kept guiding Clyde here and there, refusing for the most part to leave him alone foran instant. In fact he was determined that all whom he knew and liked among the girls and young men shouldknow who and what Clyde was and that he was presenting him. Also that those whom he did not like should seeas little of him as possible--not be introduced at all. "She don't amount to anything. Her father only keeps a smallgarage here. I wouldn't bother with her if I were you." Or, "He isn't much around here. Just a clerk in our store."At the same time, in regard to some others, he was all smiles and compliments, or at worst apologetic for theirsocial lacks.
　　And then he was introduced to Zella Shuman and Rita Dickerman, who, for reasons of their own, not the leastamong which was a desire to appear a little wise and more sophisticated than the others here, came a little late.
　　And it was true, as Clyde was to find out afterwards, that they were different, too--less simple and restricted thanquite all of the girls whom Dillard had thus far introduced him to. They were not as sound religiously andmorally as were these others. And as even Clyde noted on meeting them, they were as keen for as close anapproach to pagan pleasure without admitting it to themselves, as it was possible to be and not be marked forwhat they were. And in consequence, there was something in their manner, the very spirit of the introduction,which struck him as different from the tone of the rest of this church group--not exactly morally or religiouslyunhealthy but rather much freer, less repressed, less reserved than were these others.
　　"Oh, so you're Mr. Clyde Griffiths," observed Zella Shuman. "My, you look a lot like your cousin, don't you? Isee him driving down Central Avenue ever so often. Walter has been telling us all about you. Do you likeLycurgus?"The way she said "Walter," together with something intimate and possessive in the tone of her voice, causedClyde to feel at once that she must feel rather closer to and freer with Dillard than he himself had indicated. Asmall scarlet bow of velvet ribbon at her throat, two small garnet earrings in her ears, a very trim and tight-fittingblack dress, with a heavily flounced skirt, seemed to indicate that she was not opposed to showing her figure, andprized it, a mood which except for a demure and rather retiring poise which she affected, would most certainly have excited comment in such a place as this.
　　Rita Dickerman, on the other hand, was lush and blonde, with pink cheeks, light chestnut hair, and bluish grayeyes. Lacking the aggressive smartness which characterized Zella Shuman, she still radiated a certain somethingwhich to Clyde seemed to harmonize with the liberal if secret mood of her friend. Her manner, as Clyde couldsee, while much less suggestive of masked bravado was yielding and to him designedly so, as well as naturallyprovocative. It had been arranged that she was to intrigue him. Very much fascinated by Zella Shuman and intow of her, they were inseparable. And when Clyde was introduced to her, she beamed upon him in a meltingand sensuous way which troubled him not a little. For here in Lycurgus, as he was telling himself at the time, hemust be very careful with whom he became familiar. And yet, unfortunately, as in the case of Hortense Briggs,she evoked thoughts of intimacy, however unproblematic or distant, which troubled him. But he must be careful.
　　It was just such a free attitude as this suggested by Dillard as well as these girls' manners that had gotten him intotrouble before.
　　"Now we'll just have a little ice cream and cake," suggested Dillard, after the few preliminary remarks were over,"and then we can get out of here. You two had better go around together and hand out a few hellos. Then we canmeet at the ice cream booth. After that, if you say so, we'll leave, eh? What do you say?"He looked at Zella Shuman as much as to say: "You know what is the best thing to do," and she smiled andreplied:
　　"That's right. We can't leave right away. I see my cousin Mary over there. And Mother. And Fred Bruckner. Ritaand I'll just go around by ourselves for a while and then we'll meet you, see." And Rita Dickerman forthwithbestowed upon Clyde an intimate and possessive smile.
　　After about twenty minutes of drifting and browsing, Dillard received some signal from Zella, and he and Clydepaused near the ice cream booth with its chairs in the center of the room. In a few moments they were casuallyjoined by Zella and Rita, with whom they had some ice cream and cake. And then, being free of all obligationsand as some of the others were beginning to depart, Dillard observed: "Let's beat it. We can go over to yourplace, can't we?""Sure, sure," whispered Zella, and together they made their way to the coat room. Clyde was still so dubious asto the wisdom of all this that he was inclined to be a little silent. He did not know whether he was fascinated byRita or not. But once out in the street out of view of the church and the homing amusement seekers, he and Ritafound themselves together, Zella and Dillard having walked on ahead. And although Clyde had taken her arm, ashe thought fit, she maneuvered it free and laid a warm and caressing hand on his elbow. And she nudged quiteclose to him, shoulder to shoulder, and half leaning on him, began pattering of the life of Lycurgus.
　　There was something very furry and caressing about her voice now. Clyde liked it. There was something heavyand languorous about her body, a kind of ray or electron that intrigued and lured him in spite of himself. He feltthat he would like to caress her arm and might if he wished--that he might even put his arm around her waist, andso soon. Yet here he was, a Griffiths, he was shrewd enough to think--a Lycurgus Griffiths--and that was whatnow made a difference--that made all those girls at this church social seem so much more interested in him andso friendly. Yet in spite of this thought, he did squeeze her arm ever so slightly and without reproach or comment from her.
　　And once in the Shuman home, which was a large old-fashioned square frame house with a square cupola, veryretired among some trees and a lawn, they made themselves at home in a general living room which was muchmore handsomely furnished than any home with which Clyde had been identified heretofore. Dillard at oncebegan sorting the records, with which he seemed most familiar, and to pull two rather large rugs out of the way,revealing a smooth, hardwood floor.
　　"There's one thing about this house and these trees and these soft-toned needles," he commented for Clyde'sbenefit, of course, since he was still under the impression that Clyde might be and probably was a very shrewdperson who was watching his every move here. "You can't hear a note of this Victrola out in the street, can you,Zell? Nor upstairs, either, really, not with the soft needles.
　　We've played it down here and danced to it several times, until three and four in the morning and they didn't evenknow it upstairs, did they, Zell?""That's right. But then Father's a little hard of hearing. And Mother don't hear anything, either, when she gets inher room and gets to reading. But it is hard to hear at that.""Why do people object so to dancing here?" asked Clyde.
　　"Oh, they don't--not the factory people--not at all," put in Dillard, "but most of the church people do. My uncleand aunt do. And nearly everyone else we met at the church to-night, except Zell and Rita." He gave them a mostapproving and encouraging glance. "And they're too broadminded to let a little thing like that bother them. Ain'tthat right, Zell?"This young girl, who was very much fascinated by him, laughed and nodded, "You bet, that's right. I can't seeany harm in it.""Nor me, either," put in Rita, "nor my father and mother. Only they don't like to say anything about it or makeme feel that they want me to do too much of it."Dillard by then had started a piece entitled "Brown Eyes" and immediately Clyde and Rita and Dillard and Zellabegan to dance, and Clyde found himself insensibly drifting into a kind of intimacy with this girl which boded hecould scarcely say what. She danced so warmly and enthusiastically--a kind of weaving and swaying motionwhich suggested all sorts of repressed enthusiasms. And her lips were at once wreathed with a kind of lyric smilewhich suggested a kind of hunger for this thing. And she was very pretty, more so dancing and smiling than atany other time.
　　"She is delicious," thought Clyde, "even if she is a little soft. Any fellow would do almost as well as me, but shelikes me because she thinks I'm somebody." And almost at the same moment she observed: "Isn't it just toogorgeous? And you're such a good dancer, Mr. Griffiths.""Oh, no," he replied, smiling into her eyes, "you're the one that's the dancer. I can dance because you're dancing with me."He could feel now that her arms were large and soft, her bosom full for one so young. Exhilarated by dancing,she was quite intoxicating, her gestures almost provoking.
　　"Now we'll put on 'The Love Boat,'" called Dillard the moment "Brown Eyes" was ended, "and you and Zellacan dance together and Rita and I will have a spin, eh, Rita?"He was so fascinated by his own skill as a dancer, however, as well as his natural joy in the art, that he couldscarcely wait to begin another, but must take Rita by the arms before putting on another record, gliding here andthere, doing steps and executing figures which Clyde could not possibly achieve and which at once establishedDillard as the superior dancer. Then, having done so, he called to Clyde to put on "The Love Boat."But as Clyde could see after dancing with Zella once, this was planned to be a happy companionship of twomutually mated couples who would not interfere with each other in any way, but rather would aid each other intheir various schemes to enjoy one another's society. For while Zella danced with Clyde, and danced well andtalked to him much, all the while he could feel that she was interested in Dillard and Dillard only and wouldprefer to be with him. For, after a few dances, and while he and Rita lounged on a settee and talked, Zella andDillard left the room to go to the kitchen for a drink. Only, as Clyde observed, they stayed much longer than anysingle drink would have required.
　　And similarly, during this interval, it seemed as though it was intended even, by Rita, that he and she shoulddraw closer to one another. For, finding the conversation on the settee lagging for a moment, she got up andapropos of nothing--no music and no words--motioned him to dance some more with her. She had dancedcertain steps with Dillard which she pretended to show Clyde. But because of their nature, these brought her andClyde into closer contact than before--very much so. And standing so close together and showing Clyde byelbow and arm how to do, her face and cheek came very close to him--too much for his own strength of will andpurpose. He pressed his cheek to hers and she turned smiling and encouraging eyes upon him. On the instant, hisself-possession was gone and he kissed her lips. And then again--and again. And instead of withdrawing them, ashe thought she might, she let him-- remained just as she was in order that he might kiss her more.
　　And suddenly now, as he felt this yielding of her warm body so close to him, and the pressure of her lips inresponse to his own, he realized that he had let himself in for a relationship which might not be so very easy tomodify or escape. Also that it would be a very difficult thing for him to resist, since he now liked her andobviously she liked him.
第八章
转天正好是星期六,照例只工作半天(格里菲思厂里全年星期六半日工作).惠甘先生拿了薪金袋冲他走过来."请您收下,格里菲思先生,"他说,那口吻仿佛克莱德是厂里一位大人物似的.
克莱德收下薪金袋,听到"先生"这个尊称,心里很高兴,就走到自己衣柜跟前,马上拆开口袋,把钱放进口袋.随后,他换好衣服,戴上帽子,走到自己住地吃午饭.但他觉得自己非常寂寞,迪拉特(因为还要上班)也不在,他就决定搭电车游览格洛弗斯维尔.那是一座约有两万人口的城市,据说相当热闹,虽然比不上莱柯格斯.格洛弗斯维尔之行,克莱德觉得兴味盎然,因为他看到了一个社会结构跟莱柯格斯迥然不同的城市.
可是转天——星期日,他真可以说是百无聊赖,独自一人在莱柯格斯闲逛.这天迪拉特有事,不得不回方达去,星期日也就不能履约了.星期一晚上,他碰到克莱德时说,星期三晚上,在迪格比大街公理会教堂地下室将举行交谊会,另备茶点招待.据年轻的迪拉特说,值得一去.
"我们不妨上那儿去,"他对克莱德说,"就跟姑娘们咬耳朵叨咕叨咕.我还要你跟我叔叔、婶婶见见面.论人品,他们都是顶呱呱的.姑娘们也是顶呱呱的.她们才一点儿都不叫人腻味呢.大约到十点钟光景,您知道吧,我们就不妨溜出来,上泽拉家或丽达家去.丽达家里好唱片多得很,不过要跳舞,就数泽拉家里最宽敞了.再说,您的晚礼服并没有从芝加哥带来,是吧?"迪拉特问.因为迪拉特趁克莱德不在家时,早就打量过他的房间(克莱德正好住在他上面,亦即三层楼上),发现他只有一只手提箱,没见到什么大箱子,看来也不会有什么晚礼服.他就断定虽然克莱德的父亲开一家旅馆,克莱德自己又在芝加哥联谊俱乐部做过事,可他对自己交际时穿着打扮一定满不在乎.要不然,想必他决心独立奋斗,不需要任何人帮助,以便锻炼自己坚强的性格.这一切让迪拉特感到老大不高兴.要知道这些交际必需品,不拘是谁,万万不可掉以轻心啊.不过,克莱德毕竟来自格里菲思大户人家,这一点就足以使迪拉特几乎对什么都可以眼开眼闭了,至少是目前这一次."是的,晚礼服我没带,"克莱德回答说,尽管自己非常寂寞,但对这次佚游到底值得不值得他即便在此刻也还没有完全的把握,"不过我打算买一套."他早就不止一次地想过自己在莱柯格斯这晚礼服实在是不可缺少的,正打算从最近辛辛苦苦积攒下来的钱里,至少拿出三十五块美元来购置一套.
迪拉特还在絮絮叨叨地说,泽拉·舒曼家里并不富裕——但他们住的是自己的房子——她还跟这里不少漂亮姑娘时有来往.丽达·迪克曼也这样.泽拉的父亲在方达附近埃克特湖边有一所小别墅.克莱德要是喜欢丽达的话,今年夏天——赶上假日和愉快的周末,他跟克莱德两个人就不妨上那儿作客,因为丽达和泽拉几乎如影随形,寸步不离.而且,她们俩也长得都很俏."您瞧,泽拉肤色黑黑的,丽达白白的,"他兴冲冲找补着说.
克莱德听说姑娘们长得都很俏,心里不消说美滋滋的,这好象正当他感到寂寞之际从天而降的福祉,何况这个迪拉特又缠住不放地在怂恿他.不过,克莱德又想,自己跟他过分接近,是不是明智之举呢?这的确是个问题——因为说真的,克莱德对他毕竟一点儿都不了解.现在,迪拉特的举止态度,及其对这次约会表现出轻浮而又兴奋那种劲儿,克莱德知道,迪拉特自己对这些姑娘们最感兴趣的——是她们原来已有某种自由自在,无拘无束,乃至于某种深藏不露的放荡不羁的作风,而不是她们所隶属的那个社会阶层.难道说它不就是导致克莱德在堪萨斯城垮台了吗?现在,特别是在莱柯格斯这个地方,他断断乎不能忘掉它——如今他正为争取更美好的前途而努力呀.
话虽然这么说,星期三晚上一到八点半,他们还是照样出去了,克莱德心里充满了热乎乎的希望.到九点钟,他们早已置身于这么一个集宗教、世俗、慈善性质之大成的聚会了.此次聚会的目的,就是给教会筹款——实际上是利用这个机会,让年纪大的人碰碰头,聊聊天,年轻人则喜欢吹毛求疵,悄悄地谈情说爱,卖弄风情.这里有好几个售货摊位,从馅儿饼、蛋糕点心、冰淇淋,一直到花边、洋娃娃和各色各样的小小装饰品,都是教友们自动奉献,脱手卖掉的钱通通捐给教会.牧师彼得·伊斯雷尔斯偕同他的太太也都莅会.迪拉特的叔叔、婶婶也在场,他们两口子虽然轻松活泼,但是毫无风趣可言,克莱德揣测他们在这里恐怕不会有什么社会地位.他们几乎一团和气,而且对人也过分熟不拘礼,虽然格罗弗·威尔逊作为斯塔克公司的采买,有时候还要装出一副正经八百和神气活现的派头来.
格罗弗·威尔逊是个矮胖个儿,看来他并不知道怎样给自己穿得体面些,也许是没得钱,买不起.要是跟他侄子身上几乎洁净无瑕的衣服相比,那他的衣服简直就差得远了.既没有熨烫,又有些油渍.他的领带也这样.平时他动不动就象小职员那样来回搓手,有时候皱紧眉头,一个劲儿搔后脑勺,仿佛他要说的话,都是经过深思熟虑,重要到了极点似的.其实,就连克莱德也很清楚,此人所说的,没有一句是重要的.
那位胖墩墩的威尔逊太太也是这样.当她丈夫在贵客克莱德面前竭力摆出神气活现的派头时,她正伫立在他身边.她那胖乎乎的脸上只是一个劲儿笑.她的身子简直笨重得很,两颊绯红,下巴颏儿差不多变成一双的了.瞧她老是笑个不停,多半是因为她生来一团和气,在这儿好歹也得懂点规矩,附带说一下,还因为克莱德是那样一个人物.反正克莱德自己也看出,沃尔特·迪拉特死乞白赖地要他的亲戚注意到他是格里菲思家族的人,还有他迪拉特早已跟这位新的格里菲思家族成员结成好友,此刻正在当地社交界陪随他.
"沃尔特刚才告诉我们说,您上这儿来,是给令伯父做事的.我听说您住在柯比太太那里.我虽然不认识她,可我老是听人说起她那个地方很好,样样井井有条.住在那里的帕斯利先生过去是我同学.不过现在我再也没见过他了.您还不认识他吗?"
"不,我还不认识,"克莱德回答说.
"您知道吧,我们本来巴望您上星期日来吃饭的,可是沃尔特非要回家不可.不过,您可得一定要早些来啊.不管什么时候都行.我可非常高兴您来啊,"她笑了,她那褐色小眼珠在闪闪发亮.
克莱德看到,由于他伯父的深孚众望,他真的被威尔逊夫妇看成交际场合中的一大发现了.而所有其他人,不管年龄大小,对待他的态度也都是这样.彼得·伊斯雷尔斯牧师和他的太太,本地印刷油墨商迈卡·邦珀斯夫妇和儿子,干草、种子、饲料趸卖零售商马克西米利安·皮克夫妇,花铺老板威特尼斯先生,以及本市地产商思鲁普太太——他们个个都知道塞缪尔·格里菲思和他声名煊赫的家族,而这样一个富翁的侄子克莱德,居然出现在他们中间,不由得感到有点儿离奇诧异了.唯一叫他们扫兴的是:克莱德的态度太随和,而没有摆出应有的派头来——并不是那么颐指气使和傲慢无礼.而他们这些人绝大多数对傲慢却是尊敬的,哪怕是口头上假装指摘它.
这一点,从年轻的姑娘们作风上看,表现得就更明显了.现在,迪拉特到处在讲克莱德那种重要的亲戚关系,好让人人都知道."这位是克莱德·格里菲思,塞缪尔·格里菲思的侄子,吉尔伯特·格里菲思先生的堂兄弟.知道吧.他是新来乍到,就在他伯父厂里学做领子这一行."克莱德分明知道这样吹嘘该有多么肤浅,可对这些话给听众所产生的效果还是很高兴.这个迪拉特,真是厚颜无耻啊.他因为仗着克莱德撑腰,竟然胆敢以屈尊俯就的口吻对所有的人说话,真是无耻之尤.他一刻都离不开克莱德,总是把他一会儿带到这里,一会儿又带到那里.事实上,他显然已经决定,要让他所熟识和相好的青年男女,全都知道克莱德是何许人也,而且,正是他,迪拉特,把克莱德引至本地社交界.还有,凡是他看不顺眼的人,应该尽量跟他少见面——压根儿不给介绍."她呀,算得了什么.她父亲只不过在这儿开一家小小的汽车修理行.我要是您,就不跟她浪掷光阴啦."或是说,"他在这里算什么.只不过是我们店里一个小伙计罢了."与此同时,他对有些人就满面笑容,满口恭维,或者至少也要在克莱德面前为他们低微的社会地位竭力辩解.
随后,他们克莱德介绍给泽拉·舒曼和丽达·迪克曼.她们两人由于自出机杼,故意来得迟些,不外乎表示她们对交际应酬要比别人聪明老练一些.后来克莱德发现她们果真不一样——不象迪拉特刚向他介绍的所有姑娘那么朴实、拘泥.她们在恪守教规和道德上也不象上面那些姑娘稳重.克莱德一见到她们就发觉:她们简直急巴巴想要马上得到异教徒式的欢乐享受,可自己对此又不愿承认——当然罗,她们竭力做到决不有损于自己名声.因此,她们的举止态度,乃至于介绍时她们的那种神情,使克莱德立时感到跟别的年轻教友迥然不同——她们并不见得都是离经叛道,而是只不过比别人要求更多的自由,同时也不是那么拘泥、节制罢了.
"哦,您就是克莱德·格里菲思先生,"泽拉·舒曼说."我的老天哪,您可活脱脱象您的堂兄,是吧?我常常看见他开汽车经过中央大道.您的情况沃尔特全都告诉我们了.您喜欢莱柯格斯这个地方吗?"
她一提到"沃尔待"这个名字时那种口吻,以及在她语调里特有的那股亲热劲儿,让克莱德马上感到:她跟迪拉特的关系,肯定要比迪拉特自己说过的更加亲密、更加随便.她脖子上系一个猩红色法兰绒小蝴蝶结,两侧挂上一副石榴红小耳环,身上穿一套非常整洁、紧贴身子的黑衣裙,裙子下摆缀有荷叶边饰.看来这一切都足以说明:她并不反对显露一下自己的身姿,而且对它还居然非常珍爱.她的这种心态,要不是因为她善于装出一副假正经的羞答答的样子,不消说,一定会在这样一个地方引起人们议论.
丽达·迪克曼是一位体态丰腴的金发女郎,粉红色脸颊,淡褐色头发,一双淡蓝色眼睛.她虽然不象泽拉·舒曼那样富有挑逗性的漂亮,可她身上还是流露出某种在克莱德看来跟她女友表面上节制、实则放荡不羁相一致的神态.克莱德觉察到,她的态度虽然很少令人想到伪装的虚张声势,可还是表示出那么顺从,对他是故意如此,而且自然富有挑逗性.她们俩早已事前约定,要由丽达来逗引他.丽达对泽拉·舒曼非常倾倒,样样都要模仿她,她们如影随形,寸步不离.当克莱德出现在她面前时,她嗲声嗲气地冲他一笑,让他非常心慌意乱.当时他正在告诫自己,在莱柯格斯这地方,与人交往务必非常小心留神.但不幸的是,丽达如同霍丹斯·布里格斯一样,激起了他要求有进一步亲密行动的念头,哪怕这种念头是不会引起问题也好,还是缥缈无影也好,反正使他感到困惑不安.可他一定要小心翼翼啊.他之所以在堪萨斯城遭到不幸,正是如同迪拉特眼前这种放荡不羁的态度,以及这一类女郎的举止作风所促成的.
"好吧,我们就先来一点冰淇淋和点心,"迪拉特说了一些开场的话后才说,"随后,我们可以悄悄溜走.你们俩最好到各处先转转,见人就得招呼一下.然后,我们在卖冰淇淋的地方见面.以后,要是你们高兴,我们就从这儿溜了,嗯?你们看怎么样?"
他两眼望着泽拉·舒曼,好象是在说:"我们该怎么办最好,反正你心里有谱."她却笑着回答说:
"是啊.可我们不能马上就走.我看见玛丽表妹在那边.还有妈妈.还有弗雷德·布鲁克纳.丽达跟我先去那儿转一圈,以后跟你们碰头,明白了吧."说罢,丽达·迪克曼向克莱德妩媚动人地一笑.
迪拉特和克莱德在大厅里转悠了二十来分钟,泽拉给了迪拉特一个暗号,他就跟克莱德一块走到大厅中央摆上椅子卖冰淇淋的地方.不一会儿,泽拉和丽达好象不约而同地来了,他们就在一块吃了一些冰淇淋和点心.然后,今晚任务全都完成了,而且好多人早已纷纷溜走了,迪拉特就说:"得了,我们也滑脚吧.就上你那儿去,好吗?"
"当然,当然,"泽拉低声说,他们俩就一块上衣帽间去了.该不该跟他们一块去?克莱德心里还是迟疑不决,因此只好闷声不响.他连自己都闹不清楚:对丽达是不是一见倾心了.不过,一走到街上,在看不到教堂和那些返家的寻找快乐的人们时,克莱德发现自己却跟丽达在一起,泽拉和迪拉特早已走到前头去了.克莱德挽着丽达的手臂,心想这准没错儿,可她却硬是挣脱出来,用她那一只暖和而温柔的手放在他的肘弯里,紧紧地偎着他,肩并肩地,几乎全靠到他身上,喋喋不休地谈论莱柯格斯的生活.
她的话音里,有一种甜蜜得令人迷醉的味道.这使克莱德很喜欢.她的身子显得有些慵倦无力,仿佛放射出一种光或电子,吸引他,迷住他,因而使他身不由己.他很想抚摸她的胳臂,他觉得只要自己高兴,这是做得到的——甚至还可以搂住她的腰肢,即使认识还不太久.不过,他心里总算还想到,他是格里菲思家族的一员——而且还是莱柯格斯的格里菲思家族的一员——毕竟身价不同,正是这个原因,这次教堂主办的交谊会上所有的姑娘全都对他这样深感兴趣,这样大献殷勤.可是,他尽管有这样想法,到头来还是轻轻地捏了一下她的胳臂,可她也并没有表示不以为然的样子.
舒曼的家,是一幢方方正正的老式木结构大房子,顶上有一个方方正正的小阁楼,屋前有一块草坪,四周有些树木,显得很僻静.他们一进门,就来到了陈设漂亮的大客厅,这儿当然远远胜过克莱德过去见过的那些房子了.迪拉特马上挑选唱片,然后把两块相当大的地毯卷了起来,露出很光滑的硬木地板.
"这幢房子四周围因为有一些树木,再加上这些唱针特别讲究,只发出很轻的声音,"他说这话,自然是说给克莱德听的,因为这时他还有一个印象,觉得克莱德也许是个很精明的人,每走出一步,都是小心留神的."所以,街上一点儿都听不见留声机的声音,是吧,泽尔?使用这些唱针,嘿,连楼上都听不见.我们在这儿玩过、跳过不知道好多次了,都是一直玩到凌晨三四点钟,可楼上的人全都不知道,是吧,泽尔?""是啊.不过我爸爸耳朵有些背.妈妈只要一进房里看书,就什么都听不见了.不过,一般地说,要听见也很难啊."
"怎么啦,难道说这里的人都这么反对跳舞吗?"克莱德问.
"哦,他们并不反对——厂里的人并不反对——压根儿不反对,"迪拉特插嘴说,"不过信教的人十之八九是反对的.我叔叔、婶婶就反对.今儿晚上我们在教堂里碰上的人,几乎个个都反对,除了泽尔和丽达,"他向她们递去一个非常赞许的眼色."她们气量可挺大的,不会把这么一点儿小事都记在心上.是吧,泽尔?"
这个年轻姑娘本来早就被他迷住了,这时微微一笑,点点头说:"哦,当然罗.我可看不出这有什么不好.""我也看不出这有什么不好,"丽达插嘴说,"爸爸妈妈也这样.只不过他们不愿提这件事,因为他们不希望我对跳舞入了迷."
这时,迪拉特已放了一张唱片,片名《棕色的眼睛》.克莱德跟丽达一对,迪拉特跟泽拉一对,马上翩翩起舞.克莱德发觉自己跟这位姑娘之间不知不觉产生了一种亲密感——它将预兆着什么,几乎连他自己都说不上来.她跳得那么热火,那么有劲儿——从她那迂回曲折、来回摇摆的舞姿里,仿佛宣泄出种种被压抑着的热情.她的唇边马上挂着如痴似醉的微笑,显示出她对罗曼蒂克趣事的无限渴求.瞧她长得美极了,一边跳一边笑,要比以往任何时候都美.
"她太迷人了,"克莱德心想,"虽然有点儿太随和.尽管我跳得并不比别人高明,但看得出她喜欢我,就因为在她心目中,我好象是个了不起的人物."差不多就在这当儿,她说:"真痛快,不是吗?您跳舞可真是内行,格里菲思先生.""哦,我可不内行,"他回答说,直瞅着她的眼睛笑,"您跳舞才是内行呢.我所以跳得好,多亏是跟着您一块跳啊."
此刻他感到:她的手臂是丰腴柔软的,她的胸脯,对这么年轻的姑娘说,是很丰满的了.瞧她如痴似醉地跳呀跳的,早已使克莱德入了迷,她那一举手、一投足的姿态,几乎是在撩拨他似的.
"得了,现在就放《爱之小舟》,"迪拉特在《棕色的眼睛》一曲结束时说."您就跟泽拉跳一会儿,丽达跟我去跳一圈,好吗,丽达?"
他本来就非常喜欢跳舞,此刻又十分想炫耀一下自己的舞艺,等不到新的一支舞曲放出来,就急急忙忙地挽起丽达的手臂,一下子跳起来,跳着各式各样舞步和各种不同花样的舞姿,简直是满场飞似的.所有这些都叫克莱德望尘莫及,从而很快就证实迪拉特确是跳舞的行家.一曲舞罢,他才点头示意克莱德把唱片《爱之小舟》放上去.
但是克莱德跟泽拉跳了一个曲子以后,才闹明白:参加今晚舞会原意,就是要使两对伴侣一块玩儿,不但互不干预,相反,大家还应想尽种种方法,让另一对伴侣玩得痛快.当泽拉跟克莱德一块跳,而且跳得很好,跟他说了很多的话时,克莱德心里始终很清楚:她仅仅对迪拉特一个人感兴趣,特别喜欢跟迪拉特在一块.跳了几个舞曲以后,克莱德跟丽达靠在一张长沙发上聊天,泽拉和迪拉特就离开这儿,上厨房寻摸什么饮料去了.不过,克莱德发现,他们待在厨房里,要比喝一口饮料的时间长得多哩.
就在这时,丽达仿佛故意要让他与她更进一步接近.她觉得他们俩靠在长沙发上闲聊得差不多了,就站了起来,而且这么突兀——既没有乐曲,也没有说话——便向他伸出手来,要他再跟她多跳一会儿.原先她跟迪拉特跳过好几种舞步,现在她就好象想再跳给克莱德看看.不过,由于那些舞步样式规定,他们之间贴得比过去更紧了——非常紧.她跟克莱德贴得那么紧,还用胳膊肘做出各种手势给他看,指点他该怎样跳,她的脸和两颊几乎就贴近他的脸颊了——竟然使他的意志和决心也都没法抗拒了.他按捺不住,把脸颊贴在她脸颊上,她却抬起双眼,脉脉含情地直望着他.他的自我克制能力,一下子消失了,他吻了她的朱唇.接着,他吻了又吻——吻了又吻.他原以为她会推开他,殊不知她并没有这样做,她完全听任他亲吻——她始终保持同一个姿态,好让他继续一个劲儿吻自己.
他感到她那滚热的身子温顺地紧贴着他,她回过来也用自己朱唇吻他的嘴唇.这时,他才猛地明白,他这是明明让自己陷入这样一种关系中去,这种关系也许并不是那么容易就可加以改变,或则加以回避的.他心里也明白:要自己顶得住,真是难上难啊,因为现在他已经喜欢她了,显然,她也喜欢他.
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Part 2 Chapter 9
Apart from the momentary thrill and zest of this, the effect was to throw Clyde, as before, speculatively backupon the problem of his proper course here. For here was this girl, and she was approaching him in this directand suggestive way. And so soon after telling himself and his mother that his course was to be so different here-nosuch approaches or relationships as had brought on his downfall in Kansas City. And yet--and yet-He was sorely tempted now, for in his contact with Rita he had the feeling that she was expecting him to suggesta further step--and soon. But just how and where? Not in connection with this large, strange house. There wereother rooms apart from the kitchen to which Dillard and Zella had ostensibly departed. But even so, such arelationship once established! What then? Would he not be expected to continue it, or let himself in for possiblecomplications in case he did not? He danced with and fondled her in a daring and aggressive fashion, yetthinking as he did so, "But this is not what I should be doing either, is it? This is Lycurgus. I am a Griffiths, here.
　　I know how these people feel toward me--their parents even. Do I really care for her? Is there not somethingabout her quick and easy availability which, if not exactly dangerous in so far as my future here is concerned, isnot quite satisfactory--too quickly intimate?" He was experiencing a sensation not unrelated to his mood inconnection with the lupanar in Kansas City--attracted and yet repulsed. He could do no more than kiss and fondleher here in a somewhat restrained way until at last Dillard and Zella returned, whereupon the same degree ofintimacy was no longer possible.
　　A clock somewhere striking two, it suddenly occurred to Rita that she must be going--her parents would object toher staying out so late. And since Diliard gave no evidence of deserting Zella, it followed, of course, that Clydewas to see her home, a pleasure that now had been allayed by a vague suggestion of disappointment or failure onthe part of both. He had not risen to her expectations, he thought. Obviously he lacked the courage yet to followup the proffer of her favors, was the way she explained it to herself.
　　At her own door, not so far distant, and with a conversation which was still tinctured with intimations of somefuture occasions which might prove more favorable, her attitude was decidedly encouraging, even here. Theyparted, but with Clyde still saying to himself that this new relationship was developing much too swiftly. He wasnot sure that he should undertake a relationship such as this here-- so soon, anyhow. Where now were all his finedecisions made before coming here? What was he going to decide? And yet because of the sensual warmth andmagnetism of Rita, he was irritated by his resolution and his inability to proceed as he otherwise might.
　　Two things which eventually decided him in regard to this came quite close together. One related to the attitudeof the Griffiths themselves, which, apart from that of Gilbert, was not one of opposition or complete indifference,so much as it was a failure on the part of Samuel Griffiths in the first instance and the others largely because ofhim to grasp the rather anomalous, if not exactly lonely position in which Clyde would find himself here unlessthe family chose to show him at least some little courtesy or advise him cordially from time to time. Yet SamuelGriffiths, being always very much pressed for time, had scarcely given Clyde a thought during the first month, atleast. He was here, properly placed, as he heard, would be properly looked after in the future,--what more, justnow, at least?
　　And so for all of five weeks before any action of any kind was taken, and with Gilbert Griffiths comfortedthereby, Clyde was allowed to drift along in his basement world wondering what was being intended inconnection with himself. The attitude of others, including Dillard and these girls, finally made his position hereseem strange.
　　However, about a month after Clyde had arrived, and principally because Gilbert seemed so content to saynothing regarding him, the elder Griffiths inquired one day:
　　"Well, what about your cousin? How's he doing by now?" And Gilbert, only a little worried as to what this mightbode, replied, "Oh, he's all right. I started him off in the shrinking room. Is that all right?""Yes, I think so. That's as good a place as any for him to begin, I believe. But what do you think of him by now?""Oh," answered Gilbert very conservatively and decidedly independently--a trait for which his father had alwaysadmired him-- "Not so much. He's all right, I guess. He may work out. But he does not strike me as a fellow whowould ever make much of a stir in this game. He hasn't had much of an education of any kind, you know. Anyone can see that. Besides, he's not so very aggressive or energetic-looking. Too soft, I think. Still I don't want toknock him. He may be all right. You like him and I may be wrong. But I can't help but think that his real idea incoming here is that you'll do more for him than you would for someone else, just because he is related to you.""Oh, you think he does. Well, if he does, he's wrong." But at the same time, he added, and that with a banteringsmile: "He may not be as impractical as you think, though. He hasn't been here long enough for us to really tell,has he? He didn't strike me that way in Chicago. Besides there are a lot of little corners into which he might fit,aren't there, without any great waste, even if he isn't the most talented fellow in the world? If he's content to takea small job in life, that's his business. I can't prevent that. But at any rate, I don't want him sent away yet,anyhow, and I don't want him put on piece work. It wouldn't look right. After all, he is related to us. Just let himdrift along for a little while and see what he does for himself.""All right, governor," replied his son, who was hoping that his father would absent-mindedly let him stay wherehe was--in the lowest of all the positions the factory had to offer.
　　But, now, and to his dissatisfaction, Samuel Griffiths proceeded to add, "We'll have to have him out to the housefor dinner pretty soon, won't we? I have thought of that but I haven't been able to attend to it before. I shouldhave spoken to Mother about it before this. He hasn't been out yet, has he?""No, sir, not that I know of," replied Gilbert dourly. He did not like this at all, but was too tactful to show hisopposition just here. "We've been waiting for you to say something about it, I suppose.""Very well," went on Samuel, "you'd better find out where he's stopping and have him out. Next Sundaywouldn't be a bad time, if we haven't anything else on." Noting a flicker of doubt or disapproval in his son's eyes,he added: "After all, Gil, he's my nephew and your cousin, and we can't afford to ignore him entirely. Thatwouldn't be right, you know, either. You'd better speak to your mother to-night, or I will, and arrange it." Heclosed the drawer of a desk in which he had been looking for certain papers, got up and took down his hat andcoat and left the office.
　　In consequence of this discussion, an invitation was sent to Clyde for the following Sunday at six-thirty to appearand participate in a Griffiths family meal. On Sunday at one-thirty was served the important family dinner towhich usually was invited one or another of the various local or visiting friends of the family. At six-thirtynearly all of these guests had departed, and sometimes one or two of the Griffiths themselves, the cold collationserved being partaken of by Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths and Myra--Bella and Gilbert usually having appointmentselsewhere.
　　On this occasion, however, as Mrs. Griffiths and Myra and Bella decided in conference, they would all bepresent with the exception of Gilbert, who, because of his opposition as well as another appointment, explainedthat he would stop in for only a moment before leaving. Thus Clyde as Gilbert was pleased to note would bereceived and entertained without the likelihood of contacts, introductions and explanations to such of their moreimportant connections who might chance to stop in during the afternoon. They would also have an opportunity tostudy him for themselves and see what they really did think without committing themselves in any way.
　　But in the meantime in connection with Dillard, Rita and Zella there had been a development which, because ofthe problem it had posed, was to be affected by this very decision on the part of the Griffiths. For following theevening at the Shuman home, and because, in spite of Clyde's hesitation at the time, all three including Ritaherself, were still convinced that he must or would be smitten with her charms, there had been various hints, aswell as finally a direct invitation or proposition on the part of Dillard to the effect that because of the camaraderiewhich had been established between himself and Clyde and these two girls, they make a week-end tripsomewhere--preferably to Utica or Albany. The girls would go, of course. He could fix that through Zella withRita for Clyde if he had any doubts or fears as to whether it could be negotiated or not. "You know she likes you.
　　Zell was telling me the other day that she said she thought you were the candy. Some ladies' man, eh?" And henudged Clyde genially and intimately,--a proceeding in this newer and grander world in which he now foundhimself,--and considering who he was here, was not as appealing to Clyde as it otherwise might have been.
　　These fellows who were so pushing where they thought a fellow amounted to something more than they did! Hecould tell.
　　At the same time, the proposition he was now offering--as thrilling and intriguing as it might be from one pointof view--was likely to cause him endless trouble--was it not? In the first place he had no money--only fifteendollars a week here so far--and if he was going to be expected to indulge in such expensive outings as these,why, of course, he could not manage. Carfare, meals, a hotel bill, maybe an automobile ride or two. And afterthat he would be in close contact with this Rita whom he scarcely knew. And might she not take it on herself tobecome intimate here in Lycurgus, maybe--expect him to call on her regularly--and go places--and then--well,gee--supposing the Griffiths--his cousin Gilbert, heard of or saw this. Hadn't Zella said that she saw him often onthe street here and there in Lycurgus? And wouldn't they be likely to encounter him somewhere--sometime-whenthey were all together? And wouldn't that fix him as being intimate with just another store clerk likeDillard who didn't amount to so much after all? It might even mean the end of his career here! Who could tellwhat it might lead to?
　　He coughed and made various excuses. Just now he had a lot of work to do. Besides--a venture like that--hewould have to see first. His relatives, you know. Besides next Sunday and the Sunday after, some extra work inconnection with the factory was going to hold him in Lycurgus. After that time he would see. Actually, in hiswavering way--and various disturbing thoughts as to Rita's charm returning to him at moments, he waswondering if it was not desirable--his other decision to the contrary notwithstanding, to skimp himself as muchas possible over two or three weeks and so go anyhow. He had been saving something toward a new dress suitand collapsible silk hat. Might he not use some of that--even though he knew the plan to be all wrong?
　　The fair, plump, sensuous Rita!
　　But then, not at that very moment--but in the interim following, the invitation from the Griffiths. Returning from his work one evening very tired and still cogitating this gay adventure proposed by Dillard, he found lying on thetable in his room a note written on very heavy and handsome paper which had been delivered by one of theservants of the Griffiths in his absence. It was all the more arresting to him because on the flap of the envelopewas embossed in high relief the initials "E. G." He at once tore it open and eagerly read:
　　"MY DEAR NEPHEW:
　　"Since your arrival my husband has been away most of the time, and although we have wished to have you withus before, we have thought it best to await his leisure. He is freer now and we will be very glad if you can find itconvenient to come to supper with us at six o'clock next Sunday. We dine very informally--just ourselves--so incase you can or cannot come, you need not bother to write or telephone. And you need not dress for this occasioneither. But come if you can. We will be happy to see you.
　　"Sincerely, your aunt,"ELIZABETH GRIFFITHS"On reading this Clyde, who, during all this silence and the prosecution of a task in the shrinking room which wasso eminently distasteful to him, was being more and more weighed upon by the thought that possibly, after all,this quest of his was going to prove a vain one and that he was going to be excluded from any real contact withhis great relatives, was most romantically and hence impractically heartened. For only see--here was thisgrandiose letter with its "very happy to see you," which seemed to indicate that perhaps, after all, they did notthink so badly of him. Mr. Samuel Griffiths had been away all the time. That was it. Now he would get to see hisaunt and cousins and the inside of that great house. It must be very wonderful. They might even take him up afterthis--who could tell? But how remarkable that he should be taken up now, just when he had about decided thatthey would not.
　　And forthwith his interest in, as well as his weakness for, Rita, if not Zella and Dillard began to evaporate. What!
　　Mix with people so far below him--a Griffiths--in the social scale here and at the cost of endangering hisconnection with that important family. Never! It was a great mistake. Didn't this letter coming just at this timeprove it? And fortunately--(how fortunately!)--he had had the good sense not to let himself in for anything asyet. And so now, without much trouble, and because, most likely from now on it would prove necessary for himso to do he could gradually eliminate himself from this contact with Dillard--move away from Mrs. Cuppy's--ifnecessary, or say that his uncle had cautioned him--anything, but not go with this crowd any more, just the same.
　　It wouldn't do. It would endanger his prospects in connection with this new development. And instead oftroubling over Rita and Utica now, he began to formulate for himself once more the essential nature of theprivate life of the Griffiths, the fascinating places they must go, the interesting people with whom they must be incontact. And at once he began to think of the need of a dress suit, or at least a tuxedo and trousers. Accordinglythe next morning, he gained permission from Mr. Kemerer to leave at eleven and not return before one, and inthat time he managed to find coat, trousers and a pair of patent leather shoes, as well as a white silk muffler forthe money he had already saved. And so arrayed he felt himself safe. He must make a good impression.
　　And for the entire time between then and Sunday evening, instead of thinking of Rita or Dillard or Zella anymore, he was thinking of this opportunity. Plainly it was an event to be admitted to the presence of such magnificence.
　　The only drawback to all this, as he well sensed now, was this same Gilbert Griffiths, who surveyed him alwayswhenever he met him anywhere with such hard, cold eyes. He might be there, and then he would probablyassume that superior attitude, to make him feel his inferior position, if he could--and Clyde had the weakness attimes of admitting to himself that he could. And no doubt, if he (Clyde) sought to carry himself with too much ofan air in the presence of this family, Gilbert most likely would seek to take it out of him in some way later inconnection with the work in the factory. He might see to it, for instance, that his father heard only unfavorablethings about him. And, of course, if he were retained in this wretched shrinking room, and given no show of anykind, how could he expect to get anywhere or be anybody? It was just his luck that on arriving here he shouldfind this same Gilbert looking almost like him and being so opposed to him for obviously no reason at all.
　　However, despite all his doubts, he decided to make the best of this opportunity, and accordingly on Sundayevening at six set out for the Griffiths' residence, his nerves decidedly taut because of the ordeal before him. Andwhen he reached the main gate, a large, arched wrought iron affair which gave in on a wide, winding brick walkwhich led to the front entrance, he lifted the heavy latch which held the large iron gates in place, with almost aquaking sense of adventure. And as he approached along the walk, he felt as though he might well be the objectof observant and critical eyes. Perhaps Mr. Samuel or Mr. Gilbert Griffiths or one or the other of the two sisterswas looking at him now from one of those heavily curtained windows. On the lower floor several lights glowedwith a soft and inviting radiance.
　　This mood, however, was brief. For soon the door was opened by a servant who took his coat and invited himinto the very large living room, which was very impressive. To Clyde, even after the Green-Davidson and theUnion League, it seemed a very beautiful room. It contained so many handsome pieces of furniture and such richrugs and hangings. A fire burned in the large, high fireplace before which was circled a number of divans andchairs. There were lamps, a tall clock, a great table. No one was in the room at the moment, but presently asClyde fidgeted and looked about he heard a rustling of silk to the rear, where a great staircase descended fromthe rooms above. And from there he saw Mrs. Griffiths approaching him, a bland and angular and faded-lookingwoman. But her walk was brisk, her manner courteous, if non-committal, as was her custom always, and after afew moments of conversation he found himself peaceful and fairly comfortable in her presence.
　　"My nephew, I believe," she smiled.
　　"Yes," replied Clyde simply, and because of his nervousness, with unusual dignity. "I am Clyde Griffiths.""I'm very glad to see you and to welcome you to our home," began Mrs. Griffiths with a certain amount ofaplomb which years of contact with the local high world had given her at last. "And my children will be, too, ofcourse. Bella is not here just now or Gilbert, either, but then they will be soon, I believe. My husband is resting,but I heard him stirring just now, and he'll be down in a moment. Won't you sit here?" She motioned to a largedivan between them. "We dine nearly always alone here together on Sunday evening, so I thought it would benice if you came just to be alone with us. How do you like Lycurgus now?"She arranged herself on one of the large divans before the fire and Clyde rather awkwardly seated himself at arespectful distance from her.
　　"Oh, I like it very much," he observed, exerting himself to be congenial and to smile. "Of course I haven't seen sovery much of it yet, but what I have I like. This street is one of the nicest I have ever seen anywhere," he addedenthusiastically. "The houses are so large and the grounds so beautiful.""Yes, we here in Lycurgus pride ourselves on Wykeagy Avenue," smiled Mrs. Griffiths, who took no end ofsatisfaction in the grace and rank of her own home in this street. She and her husband had been so long climbingup to it. "Every one who sees it seems to feel the same way about it. It was laid out many years ago whenLycurgus was just a village. It is only within the last fifteen years that it has come to be as handsome as it is now.
　　"But you must tell me something about your mother and father. I never met either of them, you know, though, ofcourse, I have heard my husband speak of them often--that is, of his brother, anyhow," she corrected. "I don'tbelieve he ever met your mother. How is your father?""Oh, he's quite well," replied Clyde, simply. "And Mother, too. They're living in Denver now. We did live for awhile in Kansas City, but for the last three years they've been out there. I had a letter from Mother only the otherday. She says everything is all right.""Then you keep up a correspondence with her, do you? That's nice." She smiled, for by now she had becomeinterested by and, on the whole, rather taken with Clyde's appearance. He looked so neat and generallypresentable, so much like her own son that she was a little startled at first and intrigued on that score. If anything,Clyde was taller, better built and hence better looking, only she would never have been willing to admit that. Forto her Gilbert, although he was intolerant and contemptuous even to her at times, simulating an affection whichwas as much a custom as a reality, was still a dynamic and aggressive person putting himself and his conclusionsbefore everyone else. Whereas Clyde was more soft and vague and fumbling. Her son's force must be due to theinnate ability of her husband as well as the strain of some relatives in her own line who had not been unlikeGilbert, while Clyde probably drew his lesser force from the personal unimportance of his parents.
　　But having settled this problem in her son's favor, Mrs. Griffiths was about to ask after his sisters and brothers,when they were interrupted by Samuel Griffiths who now approached. Measuring Clyde, who had risen, verysharply once more, and finding him very satisfactory in appearance at least, he observed: "Well, so here you are,eh? They've placed you, I believe, without my ever seeing you.""Yes, sir," replied Clyde, very deferentially and half bowing in the presence of so great a man.
　　"Well, that's all right. Sit down! Sit down! I'm very glad they did. I hear you're working down in the shrinkingroom at present. Not exactly a pleasant place, but not such a bad place to begin, either--at the bottom. The bestpeople start there sometimes." He smiled and added: "I was out of the city when you came on or I would haveseen you.""Yes, sir," replied Clyde, who had not ventured to seat himself again until Mr. Griffiths had sunk into a verylarge stuffed chair near the divan. And the latter, now that he saw Clyde in an ordinary tuxedo with a smartpleated shirt and black tie, as opposed to the club uniform in which he had last seen him in Chicago, was inclinedto think him even more attractive than before--not quite as negligible and unimportant as his son Gilbert had made out. Still, not being dead to the need of force and energy in business and sensing that Clyde wasundoubtedly lacking in these qualities, he did now wish that Clyde had more vigor and vim in him. It wouldreflect more handsomely on the Griffiths end of the family and please his son more, maybe.
　　"Like it where you are now?" he observed condescendingly.
　　"Well, yes, sir, that is, I wouldn't say that I like it exactly," replied Clyde quite honestly. "But I don't mind it. It'sas good as any other way to begin, I suppose." The thought in his mind at the moment was that he would like toimpress on his uncle that he was cut out for something better. And the fact that his cousin Gilbert was not presentat the moment gave him the courage to say it.
　　"Well, that's the proper spirit," commented Samuel Griffiths, pleased. "It isn't the most pleasant part of theprocess, I will admit, but it's one of the most essential things to know, to begin with. And it takes a little time, ofcourse, to get anywhere in any business these days."From this Clyde wondered how long he was to be left in that dim world below stairs.
　　But while he was thinking this Myra came forward, curious about him and what he would be like, and verypleased to see that he was not as uninteresting as Gilbert had painted him. There was something, as she now saw,about Clyde's eyes--nervous and somewhat furtive and appealing or seeking--that at once interested her, andreminded her, perhaps, since she was not much of a success socially either, of something in herself.
　　"Your cousin, Clyde Griffiths, Myra," observed Samuel rather casually, as Clyde arose. "My daughter Myra," headded, to Clyde. "This is the young man I've been telling you about."Clyde bowed and then took the cool and not very vital hand that Myra extended to him, but feeling it just thesame to be more friendly and considerate than the welcome of the others.
　　"Well, I hope you'll like it, now that you're here," she began, genially. "We all like Lycurgus, only after ChicagoI suppose it will not mean so very much to you." She smiled and Clyde, feeling very formal and stiff in thepresence of all these very superior relatives, now returned a stiff "thank you," and was just about to seat himselfwhen the outer door opened and Gilbert Griffiths strode in. The whirring of a motor had preceded this--a motorthat had stopped outside the large east side entrance. "Just a minute, Dolge," he called to some one outside. "Iwon't be long." Then turning to the family, he added: "Excuse me, folks, I'll be back in a minute." He dashed upthe rear stairs, only to return after a time and confront Clyde, if not the others, with that same rather icy andinconsiderate air that had so far troubled him at the factory. He was wearing a light, belted motoring coat of avery pronounced stripe, and a dark leather cap and gauntlets which gave him almost a military air. After noddingto Clyde rather stiffly, and adding, "How do you do," he laid a patronizing hand on his father's shoulder andobserved: "Hi, Dad. Hello, Mother. Sorry I can't be with you to-night. But I just came over from Amsterdam withDolge and Eustis to get Constance and Jacqueline. There's some doings over at the Bridgemans'. But I'll be backagain before morning. Or at the office, anyhow. Everything all right with you, Mr. Griffiths?" he observed to hisfather.
　　"Yes, I have nothing to complain of," returned his father. "But it seems to me you're making a pretty long night of it, aren't you?""Oh, I don't mean that," returned his son, ignoring Clyde entirely. "I just mean that if I can't get back by two, I'llstay over, that's all, see." He tapped his father genially on the shoulder again.
　　"I hope you're not driving that car as fast as usual," complained his mother. "It's not safe at all.""Fifteen miles an hour, Mother. Fifteen miles an hour. I know the rules." He smiled loftily.
　　Clyde did not fail to notice the tone of condescension and authority that went with all this. Plainly here, as at thefactory, he was a person who had to be reckoned with. Apart from his father, perhaps, there was no one here towhom he offered any reverence. What a superior attitude, thought Clyde!
　　How wonderful it must be to be a son who, without having had toearn all this, could still be so much, take oneself so seriously, exercise so much command and authority. It mightbe, as it plainly was, that this youth was very superior and indifferent in tone toward him. But think of being sucha youth, having so much power at one's command!
第九章
这次除了给克莱德一阵子激动和兴奋劲儿以外,到头来还使他重新考虑自己在这里该怎样走正路这个问题.眼前这个姑娘,正以如此坦率、乃至于挑逗性的方式亲近他.可在不久以前,他明明向自己和妈妈保证,说他在这里循规蹈矩,与过去迥然不同——决不跟导致他在堪萨斯城栽跟头的那一号人接近,或是发生什么关系.可是啊——可是啊——
现在他所受到的诱惑,是不可抗拒的.跟丽达一接触,他就感觉到,她正期待他作出进一步表示——而且刻不容缓.可是,如何表示呢?又在哪儿表示呢?反正不是在这个陌生的大房间.除了迪拉特和泽拉假装要去的厨房以外,这里自然还有别的房间.不过,要是他们之间一旦确立这样一种关系,那以后又该怎么办呢?对方会希望他继续保持这种关系.要是他把它一刀两断,岂不是让自己陷入难以解决的纠葛中去吗?他一边跟她跳舞,大胆放肆地抚摸她,一边却在心中思忖:"我不应该这么干,可不是吗?这里是莱柯格斯.在这里,我是格里菲思家族的一员啊.我知道,这些年轻姑娘——乃至于她们的父母对我要求什么.难道说我真的爱这个丽达吗?也许说不定是她太迅速、太轻易地就向我不战而降吧?即使说对我在这里的前途不会真的构成危险,那也是令人心中感到不快——这种亲密关系不是来得太快了吗?"这时他的心境,竟跟堪萨斯城冶游时不无相似之处——一方面他被丽达迷住了,另一方面又引起了反感.如今,他至多只能稍加克制地吻她,抚摸她,直到迪拉特和泽拉又回来了,也就不可能再那样亲亲密密了.
不知哪儿的时钟敲了两下,丽达突然想到自己非走不可了——她回家这么晚,她父母会感到不满.既然迪拉特丝毫没有离开泽拉的迹象,自然该由克莱德护送丽达回家.这本是一大乐事,只因他们两人都有一种朦朦胧胧的失望,乃至于失败的感觉,此刻双方不免有些败兴了.他暗自寻思:他刚才辜负了她的期待.可她暗自思忖:显然,他还没有胆量在她乐意奉献以后再越雷池一步.
一路上,他们谈话时提到后会有期,那时也许会玩得更好,等等.甚至到了她家门口(她家住得不算太远),此时她的态度,显然还是意味深长的.他们分了手,可是克莱德还在心里告诫自己:这样一种新的关系发展得太快了.他心中没有把握,该不该在这里发展这样一种关系,而且如此之快.他上这里来以前所下的那些美好的决心,现在都上哪儿去了?他应该怎么办呢?可是,由于丽达富于肉感和魅力,他对当初自己的决心,与现在自己又不敢越雷池一步(其实他大可不必如此),都觉得很恼火.
后来接连有两件事,终于使克莱德把这个问题给解决了.一是与格里菲思一家人的态度有关.除了吉尔伯特以外,他们全家人并不反对他,也不是完全不关心他,但是,不论塞缪尔·格里菲思也好,还是家里其他成员也好,他们都没有认识到:他们一家人应该对他表示哪怕是一丁点儿关注,就是不时真心诚意地对他进行劝告,要不然的话,即便克莱德在这里不是真的感到寂寞,也会觉得挺别扭的;所以,不妨说他们全家对克莱德的态度是一个失败.塞缪尔·格里菲思一向非常忙,没得空闲,至少在头一个月里几乎一点儿都没想到过克莱德.他听说克莱德一到,住处早已安顿好了,以后也有人会好好照料他的——那么,至少暂时没有什么事需要为他做了吧?
因此,整整五个星期里,对于克莱德什么事都没有做,吉尔伯特·格里菲思对此感到很满意.克莱德只是在地下室里过糊涂日子,心里纳闷,真不知道关于他的将来人家已经做了怎样的安排.周围一些人(包括迪拉特和那些年轻姑娘在内)
的态度,终于使他在这里的地位看起来有点儿莫名其妙.
但是,克莱德来这里已有一个多月(主要因为吉尔伯特好象不乐意提到他),有一天老格里菲思才这么问道:"哦,你的堂兄弟怎么啦?现在,他干得怎么样?"吉尔伯特不免有点担心,不知道父亲这一问会预示着什么,便回答说,"哦,他一切都好.我让他到防缩车间先干起来.这样安排好吗?"
"是啊,我想可以.依我看,让他从头学起,这个工作可比别的合适得多了.不过,现在你对他评价怎么样?"
"哦,"吉尔伯特回答时态度很稳健,而又很有独立见解——这一特点,历来为他父亲所赞赏,"评价不太高.我看,他还不错.工作也许他还对付得了.不过,依我看,他在这里不象会有很大出息似的.你也知道,他没有受过什么教育.这一点,谁都看得出来.再说,他好象不肯卖力似的.我看他这个人太软弱.不过,我还是不想净找他岔儿.也许他还不错.你喜欢他,可我也许把人看错了.不过,我总觉得,他上这儿来的真正意图,是认为你照顾他会比别人多得多,因为他跟你是近亲."
"哦,你以为他有这样想法.嘿,他要是有这样想法,那就错了."可是,老格里菲思还有点儿戏谑地笑着继续说,"不过,也许他不象你所想象的那么不能干吧.他在这里时间还不长,我们对他也还难说,可不是吗?他在芝加哥给我的印象可不是这样.再说,我们这里还有不少小小的职位可以安插他,不算多大浪费,反正他也不是世界上最有天才的家伙,是不是?他要是安于一辈子就干这样的小差使,那是他的事啦.我也阻拦不住.不过,不管怎么说,反正现在我还不想把他打发走,而且,我也不指望他打零工去.这也不行.说到底,他毕竟跟我们是亲戚.暂时让他到防缩车间干一阵,看看他在哪儿有能耐呗."
"好的,爸爸,"他儿子回答说.他心里真是巴不得父亲会心不在焉地让克莱德待在目前这个地方——待在厂里所有工作中最低贱的职位上.
然而,塞缪尔·格里菲思又找补着说,使他儿子深为不满:"最近得请他上我们家吃饭,好不好?这件事我早就想过,可就是一直没得空.事前我早就该跟你妈说一声.他一直没有来过这里,是不是?"
"没有,先生,我可没听说过,"他态度冷峻地说.这事他压根儿不喜欢,但他为人八面玲珑,不便立时表示反对."我想,我们个个都在等你的意见呢."
"那敢情好,"塞缪尔接下去说,"你们最好了解清楚他住在哪儿,就去请他来吧.定在这个星期日得了,反正我们没有什么别的事."他发觉儿子的目光里有一丝儿迟疑乃至于不赞成的神色,就找补着说,"不管怎么说,吉尔,他总是我的侄子,你的堂弟,我们可不能压根儿不睬他.你知道,那是要不得的.今儿晚上,你最好跟你妈说一声,要不然我来说,这事就由我来安排了."他在桌子抽屉里找了一会儿文件,这时关上抽屉,站了起来,取下帽子和大衣,走出了办公室.
这次谈话后给克莱德送去了一份请帖,邀他星期日下午六点半上格里菲思家便饭.通常星期日中午一点半,他们照例设宴,邀请本地或是别处来访的一两位至亲好友.到六点半,这些客人差不离都走了,格里菲思一家人里头有时也有一两位走了,那时,格里菲思夫妇和麦拉就在一起共进便餐——而贝拉和吉尔伯特往往上别处赴约去了.
可是这一回,格里菲思太太、麦拉和贝拉一起商量后决定,到时她们都准备参加,只有吉尔伯特一人例外,因为一是他反对这件事,二是他另有约会.他说,到时他在家最多只能待一会儿.这么一来,吉尔伯特很高兴地看到招待克莱德仅仅限于本家族小圈子内,就不会跟午后或许突然来访的重要亲友碰头,因而也用不着把克莱德向客人们进行介绍和说明了.此外,还可以有机会让他们完全不受任何约束地亲自观察一下他,看看究竟该如何看待他.
这时,克莱德觉得自己跟迪拉特、丽达和泽拉的关系已成为棘手的问题,突然间又受到格里菲思家这次决定的影响.那天晚上在舒曼家里聚会以后,尽管当时克莱德心中犹豫不决,可他们三个人(包括丽达本人在内)还是认为他一定被她的魅力所倾倒了,因此,向克莱德作出了各种各样的暗示.最后,由迪拉特出面直接向他提出了邀请,也可以说是一种提议,大意说:既然他本人和克莱德跟那两位姑娘已建立了同志般友情,他们不妨去哪儿作一次周末旅行——最好去尤蒂卡或是奥尔巴尼.姑娘们,当然罗,一定会去的.他可以通过泽拉跟丽达事前说定,如果克莱德心里对这事能不能谈成还有疑虑或是担忧的话."您知道,她是喜欢您的.前天泽拉跟我说,她认为您很帅.是姑娘们的宠儿.怎么样?"他怪亲热地轻轻推了一推克莱德的胳膊肘——这种亲热的关照,要是在过去,克莱德恐怕决不会放过的,可现在并不喜欢,因为他认为自己隶属于一个新的、更高贵的圈子,而且还深知自己在莱柯格斯是何许人也.是的,真可以说,这些家伙只要觉得你比他们高出一头,就这么起劲儿!
再说,迪拉特这个建议,虽然从某个观点来看很带劲,很迷人——但也可能给他招来无穷的麻烦——可不是吗?首先,他没有钱——到现在为止,一星期才只有十五块美元——要是指望他这样大手大脚花钱出去旅行,那他当然是办不到的.车费、饭费,以至旅馆住宿费,也许两个人还要坐坐小汽车.这么一来,他就得跟他几乎还不了解的丽达变得关系很密切.以后,说不定她就觉得在莱柯格斯这里也可以继续这么亲亲热热的——还指望他经常去看她——带她到处玩儿去——然后——唉,老天哪,万一让格里菲思一家人,他堂兄吉尔伯特听说了,或是看见了呢.泽拉不是说过,她老是在莱柯格斯街上碰见吉尔伯特吗?说不定在什么地方,说不定什么时候,正当他们俩在一块时——恰巧给吉尔伯特撞见了?这样,吉尔伯特不就会认定克莱德跟迪拉特这样一个微不足道的商店小伙计过往很密切吗?说不定他在这里的终身事业也就此完蛋了!谁知道这样下去还会招致什么样的后果啊?
克莱德咳了一声,说的净是各种各样的托词.现在他工作多,没有空.此外——象那样担风险的事——他可得先考虑一下.他的那些亲戚,你也清楚嘛.再说,星期日与下星期日,他厂里还有不少紧急工作,使他没法离开莱柯格斯.看来还得过了这一阵再说.其实,有时他也回想到丽达的魅力,使他心中困惑不安.这时,由于他摇摆不定的性格,直接违背自己先前作出的决定,心里又在盘算另一种计划——是不是在两三个星期内应该尽量节省自己开支,然后照样出去玩儿.他早已在积攒一些钱,打算买一套新晚礼服和一顶折叠式大礼帽.这笔钱能不能动用一部分呢——虽然他也知道这么一个计划完全是错误的了.
那个俏丽、丰腴、肉感的丽达啊!
可是以后,正好在这个时刻,格里菲思家的请帖来了.有一天,傍晚时分,下班后回来,已很困累,可心里还在盘算迪拉特这个诱人的提议,他发现自己房里桌子上有一封信.是重磅纸,很漂亮,是他不在家时,由格里菲思家一个佣人送来的.信封封口处浮凸出"E．G．"的缩写字样,特别引起了他的注意.
他马上把信拆开,急忙读来:
我亲爱的侄儿:
自从您来这儿以后,我丈夫经常去外地出差.我们虽然一直希望您来,可是总觉得最好还是等他有空时再说.
最近他比较空些,要是您觉得方便,能在星期日下午六点钟跟我们共进晚餐,那我们将感到非常高兴.我们的晚餐是非常随便——只有家里人——因此,不论您能来,或是不能来,您用不着再写信,或是打电话.而且您也用不着特别穿上什么晚礼服.不过,还是请您尽可能来.见到您,我们一定很高兴.
您诚挚的伯母
伊丽莎白·格里菲思
克莱德读了这封信,心中又充满了罗曼蒂克的梦想,因而还不切实际地用它来激励自己.最近他一直默默无声,在防缩车间干他最腻味的活儿,这时,有一个念头使克莱德心中越发困惑不安:也许他的探求到头来只不过是一场空,他那显贵亲戚也不会真的跟他建立什么关系.可现在,看吧——这儿就有这么一封堂堂正正的信,上面还写着"见到您,我们一定很高兴".这封信好象说明,他们对他的看法也许并不是那么坏.塞缪尔·格里菲思经常去外地出差.问题就在这里.现在,他就可以见到他的伯母、他的堂兄妹,还可以到那座大公馆里去.一定非常了不起.往后,也许他们会关心他的命运——有谁知道呢?正当他几乎认定他们不会关心他的时候,他们忽然惦念起他来了,该有多走运啊.
他对丽达的迷恋,一下子就烟消云散了,至于他对泽拉和迪拉特的兴趣,就更不用提了.乖乖!跟社会地位远远地低于他——一个格里菲思家族成员——的那些人厮混在一起,甘冒危及他跟这一名门世家关系的风险,那可要不得!这是天大的错误.眼前及时送来的这封信,不就证明了这一点吗?幸亏(多么运气啊!)他一直很明智,始终没有同意这次旅行.因此,从现在起他必须不声不响地逐渐中断同迪拉特的这种亲密关系——而且,要是必要的话,甚至还要从柯比太太家搬出来——要不然,就干脆说,他伯父已提醒过他——说到底,只有一句话,断断乎不可再跟这拨人厮混在一起了.象那样再厮混在一起,是万万不行的.它将危及由于新近来了伯母邀请信而维系着的个人前途.现在,他已不再想到丽达和尤蒂卡之行等事了.相反,他心里又开始琢磨起格里菲思一家人的生活情景,他们常去玩儿的那些迷人的地方,以及在他们周围那些有趣的人物,等等.他马上想到,他要上伯父家作客,就非得有一套晚礼服,至少也得有一套无尾常礼服.于是,转天上午,他得到凯默勒许可,十一点就下班,到一点钟再上班.在这段时间里,他就用自己的积蓄,买了一套无尾常礼服、一双漆皮鞋,还有一条白色丝围巾.他这才放心了,觉得自己经过这么一打扮,谅必给人留下一个好印象.
从那时起,一直到星期日傍晚,在这整段时间里,他早已不再去想丽达、迪拉特,或是泽拉,净在想这次大好机会.有幸亲临如此高门鼎贵的府邸,显然是一件了不起的大事.
现在他看得很清楚,这件事中唯一的障碍,还是这个吉尔伯特·格里菲思,此人不论在何时何地,始终用那么严肃、冷峻的目光打量他.到时,也许他就在那里,恐怕他又要摆出一副唯我独尊的派头,逼使克莱德感到自己地位低下——克莱德有时不能不承认吉尔伯特果然是常常得逞的.毫无疑问,要是他(克莱德)在格里菲思一家人面前表现得太神气,事后吉尔伯特准在厂里工作上找岔儿,来报复他.比方说,他可以在他父亲面前说些净是对克莱德不利的话.当然,如果老是把克莱德放在这个糟透了的防缩车间,也不给他表现机会,那他还有什么出人头地的指望呢?克莱德一到这里,就同这个长相简直跟他一模一样,但不知怎的总是容不了他的吉尔伯特给撞见了——这真可以说是他倒霉透顶.
不过,尽管心中有这么多疑虑,克莱德还是决定要充分利用这次大好机会.于是,星期日傍晚六点钟,他就动身去格里菲思府邸,因为即将面临一次考验,心里也就非常忐忑不安.他一走到大门口,经过一座拱形的大铁门,走上一条迂回曲折、路面宽敞的砖砌过道,径直来到了主楼正门入口处.他几乎感到有如探险时的心惊胆颤,举起了大铁门上沉甸甸的门闩.当他沿着过道径直往前走去的时候,心里想他很可能成为一双双犀利而又严厉的眼睛注视的对象.说不定塞缪尔先生,或是吉尔伯特·格里菲思先生,或是格里菲思两姐妹里头的一个,正从挂着厚厚的窗帘后面仔细看着他.从楼下窗子里,有好几盏灯正迸射出一种柔和、诱人的亮光.
不过,克莱德这种惴惴不安的心境,毕竟是瞬息即逝.因为,不一会儿一个仆人打开了门,接过他的外套,诸他走进那个给他印象很深的大客厅.即便克莱德见识过格林－戴维逊大酒店和芝加哥联谊俱乐部,照样觉得这个大客厅非常华丽,厅内陈设精致漂亮,还有富丽堂皇的地毯、挂幔,等等.一座又高又大、火苗儿正旺的壁炉前,围着一些沙发和椅子.此外还有几盏灯、一台高高的座钟和一张大桌子.这时客厅里一个人也没有.不过,就在克莱德坐立不安、东张西望之际,只听到从客厅后面大楼梯上传来绸衣窸窣的响声.但见格里菲思太太,一个秉性温和、瘦骨嶙峋、脸色苍白的妇人,正下楼朝他走来.可是她步履轻盈,态度可亲,虽说跟她往日一样,不免有些拘谨.寒暄之后,他觉得在她面前心情相当轻松自在.
"我的侄儿,可不是吗?"她微笑着说.
"是的,"克莱德回答得很简短,但由于心里紧张,就显得异乎寻常地一本正经."我——就是克莱德·格里菲思.""见到您,我很高兴,欢迎您上我们家里来,"格里菲思太太一开头就这样说,语气显得相当泰然自若,这是多年来她跟本地上流社会人士交际应酬的结果."当然罗,我的孩子们也很高兴.贝拉和吉尔伯特正好都不在家,不过,我想他们马上就会回来的.我丈夫此刻正在休息,但我刚才听到他走动的脚步声,大概一会儿就下楼了.请您在这里坐坐,好吗?"她指着他们中间的一张大沙发."星期日晚上,我们通常仅仅家里人在一块吃饭,所以,我想,要是您能来,跟我们一家人叙叙,那可敢情好呀.您觉得莱柯格斯怎么样?"
她在壁炉前一张大沙发上坐下,克莱德为了表示尊敬她,怪别扭地坐在离她有相当距离的座位上.
"哦,这个城市——我可非常喜欢它,"他尽量模仿她的口吻,笑眯眯地回答说."当然罗,我去过的地方还不太多,不过,就我所见到的来说,我是喜欢这个城市的.我一辈子所见过的大街,就数你们这条街最漂亮的了,"他兴冲冲找补着说."房子都这么大,院子又这么美啊."
"是啊,我们莱柯格斯人常常把威克帝大街引以自豪,"格里菲思太太微笑着说.这条大街上她自己府邸那种显赫荣光,她历来是赞不绝口的.她和他丈夫一直不断往上爬了这么长时间,才到达了这条大街."不拘是谁,见了这条大街,好象都有同感.这条大街是很多年以前才修建而成的,那时节,莱柯格斯还只不过是一个村子罢了.不过,只是在最近十五年内,才变得象现在那样漂亮."
"哦,现在,您一定得给我谈谈您妈妈、爸爸的情况.您也知道,我跟他们从没有见过面.当然罗,我时常听我丈夫谈到他们——那就是说,谈到他的弟弟,"她给自己纠正说."我想,他也从来没有见过您妈妈吧.您爸爸近来好吗?"
"哦,他身体很好,"侄子回答得很简短."妈妈也很好.目前他们住在丹佛.从前,我们在堪萨斯城住过,但三年前全家都搬到那边去了.最近,我还接到妈妈一封信.她说一切都很好."
"这么说,您和她一直通信,是吗?那很好,"她微笑着说,因为克莱德的模样儿使她很感兴趣,而且,就总体来说,她还相当喜欢克莱德的模样儿.他长得那么雅致,举止仪态,又是那么落落大方.最主要的是,他长得活象她自己的儿子,开头她大吃一惊,继而却被他所吸引住了.要说还有哪儿不象的话,那就是,克莱德长得比她儿子高大些、结实些,因此也就更潇洒些,这一点只怕她决不肯坦白承认罢了.因为她觉得,吉尔伯特虽然脾气倔犟,有时甚至对妈也要怠慢无礼,这种情况确实存在,然而却也是一种习惯性的矫揉造作.在她心目中,吉尔伯特依然是个精明强悍,干劲十足的青年人,善于卫护自己和自己所作的结论.而克莱德就比较软弱,模棱两可,畏缩不前.她儿子的才能,想必是由她丈夫的天赋和她的家系中跟吉尔伯特十分相象的某些亲戚的血统造成的.至于克莱德,他的性格之所以软弱,也许由于他父母乃是市井细民的缘故吧.
格里菲思太太解决这个问题时,完全袒护自己的儿子.随后,正当她要打听一下克莱德的兄弟姐妹的情况时,突然塞缪尔·格里菲思走了进来,把她的话给打断了.这时,克莱德早已站了起来.老格里菲思再一次用犀利无比的目光把他打量了一遍,发现他至少在外表上还令人十分满意,开口说:"哦,是您在这儿,嗯?后来我就再没有见您,他们已把您安置好了,是吧?"
"是的,先生,"克莱德回答说,并在这位大人物面前必恭必敬地鞠了一躬.
"啊,那敢情好.请坐!请坐!他们把您安置好了,我很高兴.我听说现在您在底下防缩车间工作.说不上是一个令人愉快的地方,不过,要从头学起嘛,也不算是一个坏地方——都得从基层做起.顶呱呱的人,有时候就是这样开始的,"他微微一笑,找补着说,"您来的时候,我正好去外地,要不然,我早就跟您会面啦."
"是的,先生,"克莱德回答说.直到格里菲思先生已坐在长沙发旁边一张宽大的椅子里,克莱德才敢再坐下来.格里菲思先生见克莱德身穿一套普通的常礼服、一件打褶的漂亮衬衫,系上一条黑领带,跟前次在芝加哥看到他所穿的俱乐部制服相比,就觉得他甚至比过去还漂亮些——根本不象他儿子吉尔伯特所说的那样不显眼和微不足道.不过话又说回来,他也何尝不知道做生意需要魄力和才干,而且发觉克莱德无疑缺乏这些素质,因此,他倒是很希望能从克莱德身上看到更多活力和干劲.这就更加富有格里菲思家族的特色,也许会让他的儿子更加高兴哩.
"喜欢您现在的工作吗?"他屈尊俯就地问.
"哦,是的,先生,说得更确切些,我并不特别喜欢,"克莱德如实相告说."不过,我并不介意.依我看,要从头学起,不论干啥工作都好."这时,他心里很想给伯父留下好印象,好让他觉得自己完全可以干更好一些的工作.再说,他的堂兄吉尔伯特并不在场,也给了他敢于陈述个人意见的胆量.
"哦,应该有这种精神,"塞缪尔·格里菲思相当满意地说."可我得承认,在整个工艺过程中,这一部分并不是最让人喜欢的,不过,要从头学起的话,这倒是顶基本的,不能不了解.现在,不论是哪一行,谁都不能一下子出人头地,当然罗,都得需要经过一段时间."
克莱德听了这句话,扪心自问,真不知道他在楼底下那个阴沉沉的地下室里还得待多久呢.
正当他在暗自寻思,麦拉走进来了.她好奇地瞅了他一眼,发现他并不象吉尔伯特所描述的那样索然无味,心里很高兴.她发觉,克莱德的目光里——仿佛有些紧张不安,而且多少有些鬼鬼祟祟、苦苦哀求,或是有所寻求似的——这一下子引起了她的兴趣,也许还让她联想到自己性格里也有某些相似之处.因为,她自己在上流社会交际应酬方面也不见得十分得意.
"麦拉,这是你的堂兄,克莱德·格里菲思,"克莱德站起身来时,塞缪尔漫不经心地说."她是我的女儿,麦拉,"他又对克莱德找补着说."他就是我常常跟你们谈到的那个年轻人."
克莱德鞠了一躬,随后,握了一下麦拉伸给他的冷冷的、没有活气的手,但还是觉得她对他的态度要比别人更为友好、更为周到.
"哦,既然现在您已经来了,我希望您会喜欢这个地方,"她和颜悦色地开始说话了."我们大家都喜欢莱柯格斯.只是您到过芝加哥,我想,您会觉得这里太寒伧了."她微微一笑.而克莱德在所有高门鼎贵的亲戚面前却感到很拘束、很生硬,所以只好回了她一句客套话"谢谢您".他正要坐下来,这时门敞开了,吉尔伯特迈开大步,走了进来.(在这以前,只听见外面一辆汽车呜呜响,停在东头大门口.)"就这么一会儿,道奇,"他向外面一个什么人打招呼说."我可待不了多久的."随后,他对自己家里人说:"请各位原谅,我马上就回来."他冲上后面的楼梯,不一会儿又回来了.他那种冷若冰霜、无动于衷的目光,曾经使克莱德在厂里感到惴惴不安,这时又向克莱德扫了一遍.他身上穿的是驾车兜风时穿的亮条纹、中间索腰带的行装,还戴上一顶黑色皮帽子和宽口大手套,看起来倒是颇有军人气概.他生硬地向克莱德点了一下头,又添了一句"您好",接着把一只手神气十足地搭在父亲肩头上,说:"您好,爸.您好,妈.非常抱歉,今儿晚上我不能跟你们在一块,不过,我跟道奇和尤斯蒂斯刚从阿姆斯特丹回来,要去找康斯坦斯和杰奎琳.布里奇曼家里还有点事.不过,天亮前我会回来的.反正不管怎么说,明儿早上我会上办事处去的.爸爸,您一切都很好吧?"他对父亲说.
"是啊,我可没有什么好嘀咕的,"他父亲回答说."不过,我觉得你好象打算玩个通宵,是吗?"
"哦,我可没有这个意思,"他儿子回答说,压根儿把克莱德撇在一边."我的意思是说,如果两点钟不回来,那我就在那里过夜啦.就是这么回事,明白吧."他怪亲热地又轻轻拍拍父亲的肩膀.
"但愿你开车可千万不要象平时那么快,"他母亲咕哝着说."那样太不安全啦."
"一小时十五英里,妈.一小时十五英里.行车规定我知道,"他自命不凡地微微一笑.
克莱德不能不注意到吉尔伯特同父母说话时那副降尊纡贵的权威语调.显然,在这里,如同在厂里一样,他是一个数得着的重要人物.这里,除了他的父亲,也许没有人可以得到他的尊敬了.他的态度多么傲慢——克莱德心里这么想.
做—个富翁的儿子,用不着自己辛辛苦苦去发家立业,可照样是那么傲气,自以为了不起,又掌握了那么大的权势——这该有多好啊.是的,这个年轻人对克莱德说话时的语气,当然,也很傲慢,很冷淡.不过,只要想一想:这样一个年轻人,他手里就掌握了那么大的权力啊!
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Part 2 Chapter 10
At this point a maid announced that supper was served and instantly Gilbert took his departure. At the same timethe family arose and Mrs. Griffiths asked the maid: "Has Bella telephoned yet?""No, ma'am," replied the servant, "not yet.""Well, have Mrs. Truesdale call up the Finchleys and see if she's there. You tell her I said that she is to comehome at once."The maid departed for a moment while the group proceeded to the dining room, which lay to the west of thestairs at the rear. Again, as Clyde saw, this was another splendidly furnished room done in a very light brown,with a long center table of carved walnut, evidently used only for special occasions. It was surrounded by high-backed chairs and lighted by candelabras set at even spaces upon it. In a lower ceilinged and yet ample circularalcove beyond this, looking out on the garden to the south, was a smaller table set for six. It was in this alcovethat they were to dine, a different thing from what Clyde had expected for some reason.
　　Seated in a very placid fashion, he found himself answering questions principally as to his own family, the natureof its life, past and present; how old was his father now? His mother? What had been the places of their residencebefore moving to Denver? How many brothers and sisters had he? How old was his sister, Esta? What did shedo? And the others? Did his father like managing a hotel? What had been the nature of his father's work inKansas City? How long had the family lived there?
　　Clyde was not a little troubled and embarrassed by this chain of questions which flowed rather heavily andsolemnly from Samuel Griffiths or his wife. And from Clyde's hesitating replies, especially in regard to thenature of the family life in Kansas City, both gathered that he was embarrassed and troubled by some of thequestions. They laid it to the extreme poverty of their relatives, of course. For having asked, "I suppose youbegan your hotel work in Kansas City, didn't you, after you left school?" Clyde blushed deeply, bethinkinghimself of the incident of the stolen car and of how little real schooling he had had. Most certainly he did not likethe thought of having himself identified with hotel life in Kansas City, and more especially the Green- Davidson.
　　But fortunately at this moment, the door opened and Bella entered, accompanied by two girls such as Clydewould have assumed at once belonged to this world. How different to Rita and Zella with whom his thought sorecently had been disturbedly concerned. He did not know Bella, of course, until she proceeded most familiarlyto address her family. But the others--one was Sondra Finchley, so frequently referred to by Bella and hermother--as smart and vain and sweet a girl as Clyde had ever laid his eyes upon--so different to any he had everknown and so superior. She was dressed in a close-fitting tailored suit which followed her form exactly andwhich was enhanced by a small dark leather hat, pulled fetchingly low over her eyes. A leather belt of the samecolor encircled her neck. By a leather leash she led a French bull and over one arm carried a most striking coat ofblack and gray checks--not too pronounced and yet having the effect of a man's modish overcoat. To Clyde'seyes she was the most adorable feminine thing he had seen in all his days. Indeed her effect on him was electric-thrilling--arousing in him a curiously stinging sense of what it was to want and not to have--to wish to win andyet to feel, almost agonizingly that he was destined not even to win a glance from her. It tortured and flusteredhim. At one moment he had a keen desire to close his eyes and shut her out--at another to look only at herconstantly--so truly was he captivated.
　　Yet, whether she saw him or not, she gave no sign at first, exclaiming to her dog: "Now, Bissell, if you're notgoing to behave, I'm going to take you out and tie you out there. Oh, I don't believe I can stay a moment if hewon't behave better than this." He had seen a family cat and was tugging to get near her.
　　Beside her was another girl whom Clyde did not fancy nearly so much, and yet who, after her fashion, was assmart as Sondra and perhaps as alluring to some. She was blonde--tow-headed--with clear almond-shaped,greenish-gray eyes, a small, graceful, catlike figure, and a slinky feline manner. At once, on entering, she sidledacross the room to the end of the table where Mrs. Griffiths sat and leaning over her at once began to purr.
　　"Oh, how are you, Mrs. Griffiths? I'm so glad to see you again. It's been some time since I've been over here,hasn't it? But then Mother and I have been away. She and Grant are over at Albany to-day. And I just picked upBella and Sondra here at the Lamberts'. You're just having a quiet little supper by yourselves, aren't you? Howare you, Myra?" she called, and reaching over Mrs. Griffiths' shoulder touched Myra quite casually on the arm,as though it were more a matter of form than anything else.
　　In the meantime Bella, who next to Sondra seemed to Clyde decidedly the most charming of the three, wasexclaiming: "Oh, I'm late. Sorry, Mamma and Daddy. Won't that do this time?" Then noting Clyde, and asthough for the first time, although he had risen as they entered and was still standing, she paused in semi-mockmodesty as did the others. And Clyde, oversensitive to just such airs and material distinctions, was fairlytremulous with a sense of his own inadequacy, as he waited to be introduced. For to him, youth and beauty insuch a station as this represented the ultimate triumph of the female. His weakness for Hortense Briggs, to say nothing of Rita, who was not so attractive as either of these, illustrated the effect of trim femininity on him,regardless of merit.
　　"Bella," observed Samuel Griffiths, heavily, noting Clyde still standing, "your cousin, Clyde.""Oh, yes," replied Bella, observing that Clyde looked exceedingly like Gilbert. "How are you? Mother has beensaying that you were coming to call one of these days." She extended a finger or two, then turned toward herfriends. "My friends, Miss Finchley and Miss Cranston, Mr. Griffiths."The two girls bowed, each in the most stiff and formal manner, at the same time studying Clyde most carefullyand rather directly, "Well, he does look like Gil a lot, doesn't he?" whispered Sondra to Bertine, who had drawnnear to her. And Bertine replied: "I never saw anything like it. He's really better-looking, isn't he-- a lot?"Sondra nodded, pleased to note in the first instance that he was somewhat better-looking than Bella's brother,whom she did not like--next that he was obviously stricken with her, which was her due, as she invariablydecided in connection with youths thus smitten with her. But having thus decided, and seeing that his glance waspersistently and helplessly drawn to her, she concluded that she need pay no more attention to him, for thepresent anyway. He was too easy.
　　But now Mrs. Griffiths, who had not anticipated this visitation and was a little irritated with Bella for introducingher friends at this time since it at once raised the question of Clyde's social position here, observed: "Hadn't youtwo better lay off your coats and sit down? I'll just have Nadine lay extra plates at this end. Bella, you can sitnext to your father.""Oh, no, not at all," and "No, indeed, we're just on our way home ourselves. I can't stay a minute," came fromSondra and Bertine. But now that they were here and Clyde had proved to be as attractive as he was, they wereperversely interested to see what, if any, social flair there was to him. Gilbert Griffiths, as both knew, was farfrom being popular in some quarters--their own in particular, however much they might like Bella. He was, fortwo such self-centered beauties as these, too aggressive, self-willed and contemptuous at times. Whereas Clyde,if one were to judge by his looks, at least was much more malleable. And if it were to prove now that he was ofequal station, or that the Griffiths thought so, decidedly he would be available locally, would he not? At any rate,it would be interesting to know whether he was rich. But this thought was almost instantly satisfied by Mrs.
　　Griffiths, who observed rather definitely and intentionally to Bertine: "Mr. Griffiths is a nephew of ours from theWest who has come on to see if he can make a place for himself in my husband's factory. He's a young man whohas to make his own way in the world and my husband has been kind enough to give him an opportunity."Clyde flushed, since obviously this was a notice to him that his social position here was decidedly below that ofthe Griffiths or these girls. At the same time, as he also noticed, the look of Bertine Cranston, who was onlyinterested in youths of means and position, changed from one of curiosity to marked indifference. On the otherhand, Sondra Finchley, by no means so practical as her friend, though of a superior station in her set, since shewas so very attractive and her parents possessed of even more means--re-surveyed Clyde with one thoughtwritten rather plainly on her face, that it was too bad. He really was so attractive.
　　At the same time Samuel Griffiths, having a peculiar fondness for Sondra, if not Bertine, whom Mrs. Griffiths also disliked as being too tricky and sly, was calling to her: "Here, Sondra, tie up your dog to one of the dining-room chairs and come and sit by me. Throw your coat over that chair. Here's room for you." He motioned to herto come.
　　"But I can't, Uncle Samuel!" called Sondra, familiarly and showily and yet somehow sweetly, seeking toingratiate herself by this affected relationship. "We're late now. Besides Bissell won't behave. Bertine and I arejust on our way home, truly.""Oh, yes, Papa," put in Bella, quickly, "Bertine's horse ran a nail in his foot yesterday and is going lame to-day.
　　And neither Grant nor his father is home. She wants to know if you know anything that's good for it.""Which foot is it?" inquired Griffiths, interested, while Clyde continued to survey Sondra as best he might. Shewas so delicious, he thought--her nose so tiny and tilted--her upper lip arched so roguishly upward toward hernose.
　　"It's the left fore. I was riding out on the East Kingston road yesterday afternoon. Jerry threw a shoe and musthave picked up a splinter, but John doesn't seem to be able to find it.""Did you ride him much with the nail, do you think?""About eight miles--all the way back.""Well, you had better have John put on some liniment and a bandage and call a veterinary. He'll come around allright, I'm sure."The group showed no signs of leaving and Clyde, left quite to himself for the moment, was thinking what aneasy, delightful world this must be--this local society. For here they were without a care, apparently, between anyof them. All their talk was of houses being built, horses they were riding, friends they had met, places they weregoing to, things they were going to do. And there was Gilbert, who had left only a little while before--motoringsomewhere with a group of young men. And Bella, his cousin, trifling around with these girls in the beautifulhomes of this street, while he was shunted away in a small third-floor room at Mrs. Cuppy's with no place to go.
　　And with only fifteen dollars a week to live on. And in the morning he would be working in the basement again,while these girls were rising to more pleasure. And out in Denver were his parents with their small lodging houseand mission, which he dared not even describe accurately here.
　　Suddenly the two girls declaring they must go, they took themselves off. And he and the Griffiths were oncemore left to themselves--he with the feeling that he was very much out of place and neglected here, sinceSamuel Griffiths and his wife and Bella, anyhow, if not Myra, seemed to be feeling that he was merely beingpermitted to look into a world to which he did not belong; also, that because of his poverty it would beimpossible to fit him into--however much he might dream of associating with three such wonderful girls asthese. And at once he felt sad--very--his eyes and his mood darkening so much that not only Samuel Griffiths,but his wife as well as Myra noticed it. If he could enter upon this world, find some way. But of the group it wasonly Myra, not any of the others, who sensed that in all likelihood he was lonely and depressed. And inconsequence as all were rising and returning to the large living room (Samuel chiding Bella for her habit of keeping her family waiting) it was Myra who drew near to Clyde to say: "I think after you've been here a littlewhile you'll probably like Lycurgus better than you do now, even. There are quite a number of interesting placesto go and see around here--lakes and the Adirondacks are just north of here, about seventy miles. And when thesummer comes and we get settled at Greenwood, I'm sure Father and Mother will like you to come up there oncein a while."She was by no means sure that this was true, but under the circumstances, whether it was or not, she felt likesaying it to Clyde. And thereafter, since he felt more comfortable with her, he talked with her as much as hecould without neglecting either Bella or the family, until about half-past nine, when, suddenly feeling very muchout of place and alone, he arose saying that he must go, that he had to get up early in the morning. And as he didso, Samuel Griffiths walked with him to the front door and let him out. But he, too, by now, as had Myra beforehim, feeling that Clyde was rather attractive and yet, for reasons of poverty, likely to be neglected from now on,not only by his family, but by himself as well, observed most pleasantly, and, as he hoped, compensatively: "It'srather nice out, isn't it? Wykeagy Avenue hasn't begun to show what it can do yet because the spring isn't quitehere. But in a few weeks," and he looked up most inquiringly at the sky and sniffed the late April air, "we musthave you out. All the trees and flowers will be in bloom then and you can see how really nice it is. Good night."He smiled and put a very cordial note into his voice, and once more Clyde felt that, whatever Gilbert Griffiths'
　　attitude might be, most certainly his father was not wholly indifferent to him.
第十章
这时,一个女佣人进来说,晚饭准备好了,吉尔伯特立时起身走了.一家人也都站了起来,格里菲思太太问女佣人:"贝拉来过电话没有?"
"没有,太太,"女佣人回答说,"还没有呢."
"那就告诉特鲁斯黛尔太太打电话到芬奇利家去,看她在不在那儿.你跟她说是我说的,要她马上就回家."
女佣人走了出去,大家都朝客厅后边西头的餐厅走去.克莱德发现,这里也是陈设华丽,全部淡褐色调,中间摆一张胡桃木雕的长餐桌,显然在特殊喜庆节日才使用的.长桌子四周都是高靠背椅子,点燃一盏盏位置摆得非常匀称的枝形烛台.长餐桌对面,有一个天花板虽低但很宽敞的圆形凸室,可以望得见南花园.里面还有一张可供六人就餐的小餐桌.他们就在这个凸室里吃晚饭,这是克莱德始料所不及的.
克莱德好歹心情平静地坐了下来,就得不断回答问题,主要有关他家里生活情况,过去怎么样,现在又怎么样?他父亲多大岁数?他母亲呢?迁至丹佛以前,他们住过哪些地方?他有几个兄弟姐妹?他姐姐爱思达有多大了?她在做什么工作?还有别人呢?他父亲喜欢经营旅馆吗?他父亲在堪萨斯城是干哪一行的?他们一家子住在那里已有多久了?
在塞缪尔·格里菲思和他太太一本正经地提出这一连串问题的压力下,克莱德真的感到有点窘困不安.从克莱德躲躲闪闪的回答看来,特别是谈到他家在堪萨斯城的生活时,他们俩都发觉某些问题使他感到很窘,使他惴惴不安.他们当然都归咎于他们这个亲戚委实太穷了.塞缪尔·格里菲思问:"依我看,你离开学校后,就开始在堪萨斯城干旅馆这一行,是不是?"克莱德一下子脸红了,心里就想到了偷车的事,还有他受的教育确实太少了.当然罗,他最不愿这里的人知道自己在堪萨斯城旅馆业——尤其是在格林－戴维逊大酒店——干过活.
多亏这时门开了,贝拉走了进来,后面还有两位姑娘陪着.克莱德一看就知道她们都是属于这个圈子里的人.瞧她们跟最近使克莱德心荡神移的丽达和泽拉相比,该有多么不一样啊.当然罗,在贝拉怪亲昵地招呼家里人以前,克莱德并不知道她就是贝拉.至于另外那两位——一位是桑德拉·芬奇利,贝拉母女俩时常提到她——她是克莱德从没见过的那么漂亮、自负而又可爱的一个姑娘——跟他过去认识的任何姑娘相比,迥然不同,而且高雅非凡.她穿一套剪裁非常讲究的衣服,再配上一顶浅黑色小皮帽,诱人地低拉到眼梢上,显得更美了.她脖子上套着一条同样颜色的皮带,一手牵着用皮绳子拴住的一只法国种牛头犬.胳臂上搭着一件很讲究的灰底黑方格子外套——不大显眼,倒是有些象很时髦的男式外衣.在克莱德眼里,她是他迄今为止所见到过的最可爱的女性了.是的,她就象一股电流,一下子贯穿他全身上下——让他感到火辣辣的灼痛——产生一种心中悬渴一时难以得到满足的异样痛感——真是恨不能马上得到她,可又恼人地感到自己命里注定得不到,哪怕是她回首时迷人的一瞥.这就象在折磨他,可又使他如痴似醉.他一忽儿恨不得闭上眼睛,不去看她——可一忽儿又想看她个不停——他真的被她迷住了.
可是,桑德拉是不是看到了他,开头一点儿都看不出来,她只是冲她的小狗在大声吆喝:"喂,比斯尔,你要是不老老实实,我就把你拖出去,拴到门外边.唉,它要是再不老实的话,我说,我在这儿也就一刻都待不下去了."小狗看到一只小猫咪,就使劲挣脱着要过去.
桑德拉身边是另一位姑娘,克莱德对她并不那么喜欢,可她有自己的特点,如同桑德拉一样漂亮,而且在某些人心目中,也许同样诱人.她是一位肌肤白皙的女郎——一头金色鬈发——一双明亮的杏圆形的灰绿色眼睛,一个小猫咪似的优美纤小的身段,还有一种象小猫咪似的悄没声儿的神态.她一走进来,马上斜穿过房间,来到格里菲思太太坐着的桌子跟前,紧偎着她,一下子就象小猫咪那样兴冲冲,低声耳语道."哦,您好,格里菲思太太?又见到了您,我简直太高兴了.我已有好长时间没来这儿,可不是吗?不过,那是因为妈妈和我全都出门去了.她和格兰特至今还在奥尔巴尼哩.我在兰伯特家碰巧遇见贝拉和桑德拉.我说,今儿个你们一家人安安静静地吃晚饭,是不是?您好,麦拉?"她一面招呼麦拉,一手从格里菲思太太肩膀上伸过去,熟不拘礼地碰了一下麦拉的胳膊,仿佛仅仅表示一下客套罢了.
依克莱德看,三个姑娘里头,桑德拉最迷人.这时,站在桑德拉旁边的贝拉正大声嚷道:"哦,我迟到了.对不起,妈和爹.就饶了我这一回,好吗?"随后,她好象是刚刚看到克莱德似的,虽说她们一走进来,他便站起来,而且直到此刻还站立在那里.她就象她的女友一样,半似嘲笑、半似客气地停顿不语.克莱德本来对类似这样高傲的神态,乃至于优渥的物质生活特别敏感,还在等着人家介绍时候,早就明白自己微不足道,因而心里慌了神.他觉得,年轻貌美,再加上这样显赫的社会地位,不啻是女性的最大胜利.论漂亮,霍丹斯·布里格斯尽管都不如这里任何一个姑娘,但她照样能叫他为之倾倒,更不用谈丽达了,由此可见:只要是漂亮的女性,不论优点如何,对他都具有吸引力.
"贝拉,"塞缪尔·格里菲思看见克莱德还站立在那里,便慢条斯理地说:"这是你的堂兄,克莱德."
"哦,是啊,"贝拉回答说,马上就发觉克莱德的样子酷肖吉尔伯特."您好?妈对我说您这两天要来看我们."她伸出一两个手指头,随后侧过身去,面对着她的两位女友说:"这是我的朋友——芬奇利小姐、克兰斯顿小姐,格里菲思先生."
这两位姑娘鞠了一躬,瞧她们俩都是极不自然,拘泥虚礼,同时又直勾勾地非常仔细地把克莱德上下打量了一番."哦,他真的活脱脱象吉尔,可不是吗?"桑德拉对紧接着她的伯蒂娜低声耳语道.伯蒂娜回答说:"再象也没有了.不过说真的,他长得好看得多,是吗?——好看得多."
桑德拉点点头.首先,她高兴地注意到:克莱德比吉尔伯特要好看得多(她不喜欢贝拉的哥哥)——其次,他显然对她一见倾心.她认为这是应该如此,她一向就是这样让不少年轻人一见钟情.不过,看到克莱德老是目不转睛地死盯着她,她就认为,至少暂时用不着再留意他了.要征服他,太容易了.
可是,格里菲思太太对这些不速之客,事先是没有预料到的.她对贝拉在此刻介绍她的女友,也不免有点儿生气;因为这么一来,马上就引起克莱德在这里的社会地位问题.她就建议说:"你们两位最好还是把衣服撂下,先坐下来,好吗?我马上叫纳丁在这一头再摆上两只盘子.贝拉,你坐在爹旁边,就得了."
"哦,不,不必了."她们回答说,"不,真的,我们该回家去了.我在这儿只待一会儿就走,"桑德拉和伯蒂娜都这么说.不过,她们现在既然来了,看到克莱德确实挺漂亮,她们就恨不得了解清楚他在上流社会里(要是他常去的话)是不是红得发紫的人物.她们俩心里都明白:吉尔伯特·格里菲思在某些场所远不是很受欢迎的,比方说,她们俩就不喜欢他,尽管她们俩很喜欢他的妹妹贝拉.象这样的两个自尊心很强的美人儿觉得,吉尔伯特这个人太自信,太固执,有时也太瞧不起人了.而克莱德呢,如果从他的外貌来看,至少他要比较随和一些.只要事实证明他是平等的一个成员,或者说格里菲思一家人都这样看法,那末,他当然可以被当地上流社会所接受.可不是吗?反正不管怎么说,了解一下他到底是不是有钱,也很有意思.可是,她们上面这个想法,几乎一下子就得到了回答,因为格里菲思太太好象故意向伯蒂娜点明似的说:"格里菲思先生——是我们的侄子.他从西部来这里,看自己能不能在我丈夫的厂里寻摸个位置.他这个年轻人,就得靠自个儿闯出一条路来.我丈夫心眼儿太好,就给了他一个施展才能的机会."
克莱德一下子脸涨红了,因为这段话显然告诉他:他在这里的社会地位,无可比拟地低于格里菲思一家人,或是这些姑娘们.同时,他还注意到,在只对有钱有势年轻人感兴趣的伯蒂娜·克兰斯顿的脸上,好奇心一下子变成完全漠不关心.另一方面,桑德拉·芬奇利决不象她的女友那么注重实际,尽管她在跟她相仿的这拨人里处于更为优越的地位——她毕竟出落得更为迷人,而她的父母则比克兰斯顿更加殷富——她还是再次仔细端详着克莱德,脸上分明表达出了她心中深为惋惜的看法.说实话,他是太漂亮了.
塞缪尔·格里菲思特别疼爱桑德拉.(他不喜欢伯蒂娜,正如格里菲思太太也不喜欢她,认为她太淘气,太佻巧.)塞缪尔·格里菲思向桑德拉招呼说:"来吧,桑德拉,把你的小狗拴到餐厅的一只椅子上.过来,坐在我身边.把你的外套扔到那椅子上.这里给你留着空座,"他随手就指给她看了."可我怎么也不能坐了,塞缪尔大叔!"桑德拉大声说,显得熟不拘礼,但又有些嗲声嗲气,很想用这种矫揉造作的亲热劲儿来讨好主人."现在已经很晚了.再说,比斯尔也不会老老实实的.说真的,伯蒂娜和我该回家去了."
"哦,是的,爸爸,"贝拉马上说了一句,"昨天,伯蒂娜骑的马蹄子上扎了一颗钉子,今天一条腿就瘸了.格兰特和他爸爸全都不在家.她想问问您,看看怎么办才好."
"哪一条腿瘸了?"格里菲思很关心地问.这时,克莱德趁机又继续把桑德拉尽可能仔细地端详一番,暗自思忖:她啊多么迷人——小小的鼻子,有点儿往上翘——上唇又俏皮地往上拱起.
"左前蹄.昨天下午,我在东金斯顿路上溜马.杰里丢了一块蹄铁,肯定扎进一根刺了,可是约翰怎么也找不出来."
"扎了钉子以后,你还骑了多久?"
"一路骑回来,我想大概有八英里吧."
"哦,你最好还是让约翰给它先敷些药膏,包扎好,再去请兽医看看.马儿包管没事,你放心好了."
她们俩并没有要走的迹象.暂时被撇在一旁的克莱德却在暗自寻思,想必在这儿上流社会里一定是轻松愉快的.看来在这儿人们个个都是无忧无虑的.他们所谈论的,不外乎是:他们正在盖的房子呀,他们骑的骏马呀,他们遇到的朋友呀,他们准备去玩儿的地方呀,以及心中在想的那些赏心乐事呀,如此等等.还有那个刚才离座的吉尔伯特,跟一拨年轻人开汽车上哪儿玩去了.还有贝拉,他的堂妹,就在这条街上漂亮的府邸跟这些女孩子在闲聊天;可他,克莱德,却关在柯比太太寄宿舍三层楼上的一个小房间垦,无处可去.每星期就靠这十五块美元糊口.明天一早,他还得照常上工厂地下室干活去,而这些女孩子一起床,心里就在琢磨怎样更痛快地去寻欢作乐.而在丹佛,他的父母则在惨淡经营他们的那个小小寄宿舍和传道馆——在这里他甚至都不敢据实相告.
蓦然间,这两位小姐说非走不可,她们也就走了.这时又只剩下他和格里菲思一家人在一起——他觉得在这里很不合适,备受怠慢.因为塞缪尔·格里菲思跟他太太和贝拉——反正麦拉除外——好象只让他开开眼界,看看那个不属于他的上流社会;同时,又因为他穷,他也就不可能跻身进去——尽管他多么梦想要结交这样几位了不起的姑娘.他心中马上感到悲哀——非常悲哀——他的眼睛、他的心绪,是那么阴郁,不仅塞缪尔·格里菲思注意到了,就连他太太跟麦拉也都注意到了.只要他能够进入这个上流社会,找到出路,该有多好.可是,就在这一家人里,除了麦拉,没有一个人体察到他在目前的处境很可能感到孤单,心情沮丧.因此,当大家都纷纷起身,回到那个大客厅时(塞缪尔则在呵责贝拉回家太晚,老是让全家人等着她吃晚饭),麦拉走到克莱德身旁说:"我说,不管怎么说,你只要在这儿再待一会儿,也许就会比现在更喜欢莱柯格斯.这一带有不少地方,挺好玩的,可以去看看——有湖泊,还有艾迪隆达克斯山脉也不太远,在北面约莫七十英里的地方.到夏天,我们一家人都到格林伍德湖别墅去,我相信,爹和妈说不定欢迎你有时候也去玩玩."
她父母是不是真的请克莱德去别墅消暑,她也远不是那么有把握,不过,她觉得,在当前这种场合,不管怎么样,此刻应该跟克莱德这么说的.经她这么一说,他觉得跟她在一起比较自在,所以只要不怠慢贝拉和她家里其他一些人,就尽管跟她多说说话儿.将近九点半光景,他突然觉得自己再待下去很不合适,也很孤单,所以就站起身来说,他该走了,明儿一早他还得早起.告别时,塞缪尔·格里菲思领他到正门口,送他出门.到这时,老格里菲思如同在他之前的麦拉,也觉得克莱德长得相当漂亮,只不过因为穷,从今以后很可能不仅受到他家里人,而且会受到他自己的忽视,于是,在告别时,为了褒奖一下克莱德,就说了几句挺好听的话:"出来走走很好,可不是吗?等着瞧吧,春天一到,威克吉大街这才更美.以后嘛,"他抬头仿佛望着天空寻摸什么似的,吸了一口四月底新鲜的空气说,"过几个星期,我们一定要请你再来.那时候,所有的树上已是繁花似锦,你就可以看到,这儿真的有多美.晚安."
他微微一笑,而且说话时语调亲切极了.克莱德再次感到,不管吉尔伯待·格里菲思的态度如何,伯父对他肯定不是漠不关心的.
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Part 2 Chapter 11
The days lapsed and, although no further word came from the Griffiths, Clyde was still inclined to exaggerate theimportance of this one contact and to dream from time to time of delightful meetings with those girls and howwonderful if a love affair with one of them might eventuate for him. The beauty of that world in which theymoved. The luxury and charm as opposed to this of which he was a part. Dillard! Rita! Tush! They were reallydead for him. He aspired to this other or nothing as he saw it now and proceeded to prove as distant to Dillard aspossible, an attitude which by degrees tended to alienate that youth entirely for he saw in Clyde a snob whichpotentially he was if he could have but won to what he desired. However, as he began to see afterwards, timepassed and he was left to work until, depressed by the routine, meager pay and commonplace shrinking-roomcontacts, he began to think not so much of returning to Rita or Dillard,--he could not quite think of them nowwith any satisfaction, but of giving up this venture here and returning to Chicago or going to New York, wherehe was sure that he could connect himself with some hotel if need be. But then, as if to revive his courage andconfirm his earlier dreams, a thing happened which caused him to think that certainly he was beginning to rise inthe estimation of the Griffiths--father and son--whether they troubled to entertain him socially or not. For itchanced that one Saturday in spring, Samuel Griffiths decided to make a complete tour of inspection of thefactory with Joshua Whiggam at his elbow. Reaching the shrinking department about noon, he observed for thefirst time with some dismay, Clyde in his undershirt and trousers working at the feeding end of two of theshrinking racks, his nephew having by this time acquired the necessary skill to "feed" as well as "take." Andrecalling how very neat and generally presentable he had appeared at his house but a few weeks before, he wasdecidedly disturbed by the contrast. For one thing he had felt about Clyde, both in Chicago and here at his home,was that he had presented a neat and pleasing appearance. And he, almost as much as his son, was jealous, not only of the name, but the general social appearance of the Griffiths before the employees of this factory as wellas the community at large. And the sight of Clyde here, looking so much like Gilbert and in an armless shirt andtrousers working among these men, tended to impress upon him more sharply than at any time before the factthat Clyde was his nephew, and that he ought not to be compelled to continue at this very menial form of workany longer. To the other employees it might appear that he was unduly indifferent to the meaning of such arelationship.
　　Without, however, saying a word to Whiggam or anyone else at the time, he waited until his son returned onMonday morning, from a trip that he had taken out of town, when he called him into his office and observed: "Imade a tour of the factory Saturday and found young Clyde still down in the shrinking room.""What of it, Dad?" replied his son, curiously interested as to why his father should at this time wish to mentionClyde in this special way. "Other people before him have worked down there and it hasn't hurt them.""All true enough, but they weren't nephews of mine. And they didn't look as much like you as he does"--acomment which irritated Gilbert greatly. "It won't do, I tell you. It doesn't look quite right to me, and I'm afraid itwon't look right to other people here who see how much he looks like you and know that he is your cousin andmy nephew. I didn't realize that at first, because I haven't been down there, but I don't think it wise to keep himdown there any longer doing that kind of thing. It won't do. We'll have to make a change, switch him aroundsomewhere else where he won't look like that."His eyes darkened and his brow wrinkled. The impression that Clyde made in his old clothes and with beads ofsweat standing out on his forehead had not been pleasant.
　　"But I'll tell you how it is, Dad," Gilbert persisted, anxious and determined because of his innate opposition toClyde to keep him there if possible. "I'm not so sure that I can find just the right place for him now anywhereelse--at least not without moving someone else who has been here a long time and worked hard to get there. Hehasn't had any training in anything so far, but just what he's doing.""Don't know or don't care anything about that," replied Griffiths senior, feeling that his son was a little jealousand in consequence disposed to be unfair to Clyde. "That's no place for him and I won't have him there anylonger. He's been there long enough. And I can't afford to have the name of any of this family come to meananything but just what it does around here now-- reserve and ability and energy and good judgment. It's not goodfor the business. And anything less than that is a liability. You get me, don't you?""Yes, I get you all right, governor.""Well, then, do as I say. Get hold of Whiggam and figure out some other place for him around here, and not aspiece worker or a hand either. It was a mistake to put him down there in the first place. There must be some littleplace in one of the departments where he can be fitted in as the head of something, first or second or thirdassistant to some one, and where he can wear a decent suit of clothes and look like somebody. And, if necessary,let him go home on full pay until you find something for him. But I want him changed. By the way, how much ishe being paid now?""About fifteen, I think," replied Gilbert blandly.
　　"Not enough, if he's to make the right sort of an appearance here. Better make it twenty-five. It's more than he'sworth, I know, but it can't be helped now. He has to have enough to live on while he's here, and from now on, I'drather pay him that than have any one think we were not treating him right.""All right, all right, governor. Please don't be cross about it, will you?" pleaded Gilbert, noting his father'sirritation. "I'm not entirely to blame. You agreed to it in the first place when I suggested it, didn't you? But Iguess you're right at that. Just leave it to me. I'll find a decent place for him," and turning, he proceeded in searchof Whiggam, although at the same time thinking how he was to effect all this without permitting Clyde to get thenotion that he was at all important here--to make him feel that this was being done as a favor to him and not forany reasons of merit in connection with himself.
　　And at once, Whiggam appearing, he, after a very diplomatic approach on the part of Gilbert, racked his brains,scratched his head, went away and returned after a time to say that the only thing he could think of, since Clydewas obviously lacking in technical training, was that of assistant to Mr. Liggett, who was foreman in charge offive big stitching rooms on the fifth floor, but who had under him one small and very special, though by nomeans technical, department which required the separate supervision of either an assistant forelady or man.
　　This was the stamping room--a separate chamber at the west end of the stitching floor, where were received dailyfrom the cutting room above from seventy-five to one hundred thousand dozen unstitched collars of differentbrands and sizes. And here they were stamped by a group of girls according to the slips or directions attached tothem with the size and brand of the collar. The sole business of the assistant foreman in charge here, as Gilbertwell knew, after maintaining due decorum and order, was to see that this stamping process went uninterruptedlyforward. Also that after the seventy-five to one hundred thousand dozen collars were duly stamped andtransmitted to the stitchers, who were just outside in the larger room, to see that they were duly credited in abook of entry. And that the number of dozens stamped by each girl was duly recorded in order that her payshould correspond with her services.
　　For this purpose a little desk and various entry books, according to size and brand, were kept here. Also thecutters' slips, as taken from the bundles by the stampers were eventually delivered to this assistant in lots of adozen or more and filed on spindles. It was really nothing more than a small clerkship, at times in the past heldby young men or girls or old men or middle-aged women, according to the exigencies of the life of the place.
　　The thing that Whiggam feared in connection with Clyde and which he was quick to point out to Gilbert on thisoccasion was that because of his inexperience and youth Clyde might not, at first, prove as urgent and insistent amaster of this department as the work there required. There were nothing but young girls there--some of themquite attractive. Also was it wise to place a young man of Clyde's years and looks among so many girls? For,being susceptible, as he might well be at that age, he might prove too easy--not stern enough. The girls mighttake advantage of him. If so, it wouldn't be possible to keep him there very long. Still there was this temporaryvacancy, and it was the only one in the whole factory at the moment. Why not, for the time being, send himupstairs for a tryout? It might not be long before either Mr. Liggett or himself would know of something else orwhether or not he was suited for the work up there. In that case it would be easy to make a re- transfer.
　　Accordingly, about three in the afternoon of this same Monday, Clyde was sent for and after being made to waitfor some fifteen minutes, as was Gilbert's method, he was admitted to the austere presence.
　　"Well, how are you getting along down where you are now?" asked Gilbert coldly and inquisitorially. AndClyde, who invariably experienced a depression whenever he came anywhere near his cousin, replied, with apoorly forced smile, "Oh, just about the same, Mr. Griffiths. I can't complain. I like it well enough. I'm learning alittle something, I guess.""You guess?""Well, I know I've learned a few things, of course," added Clyde, flushing slightly and feeling down deep withinhimself a keen resentment at the same time that he achieved a half-ingratiating and half-apologetic smile.
　　"Well, that's a little better. A man could hardly be down there as long as you've been and not know whether hehad learned anything or not." Then deciding that he was being too severe, perhaps, he modified his tone slightly,and added: "But that's not why I sent for you. There's another matter I want to talk to you about. Tell me, did youever have charge of any people or any other person than yourself, at any time in your life?""I don't believe I quite understand," replied Clyde, who, because he was a little nervous and flustered, had notquite registered the question accurately.
　　"I mean have you ever had any people work under you--been given a few people to direct in some departmentsomewhere? Been a foreman or an assistant foreman in charge of anything?""No, sir, I never have," answered Clyde, but so nervous that he almost stuttered. For Gilbert's tone was verysevere and cold--highly contemptuous. At the same time, now that the nature of the question was plain, itsimplication came to him. In spite of his cousin's severity, his ill manner toward him, still he could see hisemployers were thinking of making a foreman of him--putting him in charge of somebody--people. They mustbe! At once his ears and fingers began to titillate--the roots of his hair to tingle: "But I've seen how it's done inclubs and hotels," he added at once. "And I think I might manage if I were given a trial." His cheeks were nowhighly colored--his eyes crystal clear.
　　"Not the same thing. Not the same thing," insisted Gilbert sharply. "Seeing and doing are two entirely differentthings. A person without any experience can think a lot, but when it comes to doing, he's not there. Anyhow, thisis one business that requires people who do know."He stared at Clyde critically and quizzically while Clyde, feeling that he must be wrong in his notion thatsomething was going to be done for him, began to quiet himself. His cheeks resumed their normal pallor and thelight died from his eyes.
　　"Yes, sir, I guess that's true, too," he commented.
　　"But you don't need to guess in this case," insisted Gilbert. "You know. That's the trouble with people who don'tknow. They're always guessing."The truth was that Gilbert was so irritated to think that he must now make a place for his cousin, and that despitehis having done nothing at all to deserve it, that he could scarcely conceal the spleen that now colored his mood.
　　"You're right, I know," said Clyde placatingly, for he was still hoping for this hinted-at promotion.
　　"Well, the fact is," went on Gilbert, "I might have placed you in the accounting end of the business when youfirst came if you had been technically equipped for it." (The phrase "technically equipped" overawed andterrorized Clyde, for he scarcely understood what that meant.) "As it was," went on Gilbert, nonchalantly, "wehad to do the best we could for you. We knew it was not very pleasant down there, but we couldn't do anythingmore for you at the time." He drummed on his desk with his fingers. "But the reason I called you up here to-dayis this. I want to discuss with you a temporary vacancy that has occurred in one of our departments upstairs andwhich we are wondering--my father and I--whether you might be able to fill." Clyde's spirits rose amazingly.
　　"Both my father and I," he went on, "have been thinking for some little time that we would like to do a littlesomething for you, but as I say, your lack of practical training of any kind makes it very difficult for both of us.
　　You haven't had either a commercial or a trade education of any kind, and that makes it doubly hard." He pausedlong enough to allow that to sink in--give Clyde the feeling that he was an interloper indeed. "Still," he addedafter a moment, "so long as we have seen fit to bring you on here, we have decided to give you a tryout atsomething better than you are doing. It won't do to let you stay down there indefinitely. Now, let me tell you alittle something about what I have in mind," and he proceeded to explain the nature of the work on the fifth floor.
　　And when after a time Whiggam was sent for and appeared and had acknowledged Clyde's salutation, heobserved: "Whiggam, I've just been telling my cousin here about our conversation this morning and what I toldyou about our plan to try him out as the head of that department. So if you'll just take him up to Mr. Liggett andhave him or some one explain the nature of the work up there, I'll be obliged to you." He turned to his desk.
　　"After that you can send him back to me," he added. "I want to talk to him again."Then he arose and dismissed them both with an air, and Whiggam, still somewhat dubious as to the experiment,but now very anxious to be pleasant to Clyde since he could not tell what he might become, led the way to Mr.
　　Liggett's floor. And there, amid a thunderous hum of machines, Clyde was led to the extreme west of thebuilding and into a much smaller department which was merely railed off from the greater chamber by a lowfence. Here were about twenty-five girls and their assistants with baskets, who apparently were doing their bestto cope with a constant stream of unstitched collar bundles which fell through several chutes from the floorabove.
　　And now at once, after being introduced to Mr. Liggett, he was escorted to a small railed-off desk at which sat ashort, plump girl of about his own years, not so very attractive, who arose as they approached. "This is MissTodd," began Whiggain. "She's been in charge for about ten days now in the absence of Mrs. Angier. And what Iwant you to do now, Miss Todd, is to explain to Mr. Griffiths here just as quickly and clearly as you can what itis you do here. And then later in the day when he comes up here, I want you to help him to keep track of thingsuntil he sees just what is wanted and can do it himself. You'll do that, won't you?""Why, certainly, Mr. Whiggam. I'll be only too glad to," complied Miss Todd, and at once she began to takedown the books of records and to show Clyde how the entry and discharge records were kept--also later how the stamping was done--how the basket girls took the descending bundles from the chutes and distributed themevenly according to the needs of the stamper and how later, as fast as they were stamped, other basket girlscarried them to the stitchers outside. And Clyde, very much interested, felt that he could do it, only among somany women on a floor like this he felt very strange. There were so very, very many women--hundreds of them-stretchingfar and away between white walls and white columns to the eastern end of the building. And tallwindows that reached from floor to ceiling let in a veritable flood of light. These girls were not all pretty. He sawthem out of the tail of his eye as first Miss Todd and later Whiggam, and even Liggett, volunteered to impresspoints on him.
　　"The important thing," explained Whiggam after a time, "is to see that there is no mistake as to the number ofthousands of dozens of collars that come down here and are stamped, and also that there's no delay in stampingthem and getting them out to the stitchers. Also that the records of these girls' work is kept accurately so thatthere won't be any mistakes as to their time."At last Clyde saw what was required of him and the conditions under which he was about to work and said so.
　　He was very nervous but quickly decided that if this girl could do the work, he could. And because Liggett andWhiggam, interested by his relationship to Gilbert, appeared very friendly and persisted in delaying here, sayingthat there was nothing he could not manage they were sure, he returned after a time with Whiggam to Gilbertwho, on seeing him enter, at once observed: "Well, what's the answer? Yes or no. Do you think you can do it ordo you think you can't?""Well, I know that I can do it," replied Clyde with a great deal of courage for him, yet with the private feelingthat he might not make good unless fortune favored him some even now. There were so many things to be takeninto consideration--the favor of those above as well as about him--and would they always favor him?
　　"Very good, then. Just be seated for a moment," went on Gilbert. "I want to talk to you some more in connectionwith that work up there. It looks easy to you, does it?""No, I can't say that it looks exactly easy," replied Clyde, strained and a little pale, for because of hisinexperience he felt the thing to be a great opportunity--one that would require all his skill and courage tomaintain. "Just the same I think I can do it. In fact I know I can and I'd like to try.""Well, now, that sounds a little better," replied Gilbert crisply and more graciously. "And now I want to tell yousomething more about it. I don't suppose you ever thought there was a floor with that many women on it, didyou?""No, sir, I didn't," replied Clyde. "I knew they were somewhere in the building, but I didn't know just where.""Exactly," went on Gilbert. "This plant is practically operated by women from cellar to roof. In themanufacturing department, I venture to say there are ten women to every man. On that account every one inwhom we entrust any responsibility around here must be known to us as to their moral and religious character. Ifyou weren't related to us, and if we didn't feel that because of that we knew a little something about you, wewouldn't think of putting you up there or anywhere in this factory over anybody until we did know. But don'tthink because you're related to us that we won't hold you strictly to account for everything that goes on up there and for your conduct. We will, and all the more so because you are related to us. You understand that, do you?
　　And why--the meaning of the Griffiths name here?""Yes, sir," replied Clyde.
　　"Very well, then," went on Gilbert. "Before we place any one here in any position of authority, we have to beabsolutely sure that they're going to behave themselves as gentlemen always--that the women who are workinghere are going to receive civil treatment always. If a young man, or an old one for that matter, comes in here atany time and imagines that because there are women here he's going to be allowed to play about and neglect hiswork and flirt or cut up, that fellow is doomed to a short stay here. The men and women who work for us havegot to feel that they are employees first, last and all the time--and they have to carry that attitude out into thestreet with them. And unless they do it, and we hear anything about it, that man or woman is done for so far aswe are concerned. We don't want 'em and we won't have 'em. And once we're through with 'em, we're throughwith 'em."He paused and stared at Clyde as much as to say: "Now I hope I have made myself clear. Also that we will neverhave any trouble in so far as you are concerned."And Clyde replied: "Yes, I understand. I think that's right. In fact I know that's the way it has to be.""And ought to be," added Gilbert.
　　"And ought to be," echoed Clyde.
　　At the same time he was wondering whether it was really true as Gilbert said. Had he not heard the mill girlsalready spoken about in a slighting way? Yet consciously at the moment he did not connect himself in thoughtwith any of these girls upstairs. His present mood was that, because of his abnormal interest in girls, it would bebetter if he had nothing to do with them at all, never spoke to any of them, kept a very distant and cold attitude,such as Gilbert was holding toward him. It must be so, at least if he wished to keep his place here. And he wasnow determined to keep it and to conduct himself always as his cousin wished.
　　"Well, now, then," went on Gilbert as if to supplement Clyde's thoughts in this respect, "what I want to know ofyou is, if I trouble to put you in that department, even temporarily, can I trust you to keep a level head on yourshoulders and go about your work conscientiously and not have your head turned or disturbed by the fact thatyou're working among a lot of women and girls?""Yes, sir, I know you can," replied Clyde very much impressed by his cousin's succinct demand, although, afterRita, a little dubious.
　　"If I can't, now is the time to say so," persisted Gilbert. "By blood you're a member of this family. And to ourhelp here, and especially in a position of this kind, you represent us. We can't have anything come up inconnection with you at any time around here that won't be just right. So I want you to be on your guard andwatch your step from now on. Not the least thing must occur in connection with you that any one can commenton unfavorably. You understand, do you?""Yes, sir," replied Clyde most solemnly. "I understand that. I'll conduct myself properly or I'll get out." And hewas thinking seriously at the moment that he could and would. The large number of girls and women upstairsseemed very remote and of no consequence just then.
　　"Very good. Now, I'll tell you what else I want you to do. I want you to knock off for the day and go home andsleep on this and think it over well. Then come back in the morning and go to work up there, if you still feel thesame. Your salary from now on will be twenty-five dollars, and I want you to dress neat and clean so that youwill be an example to the other men who have charge of departments."He arose coldly and distantly, but Clyde, very much encouraged and enthused by the sudden jump in salary, aswell as the admonition in regard to dressing well, felt so grateful toward his cousin that he longed to be friendlywith him. To be sure, he was hard and cold and vain, but still he must think something of him, and his uncle too,or they would not choose to do all this for him and so speedily. And if ever he were able to make friends withhim, win his way into his good graces, think how prosperously he would be placed here, what commercial andsocial honors might not come to him?
　　So elated was he at the moment that he bustled out of the great plant with a jaunty stride, resolved among otherthings that from now on, come what might, and as a test of himself in regard to life and work, he was going to beall that his uncle and cousin obviously expected of him--cool, cold even, and if necessary severe, where thesewomen or girls of this department were concerned. No more relations with Dillard or Rita or anybody like thatfor the present anyhow.
第十一章
日子一天天地过去,虽说再也没有收到格里菲思家的来信,可克莱德还是喜欢夸大这仅有一次去有钱的亲戚家的意义,不时梦想再次跟那些姑娘们愉快地见面,要是其中有一位爱上了他,该有多好.她们生活的那个花团锦簇的世界该有多美啊!跟他自己的生活和他周围的环境相比,她们简直太豪华,太迷人了.迪拉特!丽达!呸!他觉得他们真的就象根本不复存在似的.现在他明白了,他需要的是别的东西——要不然宁可一无所有.于是,他就开始跟迪拉特逐渐疏远.这种态度后来逐渐使那个年轻人跟他完全疏远了,因为迪拉特早已把克莱德看成势利鬼,其实,克莱德要是果真实现了自己的愿望,很可能就是这一号人.不过,克莱德后来逐渐认识到,时间一天天地过去了,可他还是被撇在一旁,干那个累活.后来,由于每日上下班很呆板,工薪又菲薄,防缩车间里所接触到的,也都是一些平庸之辈,他心里非常郁郁不乐,就不免转念一想,还不如回去找丽达或迪拉特——如今,他之所以想到他们,并不是想同他们重温旧情,而是自己想要放弃在这里的生计,索性回到芝加哥或是纽约去.他相信,必要时,他一定能在一家旅馆里找到事由.可是,就在这时,好象是为了恢复他的勇气,并证实他早先的梦想似的,有一件事发生了,使他认为:格里菲思这一家人——父亲和儿子——对他的估计,已开始在提高,虽然他们并不愿意把他纳为自己圈子里头的人.因为,那时正好在春天,有一个星期六,塞缪尔·格里菲思碰巧由乔舒亚·惠甘陪同下厂巡视.大约在正午时分,他来到了防缩车间,只见克莱德穿着背心裤衩在两台烘干机投料那头干活,可以说是破题儿头一遭让他感到有些尴尬.这时,他的侄子早已学会了"投"和"卸"那一套基本功了.他回想起,才不过一两个星期以前,在自己府邸,克莱德还是那么衣冠楚楚,颇有风度.这么一对比,无疑使他非常惶惑不安.他对克莱德总有那么一个印象,不管是在芝加哥也好,还是这回在自己府上也好,侄子的模样儿毕竟很整洁,很讨人喜欢.而且,他几乎如同自己儿子一样,不仅珍惜他们的姓氏格里菲思,而且还在本厂职工乃至于莱柯格斯整个社会面前,珍惜格里菲思这一家人的社会威望.可是,如今看到克莱德在这里,尽管长得活脱脱象吉尔伯特,却穿着背心裤衩跟这拨人在一块干累活儿——此情此景,比过去任何时候都使他更尖锐地想到这样一个事实:克莱德毕竟是他的侄子,不该让他再干这种又脏又累的重活儿了.要不然别的职工说不定就会觉得:他,塞缪尔·格里菲思,对这么一个近亲如此漠不关心,实在很不应该.
不过话又说回来,当时他并没有跟惠甘或是任何人说过一个字.等到星期一早上,他儿子刚从城外回来,塞缪尔·格里菲思就把他叫到办公室,对他这么说:"上星期六,我下厂转了一圈,看见年轻的克莱德还在防缩车间地下室里干活.""那又怎么啦,爹?"他儿子回答说.他好生奇怪,真不知道父亲干吗在这个时候特别提到了克莱德,"以前,许许多多人也都在地下室干过活,可是并没有害了他们."
"你的话儿可不错,不过,人家并不是我的亲侄子.人家的模样儿也并不长得活脱脱就象你嘛."这句话真叫吉尔伯特感到老大不痛快."再这样可不行——我这就证告你.我认为我们这样对待克莱德很不公道.我担心,也许厂里其他一些人也会认为这样很不公道.要知道,人家也都看得出,他长得多么象你,而且知道他就是你的堂弟,也是我的亲侄子.这一点我开头并没有注意到,因为我一直没有去过地下室,可是我认为,再也不能让他继续留在那儿,干这类活,那是要不得的.我们就得变通一下,把他调到别处工作,让他看起来不会象现在那个样子."
他眉头一皱,两眼顿时黑咕隆咚.他脑际留下这么一个很不愉快的印象:克莱德穿着破旧衣衫,额角上淌着大颗大颗汗珠.
"不过,我可要告诉您这是怎么回事,爹,"吉尔伯特坚持自己的看法,因为他打心底里对克莱德反感,尽可能要把他留在原地不动,所以态度急躁而又坚决."现在能不能在哪儿给他找一个合适的位置,我也说不准——至少,现在给他另一个位置,就不能不把在那儿干了很久,而且一直拚命干活,好不容易才爬上那个位置的人调离.可他到现在为止,什么专门训练都没接受过,所以也只能干他现在干的那种活儿.""反正这一切,我可不知道,压根儿也不感兴趣,"老格里菲思回答说.他觉得自己的儿子心里有点儿妒忌,所以,对待克莱德就很不公平."那不是他干活的地方,我可不要让他再这样干下去.他在那里干活也有相当长日子了.直至今日,格里菲思这个姓氏在莱柯格斯即意味着谨慎、有魄力、有干劲和有头脑,我可不能让我们这个家族里任何一个姓格里菲思的人不具备以上这些特点.这对做生意来说,也是要不得的.何况妥善安置克莱德至少也是我们应尽的义务.你明白我的意思了吗?"
"是的,我明白您的意思了,爹."
"那敢情好,就照我说的去办吧.把惠甘找来,关照他设法安插一个什么工作,不是计件工,也不是普通工.一开头派他到地下室去,压根儿就错了.也许本厂各车间科室能给他寻摸到一个小小的职位,让他当个小头头,比方说,给那里负责人当第一助手、第二助手,或是第三助手,这么一来,他身上就可以穿得干干净净,看起来象一个人的样子.必要时,让他先回家去,照样领全薪,一直到你给他寻摸到职位为止.我就是要把他的工作调换一下.再说,他目前工资有多少?"
"我想,大约十五块美元吧,"吉尔伯特温顺地回答说.
"要是让他在这里保持一个体面的样子,那是不够的.最好给他二十块美元.我知道他还不配拿这么多的钱,不过现在你也没有别的好办法.既然他到了这里,就得有足够的钱过日子.从现在起,我就是要给他二十块钱——这么一来,谁都不会说我们亏待了他."
"好吧,好吧.爸爸,请您别生气,好吗?"吉尔伯特一见父亲恼火,就这样恳求他."这可不能全怪我.我提出让他去地下室时,您一开头就同意的,是不是?不过,现在我想您的意见也是对的.就让我去办吧.我会给他寻摸一个说得过去的职位."他一转身就找惠甘去了,虽然他心中暗自琢磨,这件事既要办好,而又不能让克莱德产生一个想法,好象自己在这里受到器重似的——恰好相反,要让他觉得,这样给他安排只是给他一点小恩小惠,怎么也不是说他本人有什么劳绩.
不一会儿,惠甘来了.吉尔伯特非常巧妙地表达了这番意思以后,惠甘就绞尽脑汁,直搔后脑勺走了,不到一会儿又回来说,克莱德既然没有经过技术训练,他所能得到的唯一职位,就是给利格特先生当助手.利格特是负责五楼五个大缝纫间的领班,除此以外,他下面还有一个规模虽小,但专业性很强(当然绝不是指枝术方面)的部门,需要专门有一个女助手或是男助手单独照管.
这就是打印间——位于缝纫间那一层楼西头.每日楼上切布间送来七万五千打到十万打各种款式和尺码的尚未缝制的领子.女工们就照附在领子上的款式和尺码的小条子(或者说明)在这里打印.吉尔伯特心里很清楚,给这里负责的领班当助手,只不过照管一下打印工作,使之按部就班,井然有序,不致中断罢了.此外,在这七万五千打至十万打领子一一打好,送交外面那个大间里缝纫工以后,还要登记入帐.而且每一名女工打过多少打领子,都得登记清楚,以便日后据此发给工钱.
为此,这里置放着一张小桌子,还有依照尺码和款式分开的各种登记簿.切布工的小条子,则由打印工从一捆捆领子里取下来,将一打或好几打叠在一起,最后汇总交给这位助手过目.说实话,这只不过是一个小小办事员的工作:过去有时还按当时实际需要,分别由男女青年,或是老头子,或是中年妇女担任.
惠甘所担心的是:克莱德由于年轻和缺乏经验,一开头还不能应付自如,不能马上就成为这一部门得力的负责人.这一点惠甘当场就跟吉尔伯特点明了.而且,在那里工作的,只有年轻的姑娘们——有几个长得还颇有吸引力.再说,象克莱德这般年纪和模样的年轻人,给安插在这么多的姑娘们中间,是不是明智呢?如果说他和她们当中的哪一个相爱了,在他这个年龄来说,也是十分自然的,也许他就会随随便便,一点儿也不严格.姑娘们可能利用他这一点.万一这样,他在那里可能就待不长.不过,毕竟这是一个暂时的空缺,而且也是眼下全厂唯一的空缺.干吗不可以暂时调他到楼上去试一试呢?要不了多久,利格特先生和惠甘自己,就知道还有没有其他的职位,以及他对那儿的工作是不是合适.要是不合适,再撤换也很方便的.
因此,就在这个星期一,大约下午三点钟光景,把克莱德叫来了,先让他等了一刻钟左右(这是吉尔伯特的老规矩),小格里菲思方才正颜厉色地接见了他.
"啊,你在那儿工作怎么样啦?"吉尔伯特冷冰冰地仿佛在审问他似的.本来克莱德一见堂兄就垂头丧气,这时却强颜欢笑地回答说:"哦,差不多还是那样,格里菲思先生.可我没有什么不满意的.这个工作我很喜欢.我觉得自己学到了一些东西."
"你觉得?"
"哦,我知道,我,当然罗.稍微学到了一点东西,"克莱德接下去说,脸有点儿红,心中却感到非常反感,但还得露出半似奉承、半似歉仄的微笑.
"哦,这才有一点儿说对了.不拘是谁,只要象你那样在地下室待过一长段时间,就不会不知道自己有没有学到什么东西."说完后,他觉得自己也许太严厉,就稍微改变一下口气,找补着说:"不过,我可不是为了这事才叫你来的.我另有一事,想跟你谈一谈.告诉我,过去你有没有管过别人,或是管过任何一个人?"
"恐怕我还没有听清楚呢,"克莱德回答说.这时他因为有些心慌意乱,没有领悟堂兄提问的意思.
"我是说,过去有没有人在你手下工作过——是在什么地方,什么部门,有几个人听你发号施令?也许你在什么地方当过领班,或是领班助手?"
"没有,先生,我还从没有当过,"克莱德回答说,但因心中太紧张,说话时几乎有些结结巴巴.因为吉尔伯特的口气很严厉、冷峻——极端瞧不起人.同时,由于问题的性质已是十分清楚,克莱德终于懂得了回话的涵义.尽管他堂兄的样子很严厉,对他态度很坏,但他还是看得出,他的东家正在想叫他当个领班——让他管理某个人或某些人.当然罗,就是这个意思!由于激动,他的耳朵里、手指上立时产生一种愉快的感觉——连头发根也都有些热辣辣的."不过,我见过俱乐部和大酒店里领班是怎么使唤人的,"他马上找补着说."我想,要是让我试一试,也许我也干得了."他的脸颊一下子涨红,两眼也在闪闪发亮.
"不一样,不一样,"吉尔伯特一个劲儿厉声说."看人家做和自个儿做,完全是两回事.没有什么经验的人可以想得很多很多,可是一做起来,就什么都不行了.反正不管怎么说,这个工作就是需要真正懂行的人."
他两眼严厉而又古怪地直瞅着克莱德.克莱德暗自寻思,原以为堂兄就要提拔他,一定是他想错了,这时也就镇静下来.他的脸颊又恢复了平时灰白的颜色,两眼的闪光也倏然不见了.
"是的,先生,我心里估摸这也是千真万确的,"他就这样表示了自己的意见.
"不过,这件事就用不着你心里估摸了,"古尔伯特坚持自己的意见."你要知道,一无所知的人,就都有这个毛病.他们老是在心里瞎估摸."
事实上,吉尔伯特觉得现在自己非得给堂弟寻摸职位不可,尽管克莱德压根儿没有做出什么业绩来,因而不能受之无愧.所以,吉尔伯特一想到这里就很反感,也无法掩饰自己心中的激怒.
"你说得对,我知道,"克莱德心平气和地说,因为他至今还在指望刚才暗示过的提升问题.
"哦,事情原来是这样,"吉尔伯特接下去说,"当初你来的时候,要是具备专门技术素养,本来我也许就可以把你安置在本厂会计科室的."("具备专门技术素养"这几个字,让克莱德感到既敬畏而又惧怕,因为他压根儿不懂那是什么意思.)"情况既然是这样,"吉尔伯待冷漠地说,"我们对你已是竭尽全力了.我们知道地下室并不是一个很舒服的地方,可是,那时候又没法给你找到更好的去处."他用手指在桌子上弹了一下."不过,今天我叫你上来,就是这样:我想跟你商量一下,我们楼上有个部门正好暂时有个空缺,我们——家父和我——正在琢磨,能不能就让你来填补这个空缺."克莱德听了心情异常兴奋."家父和我两人,"他接下去说,"最近一直在考虑,我们愿意帮你一点小忙.不过,正如我刚才所说的,你不论在哪个方面都缺乏实际训练,使我们感到事情非常棘手.你压根儿没有受过任何商业或技术教育训练,这就使得事情更加难办了."他停顿了很长时间,好让那句话使对方心领神会,逼使克莱德感到自己确实是个不速之客."可是,"过了一会儿,他又找补着说,"既然我们都认为有必要叫你上这儿来,我们就是决定让你到比目前更好一些的职位上去试试.再也不能让你无限期地待在地下室了.现在,你就听着,让我给你讲一下我的打算."于是,吉尔伯特就开始把五层楼上工作的性质解释了一遍.
过了一会儿,惠甘给请来了,跟克莱德互致寒暄之后,吉尔伯特说:"惠甘,我刚才已把我们今天早上的谈话,还有我跟你说过的,就是我们打算让他试一试担任那个部门头头一事,告诉了我的堂弟.所以,就请你领他到利格特先生那儿去,让利格特先生本人或是别人,把那儿工作的性质跟他讲一讲,谢谢你."说完,吉尔伯特转身走到办公桌跟前."过后,请你把他再带回来,"他找补着说,"我要跟他再谈一次."
随后,他神气活现地站了起来,把他们俩都给打发走了.惠甘对这次试验依然有些犯疑,不过,急于想讨好克莱德(往后此人将成为怎样的人物,惠甘实在还说不准),就把他领到利格特先生那一层楼去.到了五层楼以后,就在机器的轰鸣声中,克莱德被领到了大楼的最西端,走进一个规模比较小的部门,中间只有一道低矮栅栏,与大房间隔开.这儿大约有二十五名女工,还有她们带着篮筐的助手.一扎扎尚待缝制的领子,从来自楼上的好几条泻槽里源源不绝地送下来,看来已使这些人竭尽全力,穷于应付.
克莱德被介绍给利格特先生以后,就马上被带到一张由栅栏隔开的小桌子跟前.那儿坐着一个矮胖姑娘,年纪跟他相仿,长得不太动人.他们一走过去,她就站起身来."这位是托德小姐,"惠甘一开口就说."安吉尔太太不在,由她负责已有十天左右了.托德小姐,劳驾把你这儿所做的工作,讲给格里菲思先生听听.请你尽可能讲得快些、清楚些.随后,下午他上这儿来的时候,我要你帮助他,直到他熟悉情况自己可以独立工作为止.你总能办得到,是不是?"
"哦,当然罗,惠甘先生.非常乐意,"托德小姐满口应允,马上把登记簿册取下来,指点克莱德收货、发货怎样登记——后来又告诉他打印怎么个打法——管篮筐的女工怎样把泻槽里送下来的一扎扎领子收集起来,按照打印工的需要量,均匀地分配给他们;过一会儿,打印好以后,另有一些管篮筐的女工,又怎样把这些领子发送给外面的缝纫工.克莱德很感兴趣,觉得这工作他一定能胜任愉快,只不过在这一层楼上,他跟这么多女人在一起,不免感到非常奇怪.有这么多的女人——多达好几百人——一长溜、一长溜地一直延伸到白墙壁、白圆柱的大房间东头.从落地长窗里射进一大片确实令人耀眼的亮光.这些姑娘们,并不是个个都很标致.先是托德小姐,后来是惠甘,甚至于利格特给他一一详细解释的时候,克莱德就已经用眼梢斜乜过她们.
"最要紧的是,"过了一会儿,惠甘又解释说,"送到这儿打印的成千上万打的领子,数目可不能弄错.再有,打印的时候也好,发送给缝纫工的时候也好,都不能发生阻滞停留现象.最后还有,每个女工干活的纪录,都要写得准确无误,以便给她们发工钱时不致出差错."
最后,克莱德终于明白他们对自己的要求是什么,就说他一切都明白了.他虽然非常激动,但是一个闪念,想到:既然这个姑娘都干得了,那他肯定也干得了.由于利格特和惠甘知道他是吉尔伯特的近亲,因此谈吐态度都是非常和气,故意在这儿多待了一会儿,还说他们相信他不论干什么事情,准能应付裕如.随后,克莱德跟惠甘一起回到吉尔伯特那里.吉尔伯特见他一进门,马上就问:"哦,你说怎么样?行,还是不行?依你看,到底干得了,还是干不了?"
"哦,我心里想,我是干得了,"克莱德鼓足勇气回答说,不过心中暗自担忧,除非碰上好运气,说不定他还可能干不好.要考虑的事情太多了——要同他的那些上司,以及在他周围的那些人搞好关系——再说他们会不会一直小心照顾自己呢?
"那敢情好.你先坐一会儿,"吉尔伯特接下去说."我还要跟你再谈一谈楼上工作的事.依你看,这工作很省力,可不是吗?"
"不,我可不能说这一工作我觉得非常省力,"克莱德回答说,心情很紧张,脸色有些发白:由于自己缺乏经验,他觉得这对他来说是一个绝好机会——就得拿出自己全副本领和勇气来紧紧地抓住不放."尽管这样,我觉得我还是干得了.事实上,我相信自己干得了,而且我也愿意试一试."
"得了,好吧,这话才多少说到了点子上,"吉尔伯特干脆利索地说,语气比刚才显得亲切."现在,我还要进一步跟你谈一谈这件事.我说,你可没有想到过这一层楼面上竟有那么多的女人,是不是?"
"没有,先生,我可没有想到过,"克莱德回答说."我知道厂里有女工在干活,但不知道是在什么地方."
"你说得对,"吉尔伯特继续说道."本厂从地窖子起一直到顶楼,实际上是女人在撑场面.拿从事制造业务的部门来说,我敢说,女工和男工的比例就是10∶1.因此,凡是在本厂工作的各部门负责人,我们非得对他们的道德品质和宗教信仰了解得一清二楚之后,方才给予信赖.要不是你是我们亲属,要不是我们觉得因为你是我们亲属,所以对你多少有些认识,其实,在我们还没有充分了解以前,我们也不会让你在本厂哪一个部门主管哪一个人的.不过,你绝对不要认为自己是我们亲属,我们对你就上面所说的每一件工作,以及你的一言一行就不会有严格的要求了.不,我们对你是要严格要求的;因为你是我们亲属,所以要求也就更加严格.我说的这些,你听明白了吗?还有——格里菲思这个姓氏在这里的特定涵义,你明白了吗?"
"明白了,先生,"克莱德回答说.
"那敢情好,"吉尔伯特接下去说."我们不论派哪一个人到哪一个负责岗位上去以前,必须绝对相信他举止言行始终如同绅士那样端庄稳重——对待厂里工作的女工,必须始终彬彬有礼.不管年轻人也好,甚至是老头儿也好,要是他一到这里,以为四周围净是娘们,就玩忽职守,恣意跟她们调情取乐,或是来一点儿恶作剧,那末,这个家伙在这里就注定待不长的.在厂里给我们工作的男男女女,必须认识到:他们首先是本厂职工,归根到底是本厂职工,自始至终都是本厂职工——而且出厂时,他们这种态度作风也得一块带出去.要是我们了解到他们忘掉了这些,那末,不管是男是女,他们跟我们的关系就算全完了.我们决不会要他们,也不会留下他们.我们一旦跟他们断绝往来,那就是永远跟他们断绝往来了."他缄口不语,两眼直瞅着克莱德,仿佛是在说:"我觉得,我已经把话儿说得明明白白了.我们不希望今后从你身上再碰到什么麻烦啦."
克莱德回答说:"是的,我明白了.我想,这是对的.事实上,我也知道非得这样做不可."
"而且,应该这样做,"吉尔伯特又补充一句说.
"而且,应该这样做,"克莱德也随口应了一声.
可就在这时,他却在扪心自问,吉尔伯特所说的话,是不是真实呢.他不是听到过人们轻蔑地议论厂里的女工吗?不过,此时此刻,他心里确实没有把自己跟楼上任何一个女工连在一起.当时他的心态是:由于他对女孩子特别感兴趣,因此,最好他压根儿不睬她们,决不跟她们里头哪一个人说话,保持一种极其疏远而又冷淡的态度,如同吉尔伯特要求他的一模一样.如果说他想要保住这个新的职位,最低限度就非得这样做不可.现在,他决心要保住新的职位,并且按照他堂兄所希望的那样注意自己的行为.
"那就好吧,"吉尔伯特接下去说,仿佛就克莱德对这件事的想法再作一些补充."我想向你了解这么一个问题.比方说,现在我费了这么大劲儿把你安置在那个部门,即使说暂时性质,我能不能就相信:你会始终保持清醒的头脑,尽心尽责地去工作,不会因为在一大堆女人、姑娘们里头工作,从而使你昏头昏脑,或是心神不宁吧?"
"是的,先生,我想你尽可以信任我,"克莱德回答说,堂兄这样简明扼要的要求,虽然给他留下很深印象,但一想到丽达,他对自己品行还是有些犯疑了.
"要是我不信任你,那现在就得把话给你说清楚,"吉尔伯特斩钉截铁地说."从血统来说,你是我们格里菲思家族里的一分子.从我们委派你到那个部门当助手来说,特别是你处在这样一种地位,你就是我们家族的代表.不管什么时候这里发生不正当的事情,我们都不希望跟你有牵连.因此,我要求你自己提高警惕,从今以后每当你迈出一步,都得小心留神.哪怕是在一些琐屑小事上,也不要给别人说闲话.你听明白了吗?"
"是的,先生,"克莱德一本正经地回答说."这些我全都明白了.我一定严格要求自己,否则就把我撵走得了."这时,他认真地思索过,认为自己是说到就能做到的.他觉得楼上那么多的姑娘、女人,现在好象跟他离得很远很远,而且又都是那么微不足道.
"那好极了.现在,我就再关照你一些事情.我说你今天就不要上班,干脆回家去,上床后把我所说的各点好好想一想.要是你依然不改初衷,那末,你明天早上再来,就上楼工作去.从现在起,你的周薪是二十五块美元,我还希望你要穿得整齐洁净,成为其他部门负责人的榜样."
他冷淡地、傲慢地站起身来.克莱德由于薪资骤增,以及有关他穿着整洁体面的嘱咐,感到非常鼓舞,不由得对堂兄无限感激,心里真恨不得跟他更亲热些.当然罗,吉尔伯特严厉、冷峻、十分自负,不过,如同伯父一样,还是没有忘掉他,要不然,他们就不会这么快地帮了他的大忙.只要克莱德能跟他交上朋友,博得他的青睐,想想吧,赶明儿克莱德在这里又会怎样飞黄腾达,什么工商界、社交界的殊荣,还不是一块儿冲他而来?
这时他心情那样亢奋,就不由得兴冲冲大步流星地走出了这座规模宏大的工厂.从今以后,不管碰上什么情况,他决心要在生活和工作中考验自己,他一定不辜负伯父与堂兄显然寄予他的厚望——他对这个部门里的女人或是姑娘——就得冷淡,甚至冷峻,必要时还得严酷无情.至少在目前,再也不跟迪拉特或是丽达,或是哪一类人交往了.
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Part 2 Chapter 12
The import of twenty-five dollars a week! Of being the head of a department employing twenty-five girls! Ofwearing a good suit of clothes again! Sitting at an official desk in a corner commanding a charming river viewand feeling that at last, after almost two months in that menial department below stairs, he was a figure of someconsequence in this enormous institution! And because of his relationship and new dignity, Whiggam, as well asLiggett, hovering about with advice and genial and helpful comments from time to time. And some of themanagers of the other departments including several from the front office--an auditor and an advertising manoccasionally pausing in passing to say hello. And the details of the work sufficiently mastered to permit him tolook about him from time to time, taking an interest in the factory as a whole, its processes and supplies, such aswhere the great volume of linen and cotton came from, how it was cut in an enormous cutting room above thisone, holding hundreds of experienced cutters receiving very high wages; how there was an employment bureaufor recruiting help, a company doctor, a company hospital, a special dining room in the main building, where theofficials of the company were allowed to dine--but no others--and that he, being an accredited department headcould now lunch with those others in that special restaurant if he chose and could afford to. Also he soon learnedthat several miles out from Lycurgus, on the Mohawk, near a hamlet called Van Troup, was an inter-factorycountry club, to which most of the department heads of the various factories about belonged, but, alas, as he alsolearned, Griffiths and Company did not really favor their officials mixing with those of any other company, andfor that reason few of them did. Yet he, being a member of the family, as Liggett once said to him, could probably do as he chose as to that. But he decided, because of the strong warnings of Gilbert, as well as his highblood relations with his family, that he had better remain as aloof as possible. And so smiling and being as genialas possible to all, nevertheless for the most part, and in order to avoid Dillard and others of his ilk, and althoughhe was much more lonely than otherwise he would have been, returning to his room or the public squares of thisand near-by cities on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and even, since he thought this might please his uncle andcousin and so raise him in their esteem, beginning to attend one of the principal Presbyterian churches--theSecond or High Street Church, to which on occasion, as he had already learned, the Griffiths themselves wereaccustomed to resort. Yet without ever coming in contact with them in person, since from June to Septemberthey spent their week-ends at Greenwood Lake, to which most of the society life of this region as yet resorted.
　　In fact the summer life of Lycurgus, in so far as its society was concerned, was very dull. Nothing in particularever eventuated then in the city, although previous to this, in May, there had been various affairs in connectionwith the Griffiths and their friends which Clyde had either read about or saw at a distance--a graduationreception and dance at the Snedeker School, a lawn fete upon the Griffiths' grounds, with a striped marquee tenton one part of the lawn and Chinese lanterns hung in among the trees. Clyde had observed this quite by accidentone evening as he was walking alone about the city. It raised many a curious and eager thought in regard to thisfamily, its high station and his relation to it. But having placed him comfortably in a small official position whichwas not arduous, the Griffiths now proceeded to dismiss him from their minds. He was doing well enough, andthey would see something more of him later, perhaps.
　　And then a little later he read in the Lycurgus Star that there was to be staged on June twentieth the annual intercityautomobile floral parade and contest (Fonda, Gloversville, Amsterdam and Schenectady), which this yearwas to be held in Lycurgus and which was the last local social affair of any consequence, as The Star phrased it,before the annual hegira to the lakes and mountains of those who were able to depart for such places. And thenames of Bella, Bertine and Sondra, to say nothing of Gilbert, were mentioned as contestants or defendants ofthe fair name of Lycurgus. And since this occurred on a Saturday afternoon, Clyde, dressed in his best, yetdecidedly wishing to obscure himself as an ordinary spectator, was able to see once more the girl who had soinfatuated him on sight, obviously breasting a white rose-surfaced stream and guiding her craft with a paddlecovered with yellow daffodils--a floral representation of some Indian legend in connection with the MohawkRiver. With her dark hair filleted Indian fashion with a yellow feather and brown-eyed susans, she was arrestingenough not only to capture a prize, but to recapture Clyde's fancy. How marvelous to be of that world.
　　In the same parade he had seen Gilbert Griffiths accompanied by a very attractive girl chauffeuring one of fourfloats representing the four seasons. And while the one he drove was winter, with this local society girl posed inermine with white roses for snow all about, directly behind came another float, which presented Bella Griffithsas spring, swathed in filmy draperies and crouching beside a waterfall of dark violets. The effect was quitestriking and threw Clyde into a mood in regard to love, youth and romance which was delicious and yet verypainful to him. Perhaps he should have retained Rita, after all.
　　In the meantime he was living on as before, only more spaciously in so far as his own thoughts were concerned.
　　For his first thought after receiving this larger allowance was that he had better leave Mrs. Cuppy's and secure abetter room in some private home which, if less advantageously situated for him, would be in a better street. Ittook him out of all contact with Dillard. And now, since his uncle had promoted him, some representative of hisor Gilbert's might wish to stop by to see him about something. And what would one such think if he found him living in a small room such as he now occupied?
　　Ten days after his salary was raised, therefore, and because of the import of his name, he found it possible toobtain a room in one of the better houses and streets--Jefferson Avenue, which paralleled Wykeagy Avenue, onlya few blocks farther out. It was the home of a widow whose husband had been a mill manager and who let outtwo rooms without board in order to be able to maintain this home, which was above the average for one of suchposition in Lycurgus. And Mrs. Peyton, having long been a resident of the city and knowing much about theGriffiths, recognized not only the name but the resemblance of Clyde to Gilbert. And being intensely interestedby this, as well as his general appearance, she at once offered him an exceptional room for so little as five dollarsa week, which he took at once.
　　In connection with his work at the factory, however, and in spite of the fact that he had made such drasticresolutions in regard to the help who were beneath him, still it was not always possible for him to keep his mindon the mere mechanical routine of the work or off of this company of girls as girls, since at least a few of themwere attractive. For it was summer--late June. And over all the factory, especially around two, three and four inthe afternoon, when the endless repetition of the work seemed to pall on all, a practical indifference not remotefrom languor and in some instances sensuality, seemed to creep over the place. There were so many women andgirls of so many different types and moods. And here they were so remote from men or idle pleasure in any form,all alone with just him, really. Again the air within the place was nearly always heavy and physically relaxing,and through the many open windows that reached from floor to ceiling could be seen the Mohawk swirling andrippling, its banks carpeted with green grass and in places shaded by trees. Always it seemed to hint of pleasureswhich might be found by idling along its shores. And since these workers were employed so mechanically as toleave their minds free to roam from one thought of pleasure to another, they were for the most part thinking ofthemselves always and what they would do, assuming that they were not here chained to this routine.
　　And because their moods were so brisk and passionate, they were often prone to fix on the nearest object. Andsince Clyde was almost always the only male present--and in these days in his best clothes--they were inclined tofix on him. They were, indeed, full of all sorts of fantastic notions in regard to his private relations with theGriffiths and their like, where he lived and how, whom in the way of a girl he might be interested in. And he, inturn, when not too constrained by the memory of what Gilbert Griffiths had said to him, was inclined to think ofthem--certain girls in particular--with thoughts that bordered on the sensual. For, in spite of the wishes of theGriffiths Company, and the discarded Rita or perhaps because of her, he found himself becoming interested inthree different girls here. They were of a pagan and pleasure-loving turn--this trio--and they thought Clyde veryhandsome. Ruza Nikoforitch--a Russian-American girl--big and blonde and animal, with swimming brown eyes,a snub fat nose and chin, was very much drawn to him. Only, such was the manner with which he carried himselfalways, that she scarcely dared to let herself think so. For to her, with his hair so smoothly parted, torsoed in abright-striped shirt, the sleeves of which in this weather were rolled to the elbows, he seemed almost too perfectto be real. She admired his clean, brown polished shoes, his brightly buckled black leather belt, and the loosefour-in-hand tie he wore.
　　Again there was Martha Bordaloue, a stocky, brisk Canadian-French girl of trim, if rotund, figure and ankles,hair of a reddish gold and eyes of greenish blue with puffy pink cheeks and hands that were plump and yet small.
　　Ignorant and pagan, she saw in Clyde some one whom, even for so much as an hour, assuming that he would, shewould welcome--and that most eagerly. At the same time, being feline and savage, she hated all or any who even so much as presumed to attempt to interest him, and despised Ruza for that reason. For as she could see Ruzatried to nudge or lean against Clyde whenever he came sufficiently near. At the same time she herself sought byevery single device known to her--her shirtwaist left open to below the borders of her white breast, her outer skirtlifted trimly above her calves when working, her plump round arms displayed to the shoulders to show him thatphysically at least she was worth his time. And the sly sighs and languorous looks when he was near, whichcaused Ruza to exclaim one day: "That French cat! He should look at her!" And because of Clyde she had anintense desire to strike her.
　　And yet again there was the stocky and yet gay Flora Brandt, a decidedly low class American type of coarse andyet enticing features, black hair, large, swimming and heavily-lashed black eyes, a snub nose and full andsensuous and yet pretty lips, and a vigorous and not ungraceful body, who, from day to day, once he had beenthere a little while, had continued to look at him as if to say--"What! You don't think I'm attractive?" and with alook which said: "How can you continue to ignore me? There are lots of fellows who would be delighted to haveyour chance, I can tell you."And, in connection with these three, the thought came to him after a time that since they were so different, morecommon as he thought, less well-guarded and less sharply interested in the conventional aspects of their contacts,it might be possible and that without detection on the part of any one for him to play with one or another ofthem--or all three in turn if his interest should eventually carry him so far--without being found out, particularlyif beforehand he chose to impress on them the fact that he was condescending when he noticed them at all. Mostcertainly, if he could judge by their actions, they would willingly reward him by letting him have his way withthem somewhere, and think nothing of it afterward if he chose to ignore them, as he must to keep his positionhere. Nevertheless, having given his word as he had to Gilbert Griffiths, he was still in no mood to break it.
　　These were merely thoughts which from time to time were aroused in him by a situation which for him wasdifficult in the extreme. His was a disposition easily and often intensely inflamed by the chemistry of sex and theformula of beauty. He could not easily withstand the appeal, let alone the call, of sex. And by the actions andapproaches of each in turn he was surely tempted at times, especially in these warm and languorous summerdays, with no place to go and no single intimate to commune with. From time to time he could not resist drawingnear to these very girls who were most bent on tempting him, although in the face of their looks and nudges, notvery successfully concealed at times, he maintained an aloofness and an assumed indifference which was quiteremarkable for him.
　　But just about this time there was a rush of orders, which necessitated, as both Whiggam and Liggett advised,Clyde taking on a few extra "try-out" girls who were willing to work for the very little they could earn at thecurrent piece work rate until they had mastered the technique, when of course they would be able to earn more.
　　There were many such who applied at the employment branch of the main office on the ground floor. In slacktimes all applications were rejected or the sign hung up "No Help Wanted."And since Clyde was relatively new to this work, and thus far had neither hired nor discharged any one, it wasagreed between Whiggam and Liggett that all the help thus sent up should first be examined by Liggett, who waslooking for extra stitchers also. And in case any were found who promised to be satisfactory as stampers, theywere to be turned over to Clyde with the suggestion that he try them. Only before bringing any one back toClyde, Liggett was very careful to explain that in connection with this temporary hiring and discharging therewas a system. One must not ever give a new employee, however well they did, the feeling that they were doing anything but moderately well until their capacity had been thoroughly tested. It interfered with their properdevelopment as piece workers, the greatest results that could be obtained by any one person. Also one mightfreely take on as many girls as were needed to meet any such situation, and then, once the rush was over, asfreely drop them--unless, occasionally, a very speedy worker was found among the novices. In that case it wasalways advisable to try to retain such a person, either by displacing a less satisfactory person or transferring someone from some other department, to make room for new blood and new energy.
　　The next day, after this notice of a rush, back came four girls at different times and escorted always by Liggett,who in each instance explained to Clyde: "Here's a girl who might do for you. Miss Tyndal is her name. Youmight give her a try-out." Or, "You might see if this girl will be of any use to you." And Clyde, after he hadquestioned them as to where they had worked, what the nature of the general working experiences were, andwhether they lived at home here in Lycurgus or alone (the bachelor girl was not much wanted by the factory)would explain the nature of the work and pay, and then call Miss Todd, who in her turn would first take them tothe rest room where were lockers for their coats, and then to one of the tables where they would be shown whatthe process was. And later it was Miss Todd's and Clyde's business to discover how well they were getting onand whether it was worth while to retain them or not.
　　Up to this time, apart from the girls to whom he was so definitely drawn, Clyde was not so very favorablyimpressed with the type of girl who was working here. For the most part, as he saw them, they were of a heavyand rather unintelligent company, and he had been thinking that smarter-looking girls might possibly be secured.
　　Why not? Were there none in Lycurgus in the factory world? So many of these had fat hands, broad faces, heavylegs and ankles. Some of them even spoke with an accent, being Poles or the children of Poles, living in thatslum north of the mill. And they were all concerned with catching a "feller," going to some dancing place withhim afterwards, and little more. Also, Clyde had noticed that the American types who were here were of adecidedly different texture, thinner, more nervous and for the most part more angular, and with a general reservedue to prejudices, racial, moral and religious, which would not permit them to mingle with these others or withany men, apparently.
　　But among the extras or try-outs that were brought to him during this and several succeeding days, finally cameone who interested Clyde more than any girl whom he had seen here so far. She was, as he decided on sight,more intelligent and pleasing--more spiritual--though apparently not less vigorous, if more gracefullyproportioned. As a matter of fact, as he saw her at first, she appeared to him to possess a charm which no oneelse in this room had, a certain wistfulness and wonder combined with a kind of self-reliant courage anddetermination which marked her at once as one possessed of will and conviction to a degree. Nevertheless, as shesaid, she was inexperienced in this kind of work, and highly uncertain as to whether she would prove of servicehere or anywhere.
　　Her name was Roberta Alden, and, as she at once explained, previous to this she had been working in a smallhosiery factory in a town called Trippetts Mills fifty miles north of Lycurgus. She had on a small brown hat thatdid not look any too new, and was pulled low over a face that was small and regular and pretty and that washaloed by bright, light brown hair. Her eyes were of a translucent gray blue. Her little suit was commonplace,and her shoes were not so very new-looking and quite solidly-soled. She looked practical and serious and yet sobright and clean and willing and possessed of so much hope and vigor that along with Liggett, who had firsttalked with her, he was at once taken with her. Distinctly she was above the average of the girls in this room.
　　And he could not help wondering about her as he talked to her, for she seemed so tense, a little troubled as to theoutcome of this interview, as though this was a very great adventure for her.
　　She explained that up to this time she had been living with her parents near a town called Biltz, but was nowliving with friends here. She talked so honestly and simply that Clyde was very much moved by her, and for thisreason wished to help her. At the same time he wondered if she were not really above the type of work she wasseeking. Her eyes were so round and blue and intelligent--her lips and nose and ears and hands so small andpleasing.
　　"You're going to live in Lycurgus, then, if you can get work here?" he said, more to be talking to her thananything else.
　　"Yes," she said, looking at him most directly and frankly.
　　"And the name again?" He took down a record pad.
　　"Roberta Alden.""And your address here?""228 Taylor Street.""I don't even know where that is myself," he informed her because he liked talking to her. "I haven't been here sovery long, you see." He wondered just why afterwards he had chosen to tell her as much about himself so swiftly.
　　Then he added: "I don't know whether Mr. Liggett has told you all about the work here. But it's piece work, youknow, stamping collars. I'll show you if you'll just step over here," and he led the way to a near-by table wherethe stampers were. After letting her observe how it was done, and without calling Miss Todd, he picked up oneof the collars and proceeded to explain all that had been previously explained to him.
　　At the same time, because of the intentness with which she observed him and his gestures, the seriousness withwhich she appeared to take all that he said, he felt a little nervous and embarrassed. There was something quitesearching and penetrating about her glance. After he had explained once more what the bundle rate was, and howmuch some made and how little others, and she had agreed that she would like to try, he called Miss Todd, whotook her to the locker room to hang up her hat and coat. Then presently he saw her returning, a fluff of light hairabout her forehead, her cheeks slightly flushed, her eyes very intent and serious. And as advised by Miss Todd,he saw her turn back her sleeves, revealing a pretty pair of forearms. Then she fell to, and by her gestures Clydeguessed that she would prove both speedy and accurate. For she seemed most anxious to obtain and keep thisplace.
　　After she had worked a little while, he went to her side and watched her as she picked up and stamped the collarspiled beside her and threw them to one side. Also the speed and accuracy with which she did it. Then, becausefor a second she turned and looked at him, giving him an innocent and yet cheerful and courageous smile, hesmiled back, most pleased.
　　"Well, I guess you'll make out all right," he ventured to say, since he could not help feeling that she would. Andinstantly, for a second only, she turned and smiled again. And Clyde, in spite of himself, was quite thrilled. Heliked her on the instant, but because of his own station here, of course, as he now decided, as well as his promiseto Gilbert, he must be careful about being congenial with any of the help in this room--even as charming a girl asthis. It would not do. He had been guarding himself in connection with the others and must with her too, a thingwhich seemed a little strange to him then, for he was very much drawn to her. She was so pretty and cute. Yetshe was a working girl, as he remembered now, too--a factory girl, as Gilbert would say, and he was her superior.
　　But she WAS so pretty and cute.
　　Instantly he went on to others who had been put on this same day, and finally coming to Miss Todd asked her toreport pretty soon on how Miss Alden was getting along--that he wanted to know.
　　But at the same time that he had addressed Roberta, and she had smiled back at him, Ruza Nikoforitch, who wasworking two tables away, nudged the girl working next her, and without any one noting it, first winked, thenindicated with a slight movement of the head both Clyde and Roberta. Her friend was to watch them. And afterClyde had gone away and Roberta was working as before, she leaned over and whispered: "He says she'll doalready." Then she lifted her eyebrows and compressed her lips. And her friend replied, so softly that no onecould hear her: "Pretty quick, eh? And he didn't seem to see any one else at all before."Then the twain smiled most wisely, a choice bit between them. Ruza Nikoforitch was jealous.
第十二章
一星期能挣到二十五块美元!身为一个拥有二十五个女工的部门的头头!同时又穿上了一套漂漂亮亮的衣服!坐在角落里一张办公桌前,望得见迷人的河上风光,心里的感觉是,在那个寒伧的地下室几乎待了两个月以后,终于在这个巨大的工厂里成了一个相当重要的人物!由于他是格里菲思的亲属,新近又得到擢升,惠甘和利格特不时簇拥在他身边,殷勤地向他提出忠告以及善意而又有益的意见.还有其他部门的一些经理,甚至包括总办事处里——一个审计员、一个广告经纪人,偶尔走过也停下来向他寒暄致意.如今,他对新的工作各个细节全都十分熟悉,就可以不时留心观察周围的情况,开始了解全厂的动态、全厂的生产过程,以及原料供应的情况,比方说,大批麻布、棉布是从哪里来的;楼上大切布间是怎样把面料切开的,那里拥有好几百个工资很高、而又富有经验的切布工;此外还有一个职工介绍所,一位厂医,一所厂医院;大楼里专门设有一间餐厅,以供本厂职员在那里进餐——可是对外恕不招待——而他呢,身为一个部门的头儿,只要他高兴,而且钱也出得起,就可以在那个特设餐厅跟各部门头头们共进午餐.他很快又听说,离莱柯格斯几英里,在莫霍克河畔一个名叫范·特罗普的村子附近,有一个厂际乡村俱乐部,周围各厂部门负责人绝大多数都是会员.不过,遗憾得很,据他所知,格里菲思公司说真的并不很赞成他们的职员跟其他一些公司职员互有来往,对此很少有人敢于掉以轻心.不过,他呢,身为格里菲思家族里一成员,正如利格特有一回对他说的,要是他高兴,也许可以去那儿申请入会的.但考虑到吉尔伯特有过强烈的警告,以及他同这一家族有着高贵的血亲关系,他便决定自己还是尽可能保持疏远些为好.于是,他脸上总是挂着微笑,跟所有的人尽可能做到和蔼可亲.不过,他还是觉得自己本来不会感到很寂寞的,无奈他要回避迪拉特及其同伙,下班后经常回到自己房间里,每逢星期六、星期日下午,则到莱柯格斯各广场和附近城镇走走,越发显得形单影只.甚至他还开始到本城一个主要的长老会教堂——第二教堂,亦称高街教堂去做礼拜,因为他早就听说过,格里菲思一家人常去那儿做礼拜.他想,他这样做也许可以取悦于伯父和堂兄,让他们更加器重他.殊不知他连一次都没有碰到过他们,因为从六月至九月,他们照例都到格林伍德湖畔度周末的,莱柯格斯所有上流社会人士多半也上那儿消暑去了.
事实上,莱柯格斯上流社会盛夏的生活是很沉闷的.本城一直没有推出什么特别有趣的活动节目来,虽然在这以前,亦即在五月间,格里菲思一家人和他们的朋友,曾经主持过好几次社交活动.这些新闻克莱德或是从报上读到过,或是远远地望见过——在斯内德克学校举行过一次毕业晚会和舞会,接着,在格里菲思府邸的草坪上办过一次游园会,草坪的一头还搭了一座带条纹的篷帐,园内树枝头上悬挂许许多多中国宫灯.有一天晚上,克莱德在城里独自一个闲逛时碰巧看见.他由此好奇地联想到格里菲思这个家族,他们很高的社会地位,以及他跟他们的亲属关系诸问题.不过,格里菲思家已把他安置在一个小小的、但工作并不吃力的职员的岗位上,也就开始把他忘掉了.他现在的境况很不错,也许往后他们再来帮他的忙吧.
没有多久,他在莱柯格斯《星报》上看到一条消息,说每年六月二十日有一次市际(方达、格洛弗斯维尔、阿姆斯特丹、谢内克塔迪)传统花会与汽车竞赛,今年则在莱柯格斯举行.据《星报》说,在有条件可去的殷实人家一年一度纷纷移居湖山胜地消暑以前,这将是本地上流社会最后一次的重要活动了.贝拉、伯蒂娜和桑德拉的芳名,都给提到了,吉尔伯特的大名,当然更不用说了,说他们既是竞赛的参加者,又是莱柯格斯荣誉的捍卫者.这次碰巧赶上星期六下午,克莱德虽然穿上了最漂亮的衣服,但他还是决定不抛头露面,只当一名普通观众.可他却又一次看到了那位他一见倾心的女郎,那样子显然是象征着在撒满攻瑰花瓣的银白色小溪上破浪前进;她手里握着缀满黄水仙花的一把桨在划她的船,这种黄水仙花饰,使人想起了与莫霍克河有关的某个印第安人的传奇故事.桑德拉,她那乌黑的头发,梳成印第安人的发式,插上了一支黄翎毛,前额束上一条缀着棕色针眼的缎带.瞧她那么迷人,不仅足以轻取桂冠,而且再一次顿使克莱德为之心荡神移.要是能跻身那个上流社会,该有多幸福!
也是在这个队伍里,克莱德还看到吉尔伯特·格里菲思,随身有一位绝色女郎陪伴,正在驾驶代表一年四季的四辆彩车中的一辆.他驾驶的那辆车代表冬季,还有本城一位交际花身上穿着银鼠皮裘大衣,亭亭玉立在白攻瑰花丛里,以此象征皑皑白雪.紧挨在他们后面的,是另一辆彩车,则由贝拉·格里菲思作为春天的象征,这时她身披薄如蝉翼的轻纱,正俯靠在宛如一道瀑布的深色紫罗兰旁边.此情此景确实动人心弦,克莱德马上又想起了甜蜜的、但又使他非常痛苦的爱情、青春和罗曼史来.说到底,当初他也许真的不应该同丽达分手的.
这一阵子克莱德的生活还是如同往昔一样,只不过他的思想活动增多了.薪资提高后,他首先想到自己最好还是迁出柯比太太寄宿舍,在某个私人住宅寻摸一个好一些的房间,坐落在一条漂亮的大街上,哪怕出脚不便也行.只要他一迁出,就可以跟迪拉特完全断绝来往.现在,既然伯父把他提升了,伯父或吉尔伯特有事也许会派人来看他.要是发现他还住目前这个小房间,人们会有怎么个想法呢?
因此,提薪以后过了十天,多亏他这个响当当的姓氏,克莱德便在漂亮的街道,漂亮的住邸,觅到了一个房间——那是在杰斐逊大街上,与威克吉大街平行,相隔只有一两排房子,是一位工厂经理的遗孀的房子.眼下她只出租两个房间,不供膳食,旨在保养这幢房子.在莱柯格斯,就象她这样人家的地位来说,这幢房子已是在一般水平之上.佩顿太太住在莱柯格斯已有很长时间,早就听人说起过格里菲思这一家族.不仅格里菲思这个姓氏,而且克莱德的模样儿长得活象吉尔伯特,她也全都知道.这一点,连同克莱德的仪表风度,她都非常感兴趣,因此马上租给他一个特别漂亮的房间,每周酌收房金五块美元.对此,克莱德马上满口同意了.
说到他在厂里的工作,虽然他坚决不理睬在他手下干活的女工,但是,要他专心一志去做非常刻板的日常工作,或是对那些姑娘们(何况至少其中有几位长得很动人)压根儿熟视无睹、那他可办不到.再说,时值盛夏——正是在六月下旬.全厂上下,尤其在午后,从两点到三四点钟之间,看来人人都对没完没了的、重复的机械动作早已感到腻味透顶,一种实质上是满不在乎与慵倦懒怠、有时竟与犬马声色相去不远的气氛,好象在四处迷漫着.眼前就有那么多的各种不同类型和不同气质的女人和姑娘,她们跟男性离得又是那么远,简直毫无乐趣可言,说实话,成天价只跟他一个男人在一起.再说,室内空气总是很沉闷,让人身心松懈下来.从许多敞开的落地长窗望出去,可以见到莫霍克河上卷起了一个个淤涡,向两岸散开了一片片涟漪,波堤上绿草如茵,有些地方还在树木掩映之下.这一切景象,仿佛暗示着人们在两岸闲游时的乐趣.本来工作就很呆板乏味,这些女工们心里早已飘飘忽忽,想到种种赏心乐事上去了.她们十之八九想自己的事,以及她们该怎么个玩儿,假定说她们不是因为这里呆板的日常活儿脱身不开的话.
由于她们的心态那么活泼热情,她们往往动不动就盯紧了离她们最近的目标.克莱德在这里既然是独一无二的男性——这些日子里又常常穿着最漂亮的衣服——不消说,她们就盯住了他.的确,她们脑子里充满着各式各样胡思乱想,比方说,克莱德跟格里菲思一家人,以及类似这样的人物私下关系怎么样,他住在哪里,生活情况怎么样,以及他对什么样的女孩子也许会感兴趣等等.回过来再说说克莱德,只要吉尔伯特·格里菲思对他所说的话已在记忆中冲淡了,这时,他往往就会想到了她们——特别是那几位姑娘——同时萌生了近乎情欲的念头.尽管吉尔伯特·格里菲思对他寄予厚望,他自己也把丽达甩掉了,或者说也许正是因为这个缘故,渐渐地对这儿的三位姑娘感到了兴趣.她们这三位,本来爱好玩乐,压根儿不受那一套教规约束.而且她们觉得克莱德这个小伙子长得漂亮极了.罗莎·尼柯弗列奇是一个俄裔美国姑娘——一个体态丰满、富于性感的金发女郎,水汪汪的褐色眼睛,肉嘟嘟的狮子鼻,胖乎乎的下巴颏儿,却把克莱德吸引住了.只是因为他老是摆出那副正经八百的样子,她也就不敢存有非分之想.克莱德的头发那么光洁地往两边分开,身上穿着一件亮条纹衬衫,因为天热,袖子卷到胳臂肘上,在她看来,已是十全十美,简直让人不敢相信.甚至他的那双一尘不染、擦得晶光锃亮的棕色皮鞋、他的那条扣子发亮的黑皮带,以及他的那条松松的、打活结的领带——都使她惊喜不止.
还有玛莎·博达罗,一个胖墩墩、活泼泼的加拿大－法国混血姑娘,身段和脚踝长得都很匀称,虽然也许有些肥壮.她还长着一头略带红色的金黄头发,一双蓝里泛绿的眼睛,两片胀鼓鼓的粉红色脸颊,一双肉头得很的小手.这个姑娘天真无知,放荡不羁,她认为,只要克莱德愿意,哪怕一个钟头,她也会欣喜若狂似的.同时,由于她生性刁滑泼辣,不拘是谁,只要胆敢向克莱德眉目传情,她就憎恨谁.也因为这个缘故,她就瞧不起罗莎.因为玛莎看见,只要克莱德一走到罗莎身旁,罗莎总是竭力设法碰一碰他胳膊肘,或是将自己身子向他靠过去.同时,罗莎自己还施出种种诱人的圈套:把宽松的上衣敞开,让她雪白的酥胸袒露无遗;干活时把罩裙索性撩到小腿肚上;她那滴溜滚圆的胳臂,一直袒露到肩膀上,为的是给他看看,至少从肉体上来说,他在她身上消磨一些时光也是很值得的.所以,只要他一走过来,玛莎就刁滑地唉声叹气,露出一副慵倦无力的神态,有一天竟惹得罗莎大声嚷了起来:"瞧那头法国猫!他一个劲儿直瞅着她!"罗莎心中气呼呼的,为了克莱德,真是恨不得揍她一顿.
最后是那位个儿矮胖,但又轻佻放荡的弗洛拉·布兰特.一望可知,她是地地道道一个俗不可耐但又诱人的下层社会美国女郎.一头黑黑的鬈发,一对覆盖浓浓睫毛、水汪汪、乌溜溜的大眼睛,加上狮子鼻,两片丰满、富于肉感但又很美的嘴唇,以及虽然壮硕,仍不失其优美的身体.不管哪一天,只要克莱德走过来一会儿,她总是目不转睛地瞅着他,好象是在说:"怎么啦!你不觉得我很好看吗?"而且还露出一种神色,仿佛在说:"你怎能老是不睬我呢?老实告诉你吧,许多小伙子要是也象你这样走运,可真要乐死呢."
过了一些日子,克莱德对这三个女人有了一个想法,那就是:她们跟别的姑娘迥然不同.依他看,她们头脑比较简单,既不那么拘谨古板,也不那么小心提防,交友时压根儿不受传统习俗束缚.也许他可以跟她们里头随便哪一个玩玩,外人包管不会知道,赶明儿他要是进一步对此发生兴趣的话,那就不妨跟她们三人逐个轮流玩过来——而且包管不会被人发现,只要事前让她们心里明白,哪怕是他向她们瞥上一眼,也就算是他给她们的最大恩赐了.从她们的一举一动来判断,他认为她们肯定乐于酬谢他,听凭他随意摆布,即使他为了保住在厂里的位置,事后照样不理不睬她们,对此,她们心里也不存芥蒂.不过话又说回来,他已经向吉尔伯特·格里菲思立下过誓言,眼下还不想自食其言.这些只不过是他在心中极端难受时瞬息萌生稍纵即逝的思绪罢了.克莱德生来就是这么一种人,只要一见女色,便欲火中烧.说实话,他顶不住性的吸引——至于性的呼唤,就更不用说了.有时候,这几位年轻女郎轮流献媚调情,当然使他感到诱惑,特别是在这么暖和、慵倦的夏天,简直无处可去,而又无人谈心.他时常按捺不住,很想凑近这几个故意向他卖弄风骚的女郎,尽管在她们挤眉弄眼和碰肘子的时候,他努力装出一种对他的性格来说是很不寻常的无动于衷的态度,而且有的时候并没有十分成功地掩饰住自己的真实情绪.
就在这时,定货纷至沓来,正如惠甘、利格特两人所说的,克莱德手下非得另增几个额外的女工不可:这些女工必须同意依照目前计件工资比率,只拿很少工钱,等到她们掌握了工艺技术,那时,自然就可以多挣一些.大楼底层办事处招工部,经常有很多应聘者.生意清淡时,对所有求职者一概谢绝,或是干脆挂上"不招工"的牌子.
克莱德对这一工作毕竟还是个新手,直至今日既没有雇过,也没有开革过哪一个人,于是,惠甘和利格特商定,所有送给他选用的工人,应该先由利格特考察,因为利格特此时还正在物色一些缝纫临时工.要是有适合于当打印工的,就转给克莱德,让克莱德通知她们不妨先试一试.不过,利格特事前曾经非常仔细地向克莱德介绍过有关临时工雇用和解雇的规章制度:对于新工人,不管他们工作干得多么出色,决不能让他们感到自满,尤其不能在他们的能力还没有经过充分考验以前就认为自己干得够好了.这对临时工的发展前途是有妨碍的,使他不可能取得更大的成就.再说,为了应付本厂定货激增的情况,不妨尽量多招女工,以后,旺季一过,就可以随意歇掉她们,除非在这些新工人里头偶尔发现个别手脚特别勤快的女工.遇到这样情况,通常总要把这个女工留下来,不是把一个工作差劲的人撤下来,就是把某一个人调往另一个部门,以便给新血液、新活力让路.
获悉定货骤增后第二天,分批来了四个女孩子,每次都由利格特陪来,总是对克莱德这么说:"这位姑娘,备不住对您还合适.她就是廷代尔小姐.您不妨就让她先试一试吧."或是说:"这位姑娘,您看看对您合适不合适."克莱德就问她们过去在哪儿干过活,一般都做过什么样性质的工作,在莱柯格斯是和家里人一块住,还是一个人单独住(厂方不大乐意接纳单身姑娘),然后把打印工性质和工资讲一讲,再招呼托德小姐把她们带到休息室,让她们把外套锁进存衣柜,引领她们到一张桌子跟前,指给她们看一看那制作工艺过程.以后即由托德小姐与克莱德考查她们干活情况,决定值得不值得把她们留下来.
直到这时为止,抛开他多少喜欢的上面那三个姑娘不谈,克莱德对这儿干活的女工,印象确实不挺好.依他看,这些女工十之八九长得粗手粗脚,笨头笨脑.他心里一直捉摸,说不定能寻摸到稍微漂亮些的姑娘吧.谁说寻摸不到呢?难道整个莱柯格斯连一个漂亮的女工都没有吗?可眼前这么多的打印工,却都是脸大手胖,踝大腿粗.有几个甚至一张口说话还土腔土气——她们是波兰人,或是波兰裔的姑娘,都住在工厂北面的贫民窟里.她们一个劲儿只想给自己抓住一个"小伙子",跟他一块上什么跳舞厅去,如此等等.克莱德还注意到,这里的美国籍姑娘显然与众不同:她们都要瘦削些,敏感些,绝大多数呆板拘谨,而种族、道德、宗教方面的种种偏见又不仅使她们态度一般都很含蓄,而且还不允许她们接近其他姑娘们,或是哪一个男人.
不过,这一天以及随后几天里给他送来的临时工和试用工里头,最后来了一个姑娘,竟使克莱德对她要比他对厂里所有姑娘更感兴趣.他一见就觉得她要聪明得多,可爱得多——更要超世脱俗——她身子长得优美匀称,但体质上也并不比别的姑娘羸弱.说实在的,他头一眼看见她,就觉得她身上具有一种眼前哪个姑娘都没有的魅力,一种充满沉思和惊异的神情,可又跟一种自信的勇气和决心融合在一起,由此一下子显示出她是一个具有坚强意志和信心的人.不过,正如她自己所说的,她对这一工作缺乏经验,因此对自己在这里工作能不能做好,她说非常没有把握.
她的名字叫罗伯达·奥尔登.她一开头就说明,她早先是在莱柯格斯以北五十英里名叫特里佩茨米尔斯的镇上一家小针织厂里做过工.她头戴一顶并不很新的棕色小帽,拉得低低的,掩映着一张美丽、端正的小脸蛋,配上一头亮闪闪的淡褐色鬈发,仿佛笼罩着一轮金色光圈.她的一双眼睛,是晶莹透明、灰蓝色的.她身上那套短小的衣服也是眼下很常见的.她的鞋仿佛并不太新,鞋底钉得相当结实.看来她很能干、认真,可又是那么聪明、整洁、真挚,充满了希望和活力.克莱德如同先跟她谈过话的利格特一样,马上就喜欢她.显然,她比这儿打印间里的女工要高出一头.他一边跟她谈话,一边也不由得对她暗自纳闷,因为她露出那么紧张神色.对这次面试结果有点忐忑不安,仿佛她到这儿来这件事对她非常重要似的.
据她自述,她至今跟父母一块住在一个名叫比尔茨的镇上,但目前在这里是跟朋友同住在一起.她讲得那么朴实、真挚,克莱德听了对她深为同情,因此决心要帮助她.同时,他心里却在暗自思忖,论她的人品,说实话,也许凌驾于她正在寻摸的工作之上吧.她的眼睛是那么圆圆的,蓝蓝的,显得很内秀——她的嘴唇、鼻子、耳朵和双手,都是那么小巧玲珑.
"这么说来,要是你在这儿找到了工作,就要住在莱柯格斯,是吗?"克莱德这一提问,不外乎想跟她多说几句话.
"是的,"她非常坦率地说,两眼直瞅着他.
"再说一下你的名字?"他说着把记事本打开.
"罗伯达·奥尔登."
"在本市的通讯处呢?"
"泰勒街二百二十八号."
"这是哪儿,连我也都不知道,"他对她这么说,可以看得出:他就是喜欢跟她说话."你知道,我到这儿也不久."后来,连他自己也觉得诧异,干吗一下子把自己什么事都告诉她.随后,他找补着说:"关于这里的工作情况,我不知道利格特先生有没有都对你介绍过.不过,想来你也知道,这是计件工作,就是在领子上打印.你过来,我指给你看看."说罢,他就把她领到附近一张打印工正在干活的桌子跟前.让她看过以后,他并没有招呼托德小姐,就捡起一条领子,把不久前人家对他讲过的一古脑儿都讲给她听.
她那么全神贯注地看着他,看着他的一招一式,对他所说的每一句话,仿佛听得很认真,克莱德不免反而觉得有点儿慌了神.她向他投来的每一个眼色里,都富有一种仔细探寻、洞察入微的神态.随后,他又重新解释给她听,每打印一捆领子可挣工钱多少,为什么有的人挣得多,有的人挣得少.末了,她说她乐意试一试.克莱德当即招呼托德小姐,托德小姐就领她到衣帽间,让她先把帽子、外套挂好.不一会儿,他看见她回来了,几丝秀发垂在额前,双颊略呈绯红色,两眼全神贯注,显得认真极了.只见她一听完托德小姐关照的话,就把衣袖往上一捋,露出一双美丽的小臂.于是,她开始工作,克莱德一看她的姿势,心中就知道赶明儿她做起工来必定干脆利索.显而易见,她真的恨不得马上找到这个职位,并且保住这个职位.
她干了一会儿以后,克莱德走到她身旁,看着她从堆在她身边的领子里一条条把领子取出来,挨个儿打印,然后再扔在一边.他还注意到她干起活来既麻利,又准确.后来,她猛地回过头来,只看了他一眼,向他报以天真但又愉快、勇敢的一笑,他高兴极了,也向她报以一笑.
"哦,依我看,你准干得了,"他大胆地这么说,因为他情不自禁地觉得她干得了.谁知道只不过短短的一刹那,她又回过头来,向他微微一笑.克莱德禁不住感到浑身上下激动不已.她一下子就迷住了他,只是因为他在这里的地位关系,当然,还有他向吉尔伯特立下过保证,他马上决定,对这儿打印间里任何一个女工,自己都得特别谨慎小心——即便象眼前这样一个可爱的姑娘,可也不能例外.不然就要不得.他对她如同对别人一样,也得小心留神,只不过对此他连自己也都觉得有点儿奇怪,因为他早已深深地被她吸引住了.她是那么漂亮,那么可爱.不过,他忽然又记起来,她是一个女工——厂里一个女工,吉尔伯特就会这么说的,而他却是她的顶头上司.不过话又说回来,她确实是那么漂亮,那么可爱.
一转眼,他就去处理当天送给他选用的其他女工.后来,他又要托德小姐马上向他汇报有关奥尔登小姐工作的情况——他想了解一下:她对这儿工作究竟适合不适合.
就在他跟罗伯达说话,罗伯达向他报以微笑的时候,离她两张桌子远的、正在干活的罗莎·尼柯弗列奇,轻轻地推一下自己身边那个姑娘的胳膊肘,趁人不备之际,先是眨眨眼,随后微微点头,直指着克莱德和罗伯达.她要她的女友仔细观察他们.等克莱德一走开,罗伯达如同刚才那样干活时,她把身子侧转过去,低声耳语道:"他说她早就行啦."说罢,她眉毛一扬,咬紧嘴唇.她的女友用低得让人听不见的声音回答说:"这事情好快,嗯?再说,在这以前,好象他对谁都不愿看一眼似的."
她们会心地一笑——两人之间极好的默契.罗莎·尼柯弗列奇心里有点儿酸溜溜的.
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Part 2 Chapter 13
The reasons why a girl of Roberta's type should be seeking employment with Griffiths and Company at this timeand in this capacity are of some point. For, somewhat after the fashion of Clyde in relation to his family and hislife, she too considered her life a great disappointment. She was the daughter of Titus Alden, a farmer--of nearBiltz, a small town in Mimico County, some fifty miles north. And from her youth up she had seen little butpoverty. Her father--the youngest of three sons of Ephraim Alden, a farmer in this region before him--was sounsuccessful that at forty-eight he was still living in a house which, though old and much in need of repair at thetime his father willed it to him, was now bordering upon a state of dilapidation. The house itself, while primarilya charming example of that excellent taste which produced those delightful gabled homes which embellish theaverage New England town and street, had been by now so reduced for want of paint, shingles, and certain flagswhich had once made a winding walk from a road gate to the front door, that it presented a decidedly melancholyaspect to the world, as though it might be coughing and saying: "Well, things are none too satisfactory with me."The interior of the house corresponded with the exterior. The floor boards and stair boards were loose andcreaked most eerily at times. Some of the windows had shades--some did not. Furniture of both an earlier and alater date, but all in a somewhat decayed condition, intermingled and furnished it in some nondescript mannerwhich need hardly be described.
　　As for the parents of Roberta, they were excellent examples of that native type of Americanism which resistsfacts and reveres illusion. Titus Alden was one of that vast company of individuals who are born, pass through and die out of the world without ever quite getting any one thing straight. They appear, blunder, and end in a fog.
　　Like his two brothers, both older and almost as nebulous, Titus was a farmer solely because his father had been afarmer. And he was here on this farm because it had been willed to him and because it was easier to stay here andtry to work this than it was to go elsewhere. He was a Republican because his father before him was aRepublican and because this county was Republican. It never occurred to him to be otherwise. And, as in thecase of his politics and his religion, he had borrowed all his notions of what was right and wrong from thoseabout him. A single, serious, intelligent or rightly informing book had never been read by any member of thisfamily--not one. But they were nevertheless excellent, as conventions, morals and religions go--honest, upright,God-fearing and respectable.
　　In so far as the daughter of these parents was concerned, and in the face of natural gifts which fitted her forsomething better than this world from which she derived, she was still, in part, at least, a reflection of thereligious and moral notions there and then prevailing,--the views of the local ministers and the laity in general.
　　At the same time, because of a warm, imaginative, sensuous temperament, she was filled--once she reachedfifteen and sixteen--with the world-old dream of all of Eve's daughters from the homeliest to the fairest--that herbeauty or charm might some day and ere long smite bewitchingly and so irresistibly the soul of a given man ormen.
　　So it was that although throughout her infancy and girlhood she was compelled to hear of and share a deprivingand toilsome poverty, still, because of her innate imagination, she was always thinking of something better.
　　Maybe, some day, who knew, a larger city like Albany or Utica! A newer and greater life.
　　And then what dreams! And in the orchard of a spring day later, between her fourteenth and eighteenth yearswhen the early May sun was making pink lamps of every aged tree and the ground was pinkly carpeted with thefalling and odorous petals, she would stand and breathe and sometimes laugh, or even sigh, her arms upreachedor thrown wide to life. To be alive! To have youth and the world before one. To think of the eyes and the smileof some youth of the region who by the merest chance had passed her and looked, and who might never lookagain, but who, nevertheless, in so doing, had stirred her young soul to dreams.
　　None the less she was shy, and hence recessive--afraid of men, especially the more ordinary types common tothis region. And these in turn, repulsed by her shyness and refinement, tended to recede from her, for all of herphysical charm, which was too delicate for this region. Nevertheless, at the age of sixteen, having repaired toBiltz, in order to work in Appleman's Dry Goods Store for five dollars a week, she saw many young men whoattracted her. But here because of her mood in regard to her family's position, as well as the fact that to herinexperienced eyes they appeared so much better placed than herself, she was convinced that they would not beinterested in her. And here again it was her own mood that succeeded in alienating them almost completely.
　　Nevertheless she remained working for Mr. Appleman until she was between eighteen and nineteen, all the whilesensing that she was really doing nothing for herself because she was too closely identified with her home andher family, who appeared to need her.
　　And then about this time, an almost revolutionary thing for this part of the world occurred. For because of thecheapness of labor in such an extremely rural section, a small hosiery plant was built at Trippetts Mills. Andthough Roberta, because of the views and standards that prevailed hereabout, had somehow conceived of thistype of work as beneath her, still she was fascinated by the reports of the high wages to be paid. Accordingly she repaired to Trippetts Mills, where, boarding at the house of a neighbor who had previously lived in Biltz, andreturning home every Saturday afternoon, she planned to bring together the means for some further form ofpractical education--a course at a business college at Homer or Lycurgus or somewhere which might fit her forsomething better--bookkeeping or stenography.
　　And in connection with this dream and this attempted saving two years went by. And in the meanwhile, althoughshe earned more money (eventually twelve dollars a week), still, because various members of her family requiredso many little things and she desired to alleviate to a degree the privations of these others from which shesuffered, nearly all that she earned went to them.
　　And again here, as at Biltz, most of the youths of the town who were better suited to her intellectually andtemperamentally--still looked upon the mere factory type as beneath them in many ways. And although Robertawas far from being that type, still having associated herself with them she was inclined to absorb some of theirpsychology in regard to themselves. Indeed by then she was fairly well satisfied that no one of these here inwhom she was interested would be interested in her--at least not with any legitimate intentions.
　　And then two things occurred which caused her to think, not only seriously of marriage, but of her own future,whether she married or not. For her sister, Agnes, now twenty, and three years her junior, having recentlyreencountered a young schoolmaster who some time before had conducted the district school near the Aldenfarm, and finding him more to her taste now than when she had been in school, had decided to marry him. Andthis meant, as Roberta saw it, that she was about to take on the appearance of a spinster unless she married soon.
　　Yet she did not quite see what was to be done until the hosiery factory at Trippetts Mills suddenly closed, neverto reopen. And then, in order to assist her mother, as well as help with her sister's wedding, she returned to Biltz.
　　But then there came a third thing which decidedly affected her dreams and plans. Grace Marr, a girl whom shehad met at Trippetts Mills, had gone to Lycurgus and after a few weeks there had managed to connect herselfwith the Finchley Vacuum Cleaner Company at a salary of fifteen dollars a week and at once wrote to Robertatelling her of the opportunities that were then present in Lycurgus. For in passing the Griffiths Company, whichshe did daily, she had seen a large sign posted over the east employment door reading "Girls Wanted." Andinquiry revealed the fact that girls at this company were always started at nine or ten dollars, quickly taught someone of the various phases of piece work and then, once they were proficient, were frequently able to earn asmuch as from fourteen to sixteen dollars, according to their skill. And since board and room were onlyconsuming seven of what she earned, she was delighted to communicate to Roberta, whom she liked very much,that she might come and room with her if she wished.
　　Roberta, having reached the place where she felt that she could no longer endure farm life but must act forherself once more, finally arranged with her mother to leave in order that she might help her more directly withher wages.
　　But once in Lycurgus and employed by Clyde, her life, after the first flush of self-interest which a change sogreat implied for her, was not so much more enlarged socially or materially either, for that matter, over what ithad been in Biltz and Trippetts Mills. For, despite the genial intimacy of Grace Marr--a girl not nearly asattractive as Roberta, and who, because of Roberta's charm and for the most part affected gayety, counted on herto provide a cheer and companionship which otherwise she would have lacked--still the world into which she was inducted here was scarcely any more liberal or diversified than that from which she sprang.
　　For, to begin with, the Newtons, sister and brother-in-law of Grace Marr, with whom she lived, and who, despitethe fact that they were not unkindly, proved to be, almost more so than were the types with whom, either in Biltzor Trippets Mills, she had been in constant contact, the most ordinary small town mill workers--religious andnarrow to a degree. George Newton, as every one could see and feel, was a pleasant if not very emotional orromantic person who took his various small plans in regard to himself and his future as of the utmost importance.
　　Primarily he was saving what little cash he could out of the wages he earned as threadman in the CranstonWickwire factory to enable him to embark upon some business for which he thought himself fitted. And to thisend, and to further enhance his meager savings, he had joined with his wife in the scheme of taking over an oldhouse in Taylor Street which permitted the renting of enough rooms to carry the rent and in addition to supplythe food for the family and five boarders, counting their labor and worries in the process as nothing. And on theother hand, Grace Marr, as well as Newton's wife, Mary, were of that type that here as elsewhere find the bulk oftheir social satisfaction in such small matters as relate to the organization of a small home, the establishing of itsimport and integrity in a petty and highly conventional neighborhood and the contemplation of life and conductthrough the lens furnished by a purely sectarian creed.
　　And so, once part and parcel of this particular household, Roberta found after a time, that it, if not Lycurgus, wasnarrow and restricted--not wholly unlike the various narrow and restricted homes at Biltz. And these lines,according to the Newtons and their like, to be strictly observed. No good could come of breaking them. If youwere a factory employee you should accommodate yourself to the world and customs of the better sort ofChristian factory employees. Every day therefore--and that not so very long after she had arrived--she foundherself up and making the best of a not very satisfactory breakfast in the Newton dining room, which was usuallyshared by Grace and two other girls of nearly their own age--Opal Feliss and Olive Pope--who were connectedwith the Cranston Wickwire Company. Also by a young electrician by the name of Fred Shurlock, who workedfor the City Lighting Plant. And immediately after breakfast joining a long procession that day after day at thishour made for the mills across the river. For just outside her own door she invariably met with a company offactory girls and women, boys and men, of the same relative ages, to say nothing of many old and weary-lookingwomen who looked more like wraiths than human beings, who had issued from the various streets and houses ofthis vicinity. And as the crowd, because of the general inpour into it from various streets, thickened at CentralAvenue, there was much ogling of the prettier girls by a certain type of factory man, who, not knowing any ofthem, still sought, as Roberta saw it, unlicensed contacts and even worse. Yet there was much giggling andsimpering on the part of girls of a certain type who were by no means as severe as most of those she had knownelsewhere. Shocking!
　　And at night the same throng, re-forming at the mills, crossing the bridge at the depot and returning as it hadcome. And Roberta, because of her social and moral training and mood, and in spite of her decided looks andcharm and strong desires, feeling alone and neglected. Oh, how sad to see the world so gay and she so lonely.
　　And it was always after six when she reached home. And after dinner there was really nothing much of anythingto do unless she and Grace attended one or another of the moving picture theaters or she could bring herself toconsent to join the Newtons and Grace at a meeting of the Methodist Church.
　　None the less once part and parcel of this household and working for Clyde she was delighted with the change.
　　This big city. This fine Central Avenue with its stores and moving picture theaters. These great mills. And again this Mr. Griffiths, so young, attractive, smiling and interested in her.
第十三章
象罗伯达这种类型的姑娘,为什么在此时此刻到格里菲思公司厂里来求职(还是小小不言的一个职位),毕竟是事出有因.原来罗伯达同克莱德的生活际遇和他同家庭的关系多少相似,她也对自己的命数感到大为失望.她是泰特斯·奥尔登的女儿.泰特斯是个庄稼汉,住在比尔茨附近.比尔茨是米米科县一个小镇,离莱柯格斯以北大约五十英里.罗伯达自幼时起就净跟贫穷打交道.祖父埃弗雷姆·奥尔登早就在这里务农,她父亲是埃弗雷姆三个儿子里头最小的一个,由于命运多舛,到了四十八岁时,还住在父亲传给他的老宅里.那座老宅,当时已经破旧不堪,急待修缮,到如今差不多快要塌下来了.过去,这种类型的房子曾被看作情趣高雅的典范,从而造出了不少令人喜爱的、有山墙的屋宇,点缀着新英格兰各地城镇和街道.可是如今,这所房子由于油漆剥落,缺少屋顶板和大石板(过去,从大门口直达大楼前门那条曲折的通道,就是用这类大石板砌成),早已呈现着一片凄凉景象,仿佛一位老人一迭连声在咳嗽,说:"哦,我的日子可不好过哪."
屋内陈设跟户外几乎相差无几.天花板、楼梯板都已松散,不时发出吱嘎吱嘎的怪声.窗前有的垂着窗幔,有的就没有.家具既有老式的,也有新式的,全都有几分坏了,混杂在一起,显得乱七八糟,就不用多说了.
罗伯达的父母,就是那种美国精神的典型代表人物,他们否认事实,崇尚理想.泰特斯·奥尔登就是这样芸芸众生中间的一个:他们从呱呱落地起,一直活到与世长辞,到头来连活着的意义都没有闹明白.他们刚见世面,就误入歧途,最后如坠五里雾中,倏然消失.泰特斯如同那两个跟他差不多糊里糊涂的哥哥一样,他之所以当庄稼汉,就仅仅因为他父亲是个庄稼汉.如今,他之所以守着这个农场,就是因为他父亲把这个农场传给了他,同时,留在这里农场播种耕耘,比上别处去碰运气要容易得多.他入了共和党,因为他的父亲生前就是共和党,而且全县也都是支持共和党的.他脑子里从来没有过与之相反的想法.他的政治和宗教观点,以及一切有关好坏是非的概念,都是从他周围的人那里借来的.这一家子人,从来没有一个人读过一本严肃、富有启发性,或是内容正确的书——简直一个都没有.不过,从传统道德与宗教观点来说,他们毕竟是无与伦比的——诚实、正直、敬畏上帝、品行端正.
如此一对父母生下的这个女儿,虽然她天生具有凌驾于自己出身阶层之上的素质,可是在她身上少说还部分地反映出当时流行的一些宗教和道德的观念,也反映出本地牧师,乃至于凡夫俗子的思想观点.同时,由于她富于想象力,具有热情似火、性感丰富的气质,当她刚到十五六岁的时候,脑子里就充满了从最丑的到最美的夏娃的女儿们的如同混沌初开时一样古老的梦想,认为:有朝一日——而且,也许不会多久——她的美貌,或是她的魅力,说不定会以不可抗拒的魔术般的力量征服某一个或则某一些男人.
虽然,在她的幼年时代和少女时代,她不得不听到过并且自己也捱过这种赤贫如洗的生活,可是,她因为天生富于想象力,心里总要想到更美好的日子.说不定在哪一天,有谁知道,她会进入一个如同奥尔巴尼,或是尤蒂卡的大城市!进入一种新的美好的生活.
随后,有多少美妙的梦想啊!从十四到十八岁,在暮春时节的果园里,五月初的太阳已使每一棵老树成为一片粉红色,落下来的香喷喷、粉红色的花絮铺满了一地.她伫立在那里,深深地吸了一口气,有时候放声大笑,有时候甚至长叹一声,她那两只胳臂往上伸展,或是敞开胸怀,去拥抱生活.活着多么美好!她要享受青春,以及展现在她面前的整个世界.她乐意想到住在附近的某个年轻人的眉眼和微笑,因为这个年轻人只是偶尔走过她身过,向她匆匆投以一瞥,说不定从此再也见不到她了,可就是这么匆勿一瞥啊,依然惊扰了她那年轻的心中的梦境.
不过话又说回来,她非常怕羞,因而常常退避三舍——她害怕男人,尤其是在这里常见的那些平庸、无能之辈.反过来说,这些人一见她高雅、羞涩的神态,也就往往望而却步,虽说她已长得非常婀娜动人,但在这一带地方来说,毕竟还是嫩了一点.不料,她在十六岁那年,来到了比尔茨镇,为了进阿普尔曼绸布店工作,每星期可挣五块美元.她在那里见到过很多她所喜爱的年轻小伙子.不过,因为她觉得自己家庭的社会地位不高,加上自己阅世不深,认为那些年轻人身价似乎都比她高得多,深信他们决不会对她发生兴趣.再说,又是因为她的那种气质,同他们几乎完全疏远了.不过,她照样还是在阿普尔曼先生那里工作,一直到十八、九岁.她总是觉得对自己说真的一点儿帮助都没有,因为她同自己家里过于紧密地连在一起了,看来家里确实急需她的帮助.
大约就在这时候,发生了对这个世界一隅来说几乎具有革命性质的一件事.由于这一带纯属农业区,有着丰富的廉价劳动力,在特里佩茨米尔斯就开设了一家小型针织厂.虽然根据当地一致公认的看法和标准来看,罗伯达也觉得这一类工作仿佛有失自己的身分似的,可是一听说厂里给的工钱多,她还是动心了.于是,她就迁居特里佩茨米尔斯,寄住在原是在比尔茨的邻居家里,每星期六下午回家.她打算积攒一些钱,将来到霍默或是莱柯格斯,或是到有助于她长进的哪一个地方,在商学院选一门课读读——比方说,簿记或是速记.
为了实现这个梦想和尽可能积攒一些钱,至今已有两个年头了.尽管她挣的钱要比过去多一些(后来每星期挣到十二块美元),可是,一家老小几乎样样东西都需要添置,她想尽可能减轻他们衣食匮乏的困难(个中况味她自己也尝过啊),因此,她一人挣来的钱,几乎都涓滴归家了.
这里如同比尔茨一样,在小镇上同她志气相投的一些年轻人,十之八九依然认为,厂里这些女工在各方面都不如他们.虽说罗伯达压根儿不是这种类型的女工,不过,她经常跟她们交往,也就不免沾上了她们看待自己的心理.诚然,直到如今,她方才领悟到:在这里,凡是她喜欢的人,没有一个人会对她感到兴趣——至少还没有表示出一本正经的意思.
随后又发生两件事,使她不仅要认真考虑结婚问题,而且还得考虑到自己的前途,不管她结婚也好,不结婚也好.她的妹妹艾格尼斯今年二十岁,比她小三岁,不久前跟一个年轻的校长又见面了.此人早先在奥尔登农场附近办过一所区属学校,她妹妹觉得他现在比她在校读书时更为中意,因此决定嫁给他了.罗伯达心里明白,现在她要是还不快一点结婚,恐怕就要被人看成老处女了.不过,她依然不知道该怎么办才好.直到后来,特里佩茨米尔斯的小针织厂突然关闭,永远也不重新开业了.为了帮助她母亲,也为了帮助她妹妹准备婚事,罗伯达就回到了比尔茨.
不料,后来又发生了第三件事,使她的计划与梦想受到决定性影响.原来她在特里佩茨米尔斯认识的姑娘格雷斯·玛尔到了莱柯格斯,几星期之后,在芬奇利真空吸尘器公司找到了工作,每周薪资十五块美元.玛尔立刻给罗伯达写信,说现在莱柯格斯有可能寻摸到工作.她每天要走过格里菲思公司工厂,有一回看到东头招工部门口挂了一大块招牌,上面写着:"招雇女工",一问才知道:这家公司女工薪资,开头总是先拿九块或是十块美元,很快就可以学会一门专门技艺,往后只要熟练了,根据她们技术熟练程度,往往可挣到十四块至十六块美元.玛尔的膳宿开支只要七块美元,因此,她非常高兴地通知她的好友罗伯达,巴望她也能来,要是她乐意,不妨就同她合住一个房间.
事到如今,罗伯达觉得:农场生活再也受不了,她非得再一次自谋出路不可.最后,她终于说服母亲放她走,让她日后靠挣工资更直接地周济她母亲.
罗伯达一到莱柯格斯,即被克莱德录用,就在这次巨大变化影响之下,尽管她心中体会到一种瞬息即逝的利己主义的乐趣,可是,她很快又感到,她在这里生活,不论在物质方面,还是社交方面,依然如同在比尔茨时一样枯燥乏味.诚然,格雷斯·玛尔对罗伯达打心眼儿里感到很亲热,可是毕竟长得比不上罗伯达那么吸引人.所以,格雷斯·玛尔总是希望这位漂亮和快乐的罗伯达(她的快乐多半是装出来的)能给她的生活里增添一些她本来就很缺少的东西——快乐和友谊.尽管如此,罗伯达刚被引入的这个圈子,并不见得比她的出生地更加丰富多采,或者更加富有自由思想.
先说跟她同住的牛顿夫妇,他们就是格雷斯·玛尔的姐姐和姐夫.虽说他们待人也很和气,可还是小镇上极其常见的一些工人,有时甚至比她过去在比尔茨,或是特里佩茨米尔斯常见的那类人还要虔信教规,思想更加狭隘.乔治·牛顿,一望而知,是个乐乐呵呵的人,虽然不是多情善感或则富有罗曼蒂克情调.各种有关他本人及其前途的小小计划,在他眼里都是无比重要.他是在克兰斯顿厂里工作,如今他正从他挣到的薪资里尽可能积攒下一些钱来,打算将来做自己认为合适的生意.因此,为了使他少得可怜的积蓄能不断增加,他就跟妻子一起设法先将泰勒街上一所老式房子拿过来,然后把好几个房间租出去,以便收取房租,此外还给自己一家人和五个寄宿的人提供膳食——对于自己这样辛辛苦苦地工作,牛顿夫妇从来也都不计较.再说格雷斯·玛尔,如同牛顿太太一样,乃是属于到处都见得到的那类女人,她们的兴趣往往局限于极其狭小框框里,比方说,要是她们能够组织自己的小家庭,要是她们在地位低下,但又极端保守的街坊邻居中间提高了自己威信,要是通过极端狭窄的宗派信念的透镜来审视人间众生相的话,那末,她们也就会感到自己完全心满意足了.
罗伯达寄住在牛顿夫妇家以后,没有多久就觉得:且不说整个莱柯格斯吧,至少这一家人实在是狭隘、保守得够呛——跟比尔茨那些狭隘、保守的人家差不离.在牛顿夫妇及其同类人看来,这些条条框框必须严格遵守,一破坏了,就不会有好结果.你要是在一个工厂里工作,那你就应该完全适应虔信基督的职工里头上等人那个生活圈子,以及他们的风俗习惯.因此,每天都是一样——她来到了这里没多久早就这样的——她起身以后,便在牛顿家餐室好歹吞下了一顿味儿不怎么样的早餐.跟她一起进餐的,通常有格雷斯,以及两个年龄跟她相仿的姑娘奥帕尔·费利斯和奥利夫·波普——她们两人全都在克兰斯顿公司工作.另外还有一个年轻的电工,名叫弗雷德·舒洛克,是在市内发电厂做工.罗伯达吃过早餐,马上出门,挤进了这个每天此时此刻照例向河对岸的工厂区进发的长长的行列.她刚迈出大门,总会撞见从附近街道左邻右舍涌出来的,跟她年纪相仿的一大群已婚或未婚男女,更不用说许许多多样子疲惫不堪、与其说象人还不如说象鬼魂的老妇人了.来自各条街上的人流,都涌向中央大道,所以一汇合到了这里,也就挤挤插插,水泄不通了.在这股人流中经常有一些男工,向漂亮姑娘们目送秋波,他们并不认识她们,但罗伯达看得出,他们还是一心想跟她们无节制地来往,乃至于有更坏的打算.可是,也有一种类型的姑娘,远不是象她在别处见到的姑娘那样严于律己,往往向他们报以傻笑和假笑,使她大吃一惊!
傍晚,还是这股人流,又在各工厂里聚拢来以后,就在车站附近过了桥,返回原地.罗伯达因为有良好道德教养和固有气质,尽管长得品貌端正,富有魅力,而且也有强烈的欲念,她却依然感到很孤单,始终没有引起人们注意.啊,你瞧这个世界上是那么快乐,可她却是这么孤寂——该有多难过.她总是在六点过后才回到家.晚饭后,说实在的,一点儿事都没有,除非她跟格雷斯一块上这一家或那一家电影院去,或是她出于无奈,只好答应跟牛顿夫妇和格雷斯一块上美以美会教堂去做礼拜.
不管怎么说,从她成为牛顿夫妇家的一员,并在克莱德手下干活后,她对自己生活中这一变化还是心满意足的.偌大的一个城市,多美的中央大道,两旁商店林立,还有电影院呢!这些大工厂!还有这位格里菲思先生——那么年轻、漂亮、笑容满面,而且还对她颇感兴趣呢.
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Part 2 Chapter 14
In the same way Clyde, on encountering her, was greatly stirred. Since the abortive contact with Dillard, Rita andZella, and afterwards the seemingly meaningless invitation to the Griffiths with its introduction to and yet onlypassing glimpse of such personages as Bella, Sondra Finchley and Bertine Cranston, he was lonely indeed. Thathigh world! But plainly he was not to be allowed to share in it. And yet because of his vain hope in connectionwith it, he had chosen to cut himself off in this way. And to what end? Was he not if anything more lonely thanever? Mrs. Peyton! Going to and from his work but merely nodding to people or talking casually--or howeversociably with one or another of the storekeepers along Central Avenue who chose to hail him--or even some ofthe factory girls here in whom he was not interested or with whom he did not dare to develop a friendship. Whatwas that? Just nothing really. And yet as an offset to all this, of course, was he not a Griffiths and so entitled totheir respect and reverence even on this account? What a situation really! What to do!
　　And at the same time, this Roberta Alden, once she was placed here in this fashion and becoming more familiarwith local conditions, as well as the standing of Clyde, his charm, his evasive and yet sensible interest in her, wasbecoming troubled as to her state too. For once part and parcel of this local home she had joined she wasbecoming conscious of various local taboos and restrictions which made it seem likely that never at any timehere would it be possible to express an interest in Clyde or any one above her officially. For there was a localtaboo in regard to factory girls aspiring toward or allowing themselves to become interested in their officialsuperiors. Religious, moral and reserved girls didn't do it. And again, as she soon discovered, the line ofdemarcation and stratification between the rich and the poor in Lycurgus was as sharp as though cut by a knife ordivided by a high wall. And another taboo in regard to all the foreign family girls and men,--ignorant, low,immoral, un-American! One should--above all--have nothing to do with them.
　　But among these people as she could see--the religious and moral, lower middle-class group to which she and allof her intimates belonged--dancing or local adventurous gayety, such as walking the streets or going to a movingpicture theater--was also taboo. And yet she, herself, at this time, was becoming interested in dancing. Worsethan this, the various young men and girls of the particular church which she and Grace Marr attended at first,were not inclined to see Roberta or Grace as equals, since they, for the most part, were members of older andmore successful families of the town. And so it was that after a very few weeks of attendance of church affairsand services, they were about where they had been when they started--conventional and acceptable, but withoutthe amount of entertainment and diversion which was normally reaching those who were of their same churchbut better placed.
　　And so it was that Roberta, after encountering Clyde and sensing the superior world in which she imagined hemoved, and being so taken with the charm of his personality, was seized with the very virus of ambition andunrest that afflicted him. And every day that she went to the factory now she could not help but feel that his eyeswere upon her in a quiet, seeking and yet doubtful way. Yet she also felt that he was too uncertain as to what shewould think of any overture that he might make in her direction to risk a repulse or any offensive interpretationon her part. And yet at times, after the first two weeks of her stay here, she wishing that he would speak to her- that he would make some beginning--at other times that he must not dare--that it would be dreadful andimpossible. The other girls there would see at once. And since they all plainly felt that he was too good or tooremote for them, they would at once note that he was making an exception in her case and would put their owninterpretation on it. And she knew the type of a girl who worked in the Griffiths stamping room would put butone interpretation on it,--that of looseness.
　　At the same time in so far as Clyde and his leaning toward her was concerned there was that rule laid down byGilbert. And although, because of it, he had hitherto appeared not to notice or to give any more attention to onegirl than another, still, once Roberta arrived, he was almost unconsciously inclined to drift by her table and pausein her vicinity to see how she was progressing. And, as he saw from the first, she was a quick and intelligentworker, soon mastering without much advice of any kind all the tricks of the work, and thereafter earning aboutas much as any of the others-- fifteen dollars a week. And her manner was always that of one who enjoyed it andwas happy to have the privilege of working here. And pleased to have him pay any little attention to her.
　　At the same time he noted to his surprise and especially since to him she seemed so refined and different, acertain exuberance and gayety that was not only emotional, but in a delicate poetic way, sensual. Also thatdespite her difference and reserve she was able to make friends with and seemed to be able to understand theviewpoint of most of the foreign girls who were essentially so different from her. For, listening to her discuss thework here, first with Lena Schlict, Hoda Petkanas, Angelina Pitti and some others who soon chose to speak toher, he reached the conclusion that she was not nearly so conventional or standoffish as most of the otherAmerican girls. And yet she did not appear to lose their respect either.
　　Thus, one noontime, coming back from the office lunch downstairs a little earlier than usual, he found her andseveral of the foreign-family girls, as well as four of the American girls, surrounding Polish Mary, one of thegayest and roughest of the foreign-family girls, who was explaining in rather a high key how a certain "feller"whom she had met the night before had given her a beaded bag, and for what purpose.
　　"I should go with heem to be his sweetheart," she announced with a flourish, the while she waved the bag beforethe interested group. "And I say, I tack heem an' think on heem. Pretty nice bag, eh?" she added, holding it aloftand turning it about. "Tell me," she added with provoking and yet probably only mock serious eyes and wavingthe bag toward Roberta, "what shall I do with heem? Keep heem an' go with heem to be his sweetheart or giveheem back? I like heem pretty much, that bag, you bet."And although, according to the laws of her upbringing, as Clyde suspected, Roberta should have been shockedby all this, she was not, as he noticed--far from it. If one might have judged from her face, she was very muchamused.
　　Instantly she replied with a gay smile: "Well, it all depends on how handsome he is, Mary. If he's very attractive,I think I'd string him along for a while, anyhow, and keep the bag as long as I could.""Oh, but he no wait," declared Mary archly, and with plainly a keen sense of the riskiness of the situation, thewhile she winked at Clyde who had drawn near. "I got to give heem bag or be sweetheart to-night, and so swellbag I never can buy myself." She eyed the bag archly and roguishly, her own nose crinkling with the humor ofthe situation. "What I do then?""Gee, this is pretty strong stuff for a little country girl like Miss Alden. She won't like this, maybe," thoughtClyde to himself.
　　However, Roberta, as he now saw, appeared to be equal to the situation, for she pretended to be troubled. "Gee,you are in a fix," she commented. "I don't know what you'll do now." She opened her eyes wide and pretended tobe greatly concerned. However, as Clyde could see, she was merely acting, but carrying it off very well.
　　And frizzled-haired Dutch Lena now leaned over to say: "I take it and him too, you bet, if you don't want him.
　　Where is he? I got no feller now." She reached over as if to take the bag from Mary, who as quickly withdrew it.
　　And there were squeals of delight from nearly all the girls in the room, who were amused by this eccentrichorseplay. Even Roberta laughed loudly, a fact which Clyde noted with pleasure, for he liked all this roughhumor, considering it mere innocent play.
　　"Well, maybe you're right, Lena," he heard her add just as the whistle blew and the hundreds of sewing machinesin the next room began to hum. "A good man isn't to be found every day." Her blue eyes were twinkling and herlips, which were most temptingly modeled, were parted in a broad smile. There was much banter and more bluffin what she said than anything else, as Clyde could see, but he felt that she was not nearly as narrow as he hadfeared. She was human and gay and tolerant and good-natured. There was decidedly a very liberal measure ofplay in her. And in spite of the fact that her clothes were poor, the same little round brown hat and blue clothdress that she had worn on first coming to work here, she was prettier than anyone else. And she never needed topaint her lips and cheeks like the foreign girls, whose faces at times looked like pink-frosted cakes. And howpretty were her arms and neck--plump and gracefully designed! And there was a certain grace and abandon abouther as she threw herself into her work as though she really enjoyed it. As she worked fast during the hottestportions of the day, there would gather on her upper lip and chin and forehead little beads of perspiration whichshe was always pausing in her work to touch with her handkerchief, while to him, like jewels, they seemed onlyto enhance her charm.
　　Wonderful days, these, now for Clyde. For once more and here, where he could be near her the long day through,he had a girl whom he could study and admire and by degrees proceed to crave with all of the desire of which heseemed to be capable--and with which he had craved Hortense Briggs--only with more satisfaction, since as hesaw it she was simpler, more kindly and respectable. And though for quite a while at first Roberta appeared orpretended to be quite indifferent to or unconscious of him, still from the very first this was not true. She was onlytroubled as to the appropriate attitude for her. The beauty of his face and hands--the blackness and softness ofhis hair, the darkness and melancholy and lure of his eyes. He was attractive--oh, very. Beautiful, really, to her.
　　And then one day shortly thereafter, Gilbert Griffiths walking through here and stopping to talk to Clyde, shewas led to imagine by this that Clyde was really much more of a figure socially and financially than she hadpreviously thought. For just as Gilbert was approaching, Lena Schlict, who was working beside her, leaned overto say: "Here comes Mr. Gilbert Griffiths. His father owns this whole factory and when he dies, he'll get it, theysay. And he's his cousin," she added, nodding toward Clyde. "They look a lot alike, don't they?""Yes, they do," replied Roberta, slyly studying not only Clyde but Gilbert, "only I think Mr. Clyde Griffiths is alittle nicer looking, don't you?"Hoda Petkanas, sitting on the other side of Roberta and overhearing this last remark, laughed. "That's what everyone here thinks. He's not stuck up like that Mr. Gilbert Griffiths, either.""Is he rich, too?" inquired Roberta, thinking of Clyde.
　　"I don't know. They say not," she pursed her lips dubiously, herself rather interested in Clyde along with theothers. "He worked down in the shrinking room before he came up here. He was just working by the day, I guess.
　　But he only came on here a little while ago to learn the business. Maybe he won't work in here much longer."Roberta was suddenly troubled by this last remark. She had not been thinking, or so she had been trying to tellherself, of Clyde in any romantic way, and yet the thought that he might suddenly go at any moment, never to beseen by her any more, disturbed her now. He was so youthful, so brisk, so attractive. And so interested in her,too. Yes, that was plain. It was wrong to think that he would be interested in her--or to try to attract him by anyleast gesture of hers, since he was so important a person here--far above her.
　　For, true to her complex, the moment she heard that Clyde was so highly connected and might even have money,she was not so sure that he could have any legitimate interest in her. For was she not a poor working girl? Andwas he not a very rich man's nephew? He would not marry her, of course. And what other legitimate thing wouldhe want with her? She must be on her guard in regard to him.
第十四章
克莱德同她邂逅后,心里也同样非常激动.他跟迪拉特、丽达、泽拉的往来早已中断了;后来,似乎又毫无意义地给请到了格里菲思府上,在那里匆匆瞥了一眼诸如贝拉、桑德拉·芬奇利和伯蒂娜·克兰斯顿那样上流社会里名媛闺秀;说实话,他依然还是很孤寂.那个上流社会啊!显然不准克莱德登堂入奥.正因为他对此抱有幻想,便跟所有其他朋友断绝了来往.可是结果又怎样呢?如今,他不是反而比过去更加孤寂了吗?只跟佩顿太太打交道!每天上班、下班,只不过见人点点头,或是偶尔扯上几句——或是跟中央大道上主动打招呼的商店掌柜寒暄几句——或是索性就跟厂里一些女工也招呼一下,尽管对这些女工,他既不感兴趣,又不敢进一步跟她们交朋友.这究竟是怎么回事?其实,还是什么事都没有.不过,话又说回来,他不是姓格里菲思吗?单凭这一点,他不是就有权受到他们大家的尊敬,乃至于崇拜吗?真的,这有多微妙啊!
那又该怎么办呢!
再说说这位罗伯达·奥尔登.自从她就这样在莱柯格斯落脚后,对当地情况与克莱德在厂里地位都已有所了解,她发觉克莱德很动人,还对她脉脉传情,但她对自己的前途却也感到困惑了.从她住进牛顿夫妇家后,懂得了当地种种清规戒律,看来绝对不让她对克莱德,或是对厂里任何一个职位比她高的人表示什么兴趣了.因为,这里有一条禁令,就是不许女工对上司存有非分之想,或则使上司对她们发生兴趣.凡是虔诚、正派、谨慎的女工,都不会这么做.不久,她又发现在莱柯格斯,贫富界限就象用一把刀子切开,或是用一堵高墙隔开,分得清楚极了.再有一条禁令,是有关所有外国移民家庭里男男女女的——他们都是愚昧无知,低人一等,伤风败俗,压根儿不是美国人!不拘是谁——最要紧的是——绝对不要跟他们有什么来往.
罗伯达又发现:她自己和她所有知己,全都属于虔信上帝、恪守道德、地位较低的中间阶层,而在这些人中间,诸如跳跳舞,或是上大街溜达、看电影等等在当地要冒风险的娱乐消遣,也都是禁止的.不过,她自己正是在这时对跳舞发生了兴趣.最糟的是,她跟格雷斯·玛尔最初去做礼拜的那个教堂里,有一些男女青年,好象并不平等对待罗伯达和格雷斯,因为他们绝大多数是出身于莱柯格斯相当发迹的古老世家.事实上,她们上教堂做礼拜,参加圣事活动已有一两个星期,但她们的处境跟开始时相比并没有得到改变:尽管她们循规蹈矩,无懈可击,已被教会这个圈子里的人所接纳,可是娱乐与交际活动,照例只是同一个教会里社会地位较高的那些人的事,她们始终没有份.
罗伯达同克莱德不期而遇后,料想他是属于上流社会的,同时又被他的魅力深深吸引.就这样,曾使克莱德感到痛苦的爱好虚荣而又焦灼不安这种病毒此刻也感染给她了.她每天去工厂上班时,就不由得感到:向她投来的,正是他那种默默追求、但又迟疑不定的目光.不过,她还感到,他也不敢对她作出亲近表示,深怕她会拒绝,或是让她产生反感.然而,她在这里做工已有两个星期以后,有时也巴不得他能跟她说说话——先让他开个头吧——而有时,她却认为他不应该如此大胆——这太可怕了,断断乎不行.别的姑娘们一下子会看到的.她们分明都知道,他这个人太好了,或者离她们太远了,可她们马上注意到他对她是另眼相看,也免不了议论纷纷.而罗伯达知道,在格里菲思厂内打印间做工的这类姑娘,她们对这种事只有一种解释:那就是——放荡.
与此同时,在克莱德方面,尽管他对她有偏好,他却并没有忘掉吉尔伯特所定下的那一套规矩.为了循规蹈矩,克莱德至今一直佯装对哪一个姑娘都不注意,不特别垂青.不过,现在只要罗伯达一到,他几乎情不自禁走到她桌子边,伫立在她身旁,看看她是如何操作的.如同他一开头就预料的那样,她是个聪明伶俐的女工,用不着多点拨,很快就掌握了工作中所有诀窍,此后赚的钱便跟人家一样多——每星期十五块美元.瞧她那副神气,总是好象很喜欢在这里工作,而且,能在这里工作她还觉得很幸福似的.再有,哪怕是来自克莱德一丁点儿的青睐,她心里也是喜滋滋的.
同时,他觉察到她身上洋溢着一种欢快的神情,它不仅出自内心情感,而且含有一种淡淡的诗意,乃至于性感丰富的情调.这不免使他大吃一惊,特别是因为原先他觉得她是那么温文尔雅,那么与众不同.他还觉察到,尽管她与众不同,谨小慎微,可她居然能够跟和她迥然不同的绝大多数外国移民姑娘交朋友,并且似乎还能了解她们的思想观点.听了她谈论这里的工作(她先是跟莉娜·希莉克特、霍达·佩特卡娜斯、安吉利娜·皮蒂谈,接着跟很快又来和她搭讪的其他姑娘谈)之后,克莱德心中认定,她远不是象大多数美国姑娘那么保守、傲慢.不过,看来她们对她还是相当尊敬的.
有一天正好午休时分,他在楼下刚进过午餐,比往常早一点回办公室去,这时他看见她正跟好几个外国移民姑娘,还有四个美国姑娘,把波兰姑娘玛丽团团围住.玛丽是外国移民姑娘里头最爱逗乐,也最粗里粗气的一个,正扯着大嗓门冲她们说,前天晚上她碰到一个"小伙子",送给她一只饰有小珠子的手提包,真不知道他有什么用意呢.
"他想我拿了这玩意儿,就成了他的心上人呗,"她自吹自擂地说着,一边把手提包在爱看热闹的众人面前来回直晃荡."我说,这个可得想一想.够帅的手提包,嗯?"她找补着说,一边把手提包高高举起,在空中来回打转."你说说,"她冲罗伯达把手提包来回直晃荡,两眼露出挑逗性的同时也许只是假正经的样子."我该怎么对付他?收下吧,跟他走,就成了他的心上人?还是干脆退还他?说真的,我可挺喜欢他,还有这个手提包哩."
克莱德心中琢磨,根据罗伯达的教养,听了这一套,按说准定大吃一惊.可他仔细观察,她并没有这样——压根儿都不震惊.从她脸上表情看,可以知道她打心眼儿里觉得挺好玩.她马上粲然一笑,说:"哦,这可全得看他模样儿漂亮不漂亮,玛丽.要是他长得很漂亮,我想我就胡弄他,反正胡弄一阵再说.至于手提包,我就照收不误啦."
"哦,可他等不及呢,"玛丽顽皮地说,显然深知在这种情况下要冒一些风险,同时两眼向走过来的克莱德眨巴了一下."要是我就把手提包退还他,要不然今儿晚上干脆当他的心上人去.这么帅的手提包,反正我一辈子都买不起,"她顽皮而又没好气地瞅了一下手提包,鼻子一皱,样子挺滑稽的."我究竟该怎么办呢?"
"嘿,这对奥尔登小姐这么一个乡下小姑娘来说,是太过分了.也许她不喜欢这一套,"克莱德暗自寻思道.
可是此刻他发现罗伯达好象应付裕如:她故意佯装面有难色."嘿,你可进退两难啦,"她说."我也不知道你该怎么办才好,"她睁大眼睛,装出深为关注的样子.不过,克莱德一眼看出,她只不过是装着玩儿的,但她就是能装得维肖维妙.
这时,那个鬈头发的荷兰姑娘莉娜身子俯过来说:"要是你不要他,说真的,我就把手提包连同他那个小伙子一块都要.上哪儿找他去?这会儿我正没有小伙子呢."她伸出一只手,好象要把手提包从玛丽手里夺走似的,玛丽马上把手提包收了回去.屋子里几乎所有的姑娘对这种古怪的、粗鄙的逗乐都觉得挺好玩,兴高采烈地尖叫起来.甚至罗伯达也放声大笑了,对此,克莱德也感到很高兴,因为他本来就很喜欢这种粗俗的诙谐,觉得它只不过是无伤大雅的玩笑罢了.
"是啊,也许你说得对,莉娜,"正当汽笛长鸣,隔壁房间里好几百台缝纫机一齐响起来的时候,他听见罗伯达继续说道."好男人可不是每天都能碰上的."她的那双蓝眼睛在闪闪发光,她那非常诱人的嘴唇大笑时张得很大.克莱德心里明白,她这是在开开玩笑,虚张声势,但是,他也觉得,她压根儿不是象他原先担心那样心胸狭隘.她富有人情味,总是乐乐呵呵,待人宽厚,心眼儿可好.显然,她还最爱逗乐儿.尽管她身上穿得挺差劲,头上戴的还是她新来乍到时那顶褐色小圆帽,穿的依然是那件蓝布连衣裙,可在所有女工里头,就数她最漂亮.她用不着象那些外国移民女郎一个劲儿抹口红,涂脂粉,以致有的时候她们的脸看上去就象一块块粉红色蛋糕.瞧她的胳臂和脖子,该有多美——又丰腴,又雅致!她全神贯注地工作着,仿佛她从这一工作中获得真正的乐趣似的,这时候,她身上自然流露出一种美与乐此不疲的神态.在一天之中最炎热的几个钟头里,由于她紧张工作,这时候,她的上唇、下巴、前额上渗出细如珠玑的汗水,她免不了把活儿放下,用手绢将汗水擦去.而在克莱德看来,这些汗水真的就象珠宝一样,只会使她变得更美了.
这真是克莱德美不滋儿的日子啊.现在,他终于又有了一位姑娘.就在这儿,他可以整天价守在她身边.他可以仔细端详她,打心眼儿里喜爱她,久而久之,他就倾其所有的热情渴求她,如同当初他渴求霍丹斯·布里格斯一样——只不过他觉得如今更为满意,因为他知道,相比之下,罗伯达更单纯、和蔼、可敬.虽说罗伯达开头好象(或是故意装成)对他很冷淡,或是不理睬他,其实,一开头这就不是真的.她只是不知道自己该怎么表态才好.瞧他漂亮的脸儿和手,乌黑而又柔软的头发,还有忧郁而又迷人的黑眼睛!他呀长得很动人——哦,非常动人.她觉得,说真的,他可是一个美男子.
后来没有多久,有一天,吉尔伯特·格里菲思从这儿走过,跟克莱德谈了几句话——因此,她心里就琢磨克莱德是一个有钱有势人物,比她过去想象的确实还要优越得多.正好吉尔伯特走近时,在罗伯达身边干活的莉娜·希莉克特身子俯过来跟她说:"吉尔伯特·格里菲思先生来啦.整个工厂都是他父亲开的.人家说,老头儿一死,就全归他啦.他就是吉尔伯特的堂弟,"她冲着克莱德点头示意说."他们俩模样儿长得很象,是不是?"
"是的,真象啊,"罗伯达回答说,偷偷地把克莱德和吉尔伯特打量一番."只不过我觉得相比之下,克莱德·格里菲思先生还要好看,你说呢?"
坐在罗伯达另一头的霍达·佩特卡娜斯一听见最末这句话,便格格大笑,说:"这儿人人都有这么个看法.何况他也不象吉尔伯特·格里菲思先生那么傲气呢."
"那他也有钱吗?"罗伯达心里在想克莱德,就开口这么问道.
"我可不知道.人家说他没有钱,"她不以为然地嘴唇一噘说.她跟其他女工一样,对克莱德倒是也很感兴趣."他原先是在防缩车间做过.依我看,那时他干的只是按日计工.不过,听说他是要熟悉这一行不久前才上这儿来的.也许他在这里也待不了多久的."
罗伯达一听到最后这句话,突然心慌了.迄至今日,她总是竭力告诫自己:她对克莱德不存任何罗曼蒂克幻想.可是如今听说他随时有可能调走,以后她永远也见不到他了,不由得使她心乱如麻.瞧他那么年轻,那么活泼,那么迷人.而且,对她也很喜爱.是的,那是明摆着的事.可是,说实话,她是不应该有这个想法的,也不应该吸引他的注意,因为他在这里是那么重要的一个人物——比她可高得多哩.
罗伯达一听说克莱德有如此显贵的亲戚,甚至可能还很有钱,也就不敢肯定他会对她真正感到兴趣,这原是符合当时她复杂的心态.她不是一个穷苦的女工吗?他不是大富翁的亲侄子吗?当然,他是不会跟她结婚的.那末,他还想跟她建立什么样的正当关系呢?不,她千万要小心提防他.
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Part 2 Chapter 15
The thoughts of Clyde at this time in regard to Roberta and his general situation in Lycurgus were for the mostpart confused and disturbing. For had not Gilbert warned him against associating with the help here? On theother hand, in so far as his actual daily life was concerned, his condition was socially the same as before. Apartfrom the fact that his move to Mrs. Peyton's had taken him into a better street and neighborhood, he was reallynot so well off as he had been at Mrs. Cuppy's. For there at least he had been in touch with those young peoplewho would have been diverting enough had he felt that it would have been wise to indulge them. But now, asidefrom a bachelor brother who was as old as Mrs. Peyton herself, and a son thirty--slim and reserved, who wasconnected with one of the Lycurgus banks--he saw no one who could or would trouble to entertain him. Like theothers with whom he came in contact, they thought him possessed of relationships which would make itunnecessary and even a bit presumptuous for them to suggest ways and means of entertaining him.
　　On the other hand, while Roberta was not of that high world to which he now aspired, still there was that abouther which enticed him beyond measure. Day after day and because so much alone, and furthermore because of sostrong a chemic or temperamental pull that was so definitely asserting itself, he could no longer keep his eyes offher--or she hers from him. There were evasive and yet strained and feverish eye-flashes between them. And afterone such in his case--a quick and furtive glance on her part at times--by no means intended to be seen by him, hefound himself weak and then feverish. Her pretty mouth, her lovely big eyes, her radiant and yet so often shy andevasive smile. And, oh, she had such pretty arms--such a trim, lithe, sentient, quick figure and movements. If heonly dared be friendly with her--venture to talk with and then see her somewhere afterwards--if she only would and if he only dared.
　　Confusion. Aspiration. Hours of burning and yearning. For indeed he was not only puzzled but irritated by theanomalous and paradoxical contrasts which his life here presented--loneliness and wistfulness as against the factthat it was being generally assumed by such as knew him that he was rather pleasantly and interestinglyemployed socially.
　　Therefore in order to enjoy himself in some way befitting his present rank, and to keep out of the sight of thosewho were imagining that he was being so much more handsomely entertained than he was, he had been morerecently, on Saturday afternoons and Sundays, making idle sightseeing trips to Gloversville, Fonda, Amsterdamand other places, as well as Gray and Crum Lakes, where there were boats, beaches and bathhouses, with bathingsuits for rent. And there, because he was always thinking that if by chance he should be taken up by the Griffiths,he would need as many social accomplishments as possible, and by reason of encountering a man who took afancy to him and who could both swim and dive, he learned to do both exceedingly well. But canoeing fascinatedhim really. He was pleased by the picturesque and summery appearance he made in an outing shirt and canvasshoes paddling about Crum Lake in one of the bright red or green or blue canoes that were leased by the hour.
　　And at such times these summer scenes appeared to possess an airy, fairy quality, especially with a summercloud or two hanging high above in the blue. And so his mind indulged itself in day dreams as to how it wouldfeel to be a member of one of the wealthy groups that frequented the more noted resorts of the north--RacquetteLake--Schroon Lake--Lake George and Champlain-- dance, golf, tennis, canoe with those who could afford to goto such places--the rich of Lycurgus.
　　But it was about this time that Roberta with her friend Grace found Crum Lake and had decided on it, with theapproval of Mr. and Mrs. Newton, as one of the best and most reserved of all the smaller watering places abouthere. And so it was that they, too, were already given to riding out to the pavilion on a Saturday or Sundayafternoon, and once there following the west shore along which ran a well-worn footpath which led to clumps oftrees, underneath which they sat and looked at the water, for neither could row a boat or swim. Also there werewild flowers and berry bushes to be plundered. And from certain marshy spots, to be reached by venturing outfor a score of feet or more, it was possible to reach and take white lilies with their delicate yellow hearts. Theywere decidedly tempting and on two occasions already the marauders had brought Mrs. Newton large armfuls ofblooms from the fields and shore line here.
　　On the third Sunday afternoon in July, Clyde, as lonely and rebellious as ever, was paddling about in a dark bluecanoe along the south bank of the lake about a mile and a half from the boathouse. His coat and hat were off, andin a seeking and half resentful mood he was imagining vain things in regard to the type of life he would reallylike to lead. At different points on the lake in canoes, or their more clumsy companions, the row-boats, wereboys and girls, men and women. And over the water occasionally would come their laughter or bits of theirconversation. And in the distance would be other canoes and other dreamers, happily in love, as Clyde invariablydecided, that being to him the sharpest contrast to his own lorn state.
　　At any rate, the sight of any other youth thus romantically engaged with his girl was sufficient to set dissonantlyjangling the repressed and protesting libido of his nature. And this would cause his mind to paint another picturein which, had fortune favored him in the first place by birth, he would now be in some canoe on Schroon orRacquette or Champlain Lake with Sondra Finchley or some such girl, paddling and looking at the shores of a scene more distingue than this. Or might he not be riding or playing tennis, or in the evening dancing or racingfrom place to place in some high-powered car, Sondra by his side? He felt so out of it, so lonely and restless andtortured by all that he saw here, for everywhere that he looked he seemed to see love, romance, contentment.
　　What to do? Where to go? He could not go on alone like this forever. He was too miserable.
　　In memory as well as mood his mind went back to the few gay happy days he had enjoyed in Kansas City beforethat dreadful accident--Ratterer, Hegglund, Higby, Tina Kogel, Hortense, Ratterer's sister Louise--in short, thegay company of which he was just beginning to be a part when that terrible accident had occurred. And next toDillard, Rita, Zella,--a companionship that would have been better than this, certainly. Were the Griffiths nevergoing to do any more for him than this? Had he only come here to be sneered at by his cousin, pushed aside, orrather completely ignored by all the bright company of which the children of his rich uncle were a part? And soplainly, from so many interesting incidents, even now in this dead summertime, he could see how privileged andrelaxed and apparently decidedly happy were those of that circle. Notices in the local papers almost every day asto their coming and going here and there, the large and expensive cars of Samuel as well as Gilbert Griffithsparked outside the main office entrance on such days as they were in Lycurgus--an occasional group of youngsociety figures to be seen before the grill of the Lycurgus Hotel, or before one of the fine homes in WykeagyAvenue, some one having returned to the city for an hour or a night.
　　And in the factory itself, whenever either was there--Gilbert or Samuel--in the smartest of summer clothes andattended by either Messrs. Smillie, Latch, Gotboy or Burkey, all high officials of the company, making a mostaustere and even regal round of the immense plant and consulting with or listening to the reports of the variousminor department heads. And yet here was he--a full cousin to this same Gilbert, a nephew to this distinguishedSamuel--being left to drift and pine by himself, and for no other reason than, as he could now clearly see, he wasnot good enough. His father was not as able as this, his great uncle--his mother (might Heaven keep her) not asdistinguished or as experienced as his cold, superior, indifferent aunt. Might it not be best to leave? Had he notmade a foolish move, after all, in coming on here? What, if anything, did these high relatives ever intend to dofor him?
　　In loneliness and resentment and disappointment, his mind now wandered from the Griffiths and their world, andparticularly that beautiful Sondra Finchley, whom he recalled with a keen and biting thrill, to Roberta and theworld which she as well as he was occupying here. For although a poor factory girl, she was still so much moreattractive than any of these other girls with whom he was every day in contact.
　　How unfair and ridiculous for the Griffiths to insist that a man in his position should not associate with a girlsuch as Roberta, for instance, and just because she worked in the mill. He might not even make friends with herand bring her to some such lake as this or visit her in her little home on account of that. And yet he could not gowith others more worthy of him, perhaps, for lack of means or contacts. And besides she was so attractive-very--and especially enticing to him. He could see her now as she worked with her swift, graceful movements ather machine. Her shapely arms and hands, her smooth skin and her bright eyes as she smiled up at him. And histhoughts were played over by exactly the same emotions that swept him so regularly at the factory. For poor ornot--a working girl by misfortune only--he could see how he could be very happy with her if only he did notneed to marry her. For now his ambitions toward marriage had been firmly magnetized by the world to which theGriffiths belonged. And yet his desires were most colorfully inflamed by her. if only he might venture to talk toher more--to walk home with her some day from the mill--to bring her out here to this lake on a Saturday or Sunday, and row about-- just to idle and dream with her.
　　He rounded a point studded with a clump of trees and bushes and covering a shallow where were scores of waterlilies afloat, their large leaves resting flat upon the still water of the lake. And on the bank to the left was a girlstanding and looking at them. She had her hat off and one hand to her eyes for she was facing the sun and waslooking down in the water. Her lips were parted in careless inquiry. She was very pretty, he thought, as hepaused in his paddling to look at her. The sleeves of a pale blue waist came only to her elbows. And a darkerblue skirt of flannel reconveyed to him the trimness of her figure. It wasn't Roberta! It couldn't be! Yes, it was!
　　Almost before he had decided, he was quite beside her, some twenty feet from the shore, and was looking up ather, his face lit by the radiance of one who had suddenly, and beyond his belief, realized a dream. And as thoughhe were a pleasant apparition suddenly evoked out of nothing and nowhere, a poetic effort taking form out ofsmoke or vibrant energy, she in turn stood staring down at him, her lips unable to resist the wavy line of beautythat a happy mood always brought to them.
　　"My, Miss Alden! It is you, isn't it?" he called. "I was wondering whether it was. I couldn't be sure from outthere.""Why, yes it is," she laughed, puzzled, and again just the least bit abashed by the reality of him. For in spite ofher obvious pleasure at seeing him again, only thinly repressed for the first moment or two, she was on theinstant beginning to be troubled by her thoughts in regard to him--the difficulties that contact with him seemed toprognosticate. For this meant contact and friendship, maybe, and she was no longer in any mood to resist him,whatever people might think. And yet here was her friend, Grace Marr. Would she want her to know of Clydeand her interest in him? She was troubled. And yet she could not resist smiling and looking at him in a frank andwelcoming way. She had been thinking of him so much and wishing for him in some happy, secure,commendable way. And now here he was. And there could be nothing more innocent than his presence here--norhers.
　　"Just out for a walk?" he forced himself to say, although, because of his delight and his fear of her really, he feltnot a little embarrassed now that she was directly before him. At the same time he added, recalling that she hadbeen looking so intently at the water: "You want some of these water lilies? Is that what you're looking for?""Uh, huh," she replied, still smiling and looking directly at him, for the sight of his dark hair blown by the wind,the pale blue outing shirt he wore open at the neck, his sleeves rolled up and the yellow paddle held by himabove the handsome blue boat, quite thrilled her. If only she could win such a youth for her very own self--justhers and no one else's in the whole world. It seemed as though this would be paradise--that if she could have himshe would never want anything else in all the world. And here at her very feet he sat now in this bright canoe onthis clear July afternoon in this summery world--so new and pleasing to her. And now he was laughing up at herso directly and admiringly. Her girl friend was far in the rear somewhere looking for daisies. Could she? Shouldshe?
　　"I was seeing if there was any way to get out to any of them," she continued a little nervously, a tremor almostrevealing itself in her voice. "I haven't seen any before just here on this side.""I'll get you all you want," he exclaimed briskly and gayly. "You just stay where you are. I'll bring them." Butthen, bethinking him of how much more lovely it would be if she were to get in with him, he added: "But seehere--why don't you get in here with me? There's plenty of room and I can take you anywhere you want to go.
　　There's lots nicer lilies up the lake here a little way and on the other side too. I saw hundreds of them over therejust beyond thatisland."Roberta looked. And as she did, another canoe paddled by, holding a youth of about Clyde's years and a girl noolder than herself. She wore a white dress and a pink hat and the canoe was green. And far across the water at thepoint of the very island about which Clyde was talking was another canoe--bright yellow with a boy and a girl inthat. She was thinking she would like to get in without her companion, if possible--with her, if need be. Shewanted so much to have him all to herself. If she had only come out here alone. For if Grace Marr were included,she would know and later talk, maybe, or think, if she heard anything else in regard to them ever. And yet if shedid not, there was the fear that he might not like her any more--might even come to dislike her or give up beinginterested in her, and that would be dreadful.
　　She stood staring and thinking, and Clyde, troubled and pained by her doubt on this occasion and his ownloneliness and desire for her, suddenly called: "Oh, please don't say no. Just get in, won't you? You'll like it. Iwant you to. Then we can find all the lilies you want. I can let you out anywhere you want to get out--in tenminutes if you want to."She marked the "I want you to." It soothed and strengthened her. He had no desire to take any advantage of heras she could see.
　　"But I have my friend with me here," she exclaimed almost sadly and dubiously, for she still wanted to goalone--never in her life had she wanted any one less than Grace Marr at this moment. Why had she brought her?
　　She wasn't so very pretty and Clyde might not like her, and that might spoil the occasion. "Besides," she addedalmost in the same breath and with many thoughts fighting her, "maybe I'd better not. Is it safe?""Oh, yes, maybe you better had," laughed Clyde seeing that she was yielding. "It's perfectly safe," he addedeagerly. Then maneuvering the canoe next to the bank, which was a foot above the water, and laying hold of aroot to hold it still, he said: "Of course you won't be in any danger. Call your friend then, if you want to, and I'llrow the two of you. There's room for two and there are lots of water lilies everywhere over there." He noddedtoward the east side of the lake.
　　Roberta could no longer resist and seized an overhanging branch by which to steady herself. At the same timeshe began to call: "Oh, Gray-ace! Gray-ace! Where are you?" for she had at last decided that it was best toinclude her.
　　A far-off voice as quickly answered: "Hello-o! What do you want?""Come up here. Come on. I got something I want to tell you.""Oh, no, you come on down here. The daisies are just wonderful.""No, you come on up here. There's some one here that wants to take us boating." She intended to call this loudly,but somehow her voice failed and her friend went on gathering flowers. Roberta frowned. She did not know justwhat to do. "Oh, very well, then," she suddenly decided, and straightening up added: "We can row down towhere she is, I guess."And Clyde, delighted, exclaimed: "Oh, that's just fine. Sure. Do get in. We'll pick these here first and then if shehasn't come, I'll paddle down nearer to where she is. Just step square in the center and that will balance it."He was leaning back and looking up at her and Roberta was looking nervously and yet warmly into his eyes.
　　Actually it was as though she were suddenly diffused with joy, enveloped in a rosy mist.
　　She balanced one foot. "Will it be perfectly safe?""Sure, sure," emphasized Clyde. "I'll hold it safe. Just take hold of that branch there and steady yourself by that."He held the boat very still as she stepped. Then, as the canoe careened slightly to one side, she dropped to thecushioned seat with a little cry. It was like that of a baby to Clyde.
　　"It's all right," he reassured her. "Just sit in the center there. It won't tip over. Gee, but this is funny. I can't makeit out quite. You know just as I was coming around that point I was thinking of you--how maybe you might liketo come out to a place like this sometime. And now here you are and here I am, and it all happened just like that."He waved his hand and snapped his fingers.
　　And Roberta, fascinated by this confession and yet a little frightened by it, added: "Is that so?" She was thinkingof her own thoughts in regard to him.
　　"Yes, and what's more," added Clyde, "I've been thinking of you all day, really. That's the truth. I was wishing Imight see you somewhere this morning and bring you out here.""Oh, now, Mr. Griffiths. You know you don't mean that," pleaded Roberta, fearful lest this sudden contact shouldtake too intimate and sentimental a turn too quickly. She scarcely liked that because she was afraid of him andherself, and now she looked at him, trying to appear a little cold or at least disinterested, but it was a very weakeffort.
　　"That's the truth, though, just the same," insisted Clyde.
　　"Well, I think it is beautiful myself," admitted Roberta. "I've been out here, too, several times now. My friendand I." Clyde was once more delighted. She was smiling now and full of wonder.
　　"Oh, have you?" he exclaimed, and there was more talk as to why he liked to come out and how he had learnedto swim here. "And to think I turned in here and there you were on the bank, looking at those water lilies. Wasn'tthat queer? I almost fell out of the boat. I don't think I ever saw you look as pretty as you did just now standingthere.""Oh, now, Mr. Griffiths," again pleaded Roberta cautiously. "You mustn't begin that way. I'll be afraid you're adreadful flatterer. I'll have to think you are if you say anything like that so quickly."Clyde once more gazed at her weakly, and she smiled because she thought he was more handsome than ever. Butwhat would he think, she added to herself, if she were to tell him that just before he came around that point shewas thinking of him too, and wishing that he were there with her, and not Grace. And how they might sit andtalk, and hold hands perhaps. He might even put his arms around her waist, and she might let him. That would beterrible, as some people here would see it, she knew. And it would never do for him to know that--never. Thatwould be too intimate--too bold. But just the same it was so. Yet what would these people here in Lycurgus thinkof her and him now if they should see her, letting him paddle her about in this canoe! He a factory manager andshe an employee in his department. The conclusion! The scandal, maybe, even. And yet Grace Marr was along-orsoon would be. And she could explain to her--surely. He was out rowing and knew her, and why shouldn't hehelp her get some lilies if he wanted to? It was almost unavoidable--this present situation, wasn't it?
　　Already Clyde had maneuvered the canoe around so that they were now among the water lilies. And as he talked,having laid his paddle aside, he had been reaching over and pulling them up, tossing them with their long, wetstems at her feet as she lay reclining in the seat, one hand over the side of the canoe in the water, as she had seenother girls holding theirs. And for the moment her thoughts were allayed and modified by the beauty of his headand arms and the tousled hair that now fell over his eyes. How handsome he was!
第十五章
这些天来克莱德一想到罗伯达,以及他自己在莱柯格斯的处境,多半就心慌意乱了.吉尔伯特不是警告他不准跟这里的女工交往吗?另一方面,就他每天的实际生活来说,跟以前并无不同.除了他迁入佩顿太太的家,现在住的这条街道和周围环境层次较高之外,说实话,他并不见得比借住柯比太太家时好多少.在那里,他至少还可以跟那些年轻人相聚在一起,只要他认为跟他们接近也是无伤大雅的话,那末,他们这伙人都会逗乐儿,不至于使他感到十分孤单.如今,除了佩顿太太有一位年龄跟她相仿的单身兄弟,还有她的一个三十岁的儿子——骨瘦嶙峋,沉默寡言,在莱柯格斯一家银行里任职——以外,他就寻摸不到一个能够或是愿意使他开开心的人了.他们同他平日里接触到的那些人一样,认为:既然他在此地有亲戚,也就用不着跟他套近乎,要不然反而有一点儿不知趣了.
另一方面,尽管罗伯达并不是出身于他如今一心跻入的上流社会,但她身上还是具有一种使他无限迷恋的魅力.由于他非常孤单难受,尤其是他天生具有一种日益强烈的本能,驱使他成天价两眼离不开她,同样,她也两眼离不开他.他们俩的目光,不时偷偷地,但是紧张而又炽烈地相遇在一起.要是克莱德向她递了一个眼色——那末,罗伯达往往也马上偷偷地投去一瞥——压根儿不希望他发觉,哪知道他只觉得先是浑身酥软无力,接下来便有一种够热辣辣的感觉.瞧她那张俊俏的嘴巴,那双迷人的大眼睛,还有她那熠熠生辉,但又往往羞羞答答、躲躲闪闪的微笑!啊,她有那么漂亮的胳臂,还有她的身姿仪态,又是那么端庄、柔软、多情,而且轻盈矫捷.只要他胆敢跟她交朋友——先跟她谈谈,然后就在什么地方同她会面——但愿她一口应允,但愿他有这股子胆量啊.
惶惑.热望.那些炽烈的渴念的时刻.他在这儿生活有违悖常理和自相矛盾之处,说实话,这使他不仅感到困惑,而且还为之恼怒——如今,尽管他还是如此孑然一身,忧心忡忡,可是熟识他的人,却照例臆想他出入在上流社会,该有何等春风得意.
因此,为了个人适当娱乐消遣,既要保住自己现有身分地位,而又不让那些臆想他一定忙于上流社会交际应酬的人发现,近来他常在周末下午与星期天去格洛弗斯维尔、方达和阿姆斯特丹等地观光游览.还去过格雷湖和克拉姆湖,那儿都有湖滨浴场、更衣室,还出租游泳衣和游船.他心里常常在想,要是碰巧他博得格里菲思一家人青睐,那他就必须尽可能具备上流社会交际酬酢的各种修养,无意中他结识了一个人,此人对他很有好感,而且游泳、跳水也都会,因此,游泳、跳水这两项,克莱德已经学得顶呱呱了.不过,说实话,他对划小划子却入了迷.穿上一件旅游衬衫、一双帆布鞋,以及衬托出他那潇洒风度的夏装打扮,划着一只鲜红色,或是深绿色、天蓝色的计时收费的小划子,荡漾在克拉姆湖上,这才叫他开心呢.这时,眼前夏日风光,犹如悬在空中的仙山琼阁,特别是当一两朵夏云飘过蓝天的时候.克莱德也就沉浸在白日梦里:仿佛他是那些殷实的公司里头的一员,时常去莱柯格斯以北那些有名的游览胜地——拉凯特湖——斯克隆湖——乔治与张伯伦湖——跟莱柯格斯的富人(只有他们才有钱来此游览)一起跳舞,玩高尔夫球,打网球,划划小划子.
大约就在这时,罗伯达跟她的女友格雷斯也发现了克拉姆湖,而且认为附近小湖虽多,但就数它最秀丽、最幽静,对此,牛顿夫妇也表示同意.因此,她们也往往喜欢在星期六或星期日午后来到这里,顺着西边湖滨一条早就被行人踩出来、一直通往丛林的小道漫步.有时她们坐在树荫下,尽情欣赏湖上风光,因为她们都不会划船、游泳.四周围还长着许多野花和野生浆果可以采撷,二十步开外,从一些低湿的岸边,还可以攀摘到花蕊嫩黄的洁白睡莲.这些睡莲真是太诱人,已有两回了,她们这两位采花女把几大抱从田野里和湖边采到的花送给了牛顿太太.
七月里第三个星期天下午,克莱德如同往日里一样孤单憋闷,正坐在一只深蓝色小划子里,沿着离租船处大约一英里半湖的南岸向前划去.他早就把外套和帽子脱掉,心里不免有点儿悻悻然,沉溺于他确实心驰神往的生活方式的梦幻之中.放眼湖上,到处可以见到许许多多小划子,或者样子比较笨拙的游船上,都有年轻的和成年的男男女女.偶尔从湖面上传来了他们的欢声笑语.远处,还有别的一些小划子和幸福地相爱着的梦幻者,此情此景——克莱德总觉得跟他的孑然一身恰好形成了强烈的对照.
不拘是哪一个年轻人,只要跟他的姑娘卿卿我我在一起,这一情景照例会激起克莱德与生俱有的那种被压抑而又反抗着的性的本能的冲动.那时,他心中会呈现出另一幅图景:要是他有幸出生在另一个家庭,那末,此时此刻,他也许就在斯克隆湖上,或是在拉凯特湖上、张伯伦湖上,跟桑德拉·芬奇利或是别的象她那类姑娘一起坐在小划子里,操着桨,欣赏比这里更美的湖边景色.要不然,也许他正在溜马,打网球,或是傍晚上舞会,或是开了一辆大马力的汽车到处兜风,而桑德拉就紧挨在他身边,可不是吗?他不禁感到非常孤独和坐立不安,何况他眼前所见到的这一切,使他更加苦恼,因为他放眼望去,好象到处都是爱情啊,罗曼史啊,心满意足啊.怎么办?该上哪儿呢?他可不能一辈子这么孤零零啊.他呀太可怜了.
回忆和思绪使他又回想到骇人惨事发生以前,他在堪萨斯城那些屈指可数的快乐、幸福的日子,想到了拉特勒、赫格伦、希格比、蒂娜·科格尔、霍丹斯、拉特勒的妹妹路易斯——一句话,想到了惨案发生时他与他们不分你我的那一拨放荡不羁的伙伴们.接下来就是迪拉特、丽达、泽拉——同他们在一起,当然罗,比现在这样孤零零要好得多了.难道说格里菲思家再也不会给他更多的照顾了吗?他上这儿来,就仅仅为了让他的堂兄嘲笑,被有钱的伯父的子女以及他们那个上流社会甩在一边、压根儿不理不睬吗?从许许多多有趣的事例中,他一眼就可看出,上流社会那个圈子里头的人,过着享有特权、逍遥自在,当然也是非常幸福的生活.即便现在,时值沉闷的夏季,本地各报差不多每天都刊登他们四出观光游览的消息.塞缪尔·格里菲思、吉尔伯特·格里菲思来莱柯格斯时,他们豪华型大轿车就停在办公大楼门前——有时,在莱柯格斯饭店酒吧间或是威克吉大街府邸门前,偶尔也会看到一群上流社会年轻人,他们这些人回城里来,只不过待上个把钟头,或是至多一个晚上罢了.
再说吉尔伯特或塞缪尔,不论他们哪一位,只要一到厂里——他们身上穿着最漂亮的夏装,不是斯米利、拉奇、戈特博伊,就是伯基克,全是公司里高级职员陪同,在这个规模宏大的工厂里,作一次非常严肃、乃至于有如皇上圣驾出巡一般的视察,跟下面各部门负责人商量工作,或则听取他们的报告.可他呢——就是这个吉尔伯特的嫡堂兄弟,这个大名鼎鼎的塞缪尔的亲侄子——却被扔在一边,独自漂泊,形容憔悴.而这一切,现在他已看得很清楚,不外乎是因为:在他们看来,他还不够理想.他父亲不象他这个了不起的伯父那么精明能干——他母亲(但愿上帝保佑她)不象他这个冷冰冰的、目空一切、漠不关心的伯母那么显赫,或是那么老练.离开这儿,不就是最好也没有?他上这儿来,说到底,不就是很蠢吗?也许,这些显贵的亲戚,压根儿都不想帮他大忙吧?
孤独、怨恨、失望,使他先是想到格里菲思家和他们那个世界(特别是一想到那个美丽的桑德拉·芬奇利,至今他心中还是热辣辣的),继而又想到罗伯达,以及她和他自己目前的那种境遇.尽管她是一个贫苦的女工,但跟他每天接触到的任何一个姑娘相比,都要动人得多呢.
格里菲思一家人坚持认为象克莱德这样身分地位的人不应该跟罗伯达这一类姑娘来往,无非因为她是在厂里做工的,这有多么不公道,多么可笑.因此,他甚至不能跟她交朋友,带她一块儿游湖去,或是上她那个小小的家里作客去.可他又无法结识比他身价更高的人,也许是一来没钱,二来没有接触机会吧.再说,罗伯达长得又是那么漂亮——简直非常漂亮——而且,依他看,还特别迷人哩.这时,他仿佛看见她正在机器旁动作敏捷而又优美地干活,看见她那长得匀称的胳臂和双手、她那光滑的肌肤,以及她向他微笑时那一双明眸.这时,经常在厂里使他激动不已的情绪,正好涌上了他心头.不管穷也好,不穷也好,她只不过运气不好才当女工的,他认为,他要是能跟她在一起,只要不是非同她结婚不可就会很幸福.因为,现在他对婚姻的愿望已被格里菲思那个上流社会深深地影响了.可是,罗伯达却又使他欲火中烧.要是他能鼓足勇气跟她多谈谈——哪天从厂里送她回家——星期六或是星期天,同她一块来到湖上划划船——只是跟她一块消磨时光,沉醉在那梦幻之中,该有多好!
他绕过突入湖面的一块岬角,那里有一片高大树木和灌木丛,浅滩处漂着好几十朵睡莲,偌大的叶子一片片浮在静止不动的水面上.左边湖岸上,有一个姑娘伫立在那儿,正凝望着那些睡莲.由于阳光直照着她的脸,她就摘下帽子,一手遮在眼前,低头俯视着湖面.她的嘴唇微微张开,漫不经心露出诧异的神情.他停了桨望着她时,心里思忖:她长得多美啊.一件淡蓝色胸衣,袖子只到臂弯上.那条深蓝色法兰绒裙子,越发显出她身姿秀拔.难道这是罗伯达吗?!不,决不会的!啊,这果真是她!
克莱德还没来得及思索,差不多快要划到她跟前,离岸边大约二十英尺光景.他抬头望着她,脸上就象始料所不及、突然实现了梦想的人那样放出光彩.而对于罗伯达呢,他好似一个突然显现的欢乐的精灵,一个从烟雾缥缈之中,或是生生不息的活力中形成诗意一般的产物,于是她伫立在那里,凝神俯视着他,嘴边情不自禁泛上笑意,露出她在心情愉快时常有的一种美.
"天哪,奥尔登小姐!原来是你呀?"他大声嚷了起来."我心里正在纳闷究竟是谁呢?我在靠岸前还说不准是不是你呢."
"哦,就是我呀,"她格格大笑起来,既感到不好意思,又因为果真是他,不免有些赧颜.她又见到了他,显然很高兴,尽管一开头多少还得掩饰一下,可是继而一想到跟他来往看来会惹起麻烦,她马上又感到困惑不安.因为这样一见面就意味着跟他有了来往,也许就有了交情;她心里再也不会拒绝他了,让人家爱怎么想就怎么想吧.反正这儿还有她的女友格雷斯·玛尔.要不要向玛尔说说克莱德的事?让玛尔知道她对克莱德很感兴趣呢?这时,她已心乱如麻.不过,她还是禁不住露出坦率、喜悦的微笑,两眼直瞅着他.她一直在朝朝暮暮想念他,而且梦想着自己能高高兴兴地、不用担心地见到他,给他留下好印象.如今,他已来到了她跟前.他就在这里,她也在这里——这是再无伤大雅也没有了.
"你只是出来溜达溜达吧?"他终于迫使自己说出了这么一句话,虽然见她伫立在面前,由于惊喜交集,他不免感到有些尴尬.但他一想起她一直在凝视着湖面,便找补着说:"你要采摘一些睡莲吗?我觉得,你是在寻摸睡莲吧?"
"哦,哦,"她回话时依然在微笑,两眼直瞅着他,因为他那乌黑的头发正被微风吹拂,淡蓝色衬衫敞着胸口,两袖高高地卷起,他在漂亮的蓝色游船上操着一把黄色划桨——此情此景简直使她销魂.她要是能把这样一个年轻人征服了——就归她一人所有,对于他,除了她以外,全世界谁都没有份,该有多好!要是这样,就好比进了天堂——她只要能得到他,世界上任何东西她都不希罕了.此刻他就在她脚下,正当晴朗的盛夏七月里一个下午,他坐在一只漂亮的小划子里——这一切,她觉得都是那么新鲜,那么可爱.就在这时,他抬起头来,惊喜地直冲着她笑.而她的女友格雷斯正在后面很远的地方寻觅菊花.可是她会怎样呢?她究竟又该怎样呢?
"我正在看看有没有路可以到达那儿,"她心情不免有些紧张地接着说,话音几乎在颤抖."这儿岸边我至今还没见过有睡莲呢."
"你要多少,我就给你多少,"他兴高采烈地大声嚷道."你只要待在这儿不动.我马上就给你送来."可他转念一想,要是把她接到船上,跟自己在一块,岂不更美.于是,他找补着说:"不过,听我说——你干吗不到我的船上来?船上足够两人坐的,你要上哪儿,我就可以把你送到哪儿.离这儿湖面不远,睡莲更好看,就是那一边,也还有哩.绕过那个小岛,我还见过许许多多睡莲."
罗伯达纵目眺望湖上.就在这时,蓦然间窜出来另一只小划子,操划桨的是一个年纪跟克莱德相仿的年轻人,还有一个年纪跟她自己相仿的姑娘.这个姑娘身穿一套白色连衣裙,头戴一顶粉红色帽子;可那只小划子却是一色绿.远处湖上,也就是克莱德刚才说过那个小岛附近,还有一只小划子——是金黄色的,船上也有一男一女.她心里琢磨,最好不带她的女友,只让她自个儿上船.实在万不得已,就只好让女友一起上船.她心里多么想独个儿跟他在一起.要是她独自一人来到这儿,该有多好.此刻要是招呼格雷斯·玛尔一起上船,那末,这次见面的事她就会知道,日后倘再听到有关他们俩的事,说不定格雷斯·玛尔会瞎说一通,或是会胡思乱想一番.要是她一口回绝呢,深怕克莱德从此就再也不会喜欢她——甚至会厌弃她,或是从此对她压根儿不感兴趣,那就太可怕了.
她伫立在那里,两眼凝望前方,暗自思忖着;克莱德一见她这样迟疑不定,又想到自己形单影只,少不得越发需要她,心中不免万分苦恼,于是,他就突然高声喊道:"喂,请你千万别说不行.只管下船,好吗?你准会高兴的.我要你上船嘛.那你要的睡莲我们就都可以寻摸到.随你高兴,十分钟内,反正我可以划到哪儿,让你在那儿上岸."
她注意到"我要你上船嘛"这句话,它使她既感到慰藉,而又给自己增添了力量.依她看,他并没有存心捉弄她的意思."不过,我这儿还有个女友在一块哩,"她几乎有些犯愁,而又迟疑地喊道,因为至今她还是巴不得独自一人上船——反正此时此刻她最最不需要格雷斯·玛尔了.刚才她自己干吗把她一块带来?她模样儿长得不好看,克莱德也许不喜欢她,这样事情也就糟了."再说,"她几乎上气不接下气地找补着说,心里还在斗争,"也许,最好我还是不下船.那不是有危险吗?"
"哦,不,当然没有危险罗,不过,最好你还是上船吧,"克莱德一见她已在让步,就微笑着说."万无一失,"他急急地加上一句.说罢,他把小划子靠拢湖岸.湖岸离水面还有一英尺,他抓住一条树根让小船停稳后,就说:"当然罗,你用不着害怕什么.随你高兴,把你的女友叫来也好,我就给你们俩划船.这儿坐得下两个人,瞧那边到处都是睡莲,"他朝着湖的东岸点点头.
罗伯达再也抗拒不了,就抓住一根高悬湖面的树枝,使自己身子稳住,同时开始大声喊道:"喂,格雷……斯!格雷……斯!你在哪儿?"因为她最后决定还是把女友带到自己身边为好.
远处马上传来了一个回音:"喂!什么事呀?"
"上这儿来.快快来吧.我有话跟你说."
"哦,不,最好还是你来吧.这儿菊花简直太漂亮啦.""不,最好还是你过来.有人要带我们去划船哩."这句话她原想高声喊道,但她嗓门儿不知怎的偏偏提不高,她的女友也就只管继续采花去了.罗伯达皱了皱眉头,真不知道该怎么办才好."哦,那就得了吧,"她猛地拿定主意,挺直身子,找补着说:"我看,我们就干脆划到她那边去,好吗?"克莱德兴冲冲,大声说:"哦,那敢情好啊.当然罗,可以.请下船吧.我们先在这儿采一些花,过一会儿她不来,我就索性划到她那儿去.只要迈开两脚,站在当中,就平稳了."
他身子稍微往后一靠,抬眼直望着她;罗伯达心里惴惴不安,可又热切地跟他的目光相遇在一起.说真的,她觉得仿佛欢乐就象一团玫瑰色雾霭突然把自己裹住了.
她跨上一只脚,试试看稳不稳."万无一失吗?""当然罗,当然罗,"克莱德一个劲儿说."我会把小船稳住的.只要抓住这根树枝,你就站稳了."她一脚踩到小船上时,克莱德早已把小船拴得四平八稳.随后,小划子轻轻侧向一边,她一声尖叫,扑的摔倒在一张有软垫的座位上.克莱德觉得,她简直就象一个小丫头似的.
"这就行啦."他要她尽管放心."只要坐在当中.小船儿准翻不了的.嘿,真有意思.我始终都闹不明白.你知不知道,我从那边划过来的时候,心里正惦着你——也许你什么时候会喜欢上这儿来玩.可是眼前,你和我两人都在这儿,这一切真是来得太凑巧了."他把手一挥,手指一捻劈啪作响.
罗伯达听了他的心里话,既陶醉又有点儿惧怕,就接过嘴说:"是真的吗?"她回想到刚才她心里也正惦念着他哩."是真的,不仅这样,"克莱德找补着说,"而且,说真的,我整天都在惦着你.这才是老实话.我心里真的巴不得今儿早上就碰到你,把你一块捎到这儿来."
"哦,你怎么啦,格里菲思先生.你知道你自己不是那个意思,"罗伯达恳求说,生怕这次湖上邂逅会使他们马上变得太亲热,太动感情.她可不喜欢那样,因为她既害怕他,也害怕她自己.这时,她两眼直望着他,竭力现出冷淡,至少也是无动于衷的神情,只不过佯装得很不成功罢了.
"反正这是千真万确的,"克莱德坚持说.
"哦,我也觉得这真是太好了,"罗伯达承认说."这儿我和我那个女友也来过好几次啦."克莱德一下子心里又感到很高兴.瞧她莞尔而笑,该有多迷人啊.
"哦,你来过了吗?"他大声嚷道,接下去谈到他干吗喜欢上这儿来,而且在这儿还学会了游泳."想想吧,我们小船划到这儿的时候,你正好在岸边望着睡莲.真的,怪不怪呀?我差点儿从船上落到了水里.我从来没见过刚才你伫立在岸边时那样好看."
"哦,格里菲思先生,"罗伯达又在小心地恳求说."请你千万别这样说.恐怕你真是太会恭维人了.你要是动不动这么说,我就不得不把你当作那一号人啦."
克莱德再一次顺从地直瞅着她.她却微微一笑,因为她觉得,这时他比过去可要漂亮得多.不过,她转念一想,要是跟他说,在他绕过岬角以前,她心里也正在惦着他,巴不得他跟她——而不是跟格雷斯——在一起,那他又会作何感想呢.那时候,她还梦想着,他们俩会坐在一起聊天,也许两人手拉着手呢.甚至于她也许会听任他搂住自己的腰.她知道,这里备不住有人会看见的,那就太可怕了.不过,无论如何也不应该让他知道这些——说什么都不行.这样一来关系太密切了——太大胆了.不过,说到底,反正她梦寐以求的就是这些.然而,要是莱柯格斯有人在这儿看到她,让他捎着她泛舟湖上,那末,对她和他又会有怎么个想法呢.他是厂里某个部门的负责人,而她则是他手下的工人.这就是人们作出的结论!甚至也许还会说成是丑闻呢.不过,幸亏格雷斯·玛尔在一起——好在她马上就会来的.当然罗,罗伯达都会向她解释清楚的.他是出来划船时认识她,既然他乐意帮她采摘几朵睡莲,为什么这就不可以呢?这种情况几乎已是不可避免,可不是吗?
克莱德早就操起划桨,让小船往前驶去,不一会儿他们已经置身在睡莲花丛里了.他把划桨撂在一边,一面说话,一面伸出手去,把睡莲连根都拔了起来,随手扔到她脚底下.她身子斜倚在座位上,就象她见过那些姑娘们那样,也把一只手伸进湖水里.瞧他的头、胳臂,还有垂在他眼前的几丝乱发,都是那么美,她心中的疑虑立时冰消瓦解.他多美啊!

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Part 2 Chapter 16
The outcome of that afternoon was so wonderful for both that for days thereafter neither could cease thinkingabout it or marveling that anything so romantic and charming should have brought them together so intimatelywhen both were considering that it was not wise for either to know the other any better than employee andsuperior.
　　After a few moments of badinage in the boat in which he had talked about the beauty of the lilies and how gladhe was to get them for her, they picked up her friend, Grace, and eventually returned to the boathouse.
　　Once on the land again there developed not a little hesitation on her part as well as his as to how farther toproceed, for they were confronted by the problem of returning into Lycurgus together. As Roberta saw it, itwould not look right and might create talk. And on his part, he was thinking of Gilbert and other people he knew.
　　The trouble that might come of it. What Gilbert would say if he did hear. And so both he and she, as well asGrace, were dubious on the instant about the wisdom of riding back together. Grace's own reputation, as well asthe fact that she knew Clyde was not interested in her, piqued her. And Roberta, realizing this from her manner,said: "What do you think we had better do, excuse ourselves?"At once Roberta tried to think just how they could extricate themselves gracefully without offending Clyde.
　　Personally she was so enchanted that had she been alone she would have preferred to have ridden back with him.
　　But with Grace here and in this cautious mood, never. She must think up some excuse.
　　And at the same time, Clyde was wondering just how he was to do now--ride in with them and brazenly face thepossibility of being seen by some one who might carry the news to Gilbert Griffiths or evade doing so on somepretext or other. He could think of none, however, and was about to turn and accompany them to the car whenthe young electrician, Shurlock, who lived in the Newton household and who had been on the balcony of thepavilion, hailed them. He was with a friend who had a small car, and they were ready to return to the city.
　　"Well, here's luck," he exclaimed. "How are you, Miss Alden? How do you do, Miss Marr? You two don'thappen to be going our way, do you? If you are, we can take you in with us."Not only Roberta but Clyde heard. And at once she was about to say that, since it was a little late and she andGrace were scheduled to attend church services with the Newtons, it would be more convenient for them toreturn this way. She was, however, half hoping that Shurlock would invite Clyde and that he would accept. Buton his doing so, Clyde instantly refused. He explained that he had decided to stay out a little while longer. Andso Roberta left him with a look that conveyed clearly enough the gratitude and delight she felt. They had hadsuch a good time. And he in turn, in spite of many qualms as to the wisdom of all this, fell to brooding on howsad it was that just he and Roberta might not have remained here for hours longer. And immediately after theyhad gone, he returned to the city alone.
　　The next morning he was keener than ever to see Roberta again. And although the peculiarly exposed nature ofthe work at the factory made it impossible for him to demonstrate his feelings, still by the swift and admiring andseeking smiles that played over his face and blazed in his eyes, she knew that he was as enthusiastic, if not moreso, as on the night before. And on her part, although she felt that a crisis of some sort was impending, and inspite of the necessity of a form of secrecy which she resented, she could not refrain from giving him a warm andquite yielding glance in return. The wonder of his being interested in her! The wonder and the thrill!
　　Clyde decided at once that his attentions were still welcome. Also that he might risk saying something to her,supposing that a suitable opportunity offered. And so, after waiting an hour and seeing two fellow workers leavefrom either side of her, he seized the occasion to drift near and to pick up one of the collars she had just stamped,saying, as though talking about that: "I was awfully sorry to have to leave you last night. I wish we were outthere again to-day instead of here, just you and me, don't you?"Roberta turned, conscious that now was the time to decide whether she would encourage or discourage anyattention on his part. At the same time she was almost faintingly eager to accept his attentions regardless of theproblem in connection with them. His eyes! His hair! His hands! And then instead of rebuking or chilling him inany way, she only looked, but with eyes too weak and melting to mean anything less than yielding anduncertainty. Clyde saw that she was hopelessly and helplessly drawn to him, as indeed he was to her. On theinstant he was resolved to say something more, when he could, as to where they could meet when no one wasalong, for it was plain that she was no more anxious to be observed than he was. He well knew more sharply todaythan ever before that he was treading on dangerous ground.
　　He began to make mistakes in his calculations, to feel that, with her so near him, he was by no meansconcentrating on the various tasks before him. She was too enticing, too compelling in so many ways to him.
　　There was something so warm and gay and welcome about her that he felt that if he could persuade her to love him he would be among the most fortunate of men. Yet there was that rule, and although on the lake the daybefore he had been deciding that his position here was by no means as satisfactory as it should be, still withRoberta in it, as now it seemed she well might be, would it not be much more delightful for him to stay? Couldhe not, for the time being at least, endure the further indifference of the Griffiths? And who knows, might theynot yet become interested in him as a suitable social figure if only he did nothing to offend them? And yet herehe was attempting to do exactly the thing he had been forbidden to do. What kind of an injunction was this,anyhow, wherewith Gilbert had enjoined him? If he could come to some understanding with her, perhaps shewould meet him in some clandestine way and thus obviate all possibility of criticism.
　　It was thus that Clyde, seated at his desk or walking about, was thinking. For now his mind, even in the face ofhis duties, was almost entirely engaged by her, and he could think of nothing else. He had decided to suggest thatthey meet for the first time, if she would, in a small park which was just west of the first outlying resort on theMohawk. But throughout the day, so close to each other did the girls work, he had no opportunity tocommunicate with her. Indeed noontime came and he went below to his lunch, returning a little early in the hopeof finding her sufficiently detached to permit him to whisper that he wished to see her somewhere. But she wassurrounded by others at the time and so the entire afternoon went by without a single opportunity.
　　However, as he was going out, he bethought him that if he should chance to meet her alone somewhere in thestreet, he would venture to speak to her. For she wanted him to--that he knew, regardless of what she might sayat any time. And he must find some way that would appear as accidental and hence as innocent to her as toothers. But as the whistle blew and she left the building she was joined by another girl, and he was left to think ofsome other way.
　　That same evening, however, instead of lingering about the Peyton house or going to a moving picture theater, ashe so often did now, or walking alone somewhere in order to allay his unrest and loneliness, he chose nowinstead to seek out the home of Roberta on Taylor Street. It was not a pleasing house, as he now decided, notnearly so attractive as Mrs. Cuppy's or the house in which he now dwelt. It was too old and brown, theneighborhood too nondescript, if conservative. But the lights in different rooms glowing at this early hour gave ita friendly and genial look. And the few trees in front were pleasant. What was Roberta doing now? Why couldn'tshe have waited for him in the factory? Why couldn't she sense now that he was outside and come out? Hewished intensely that in some way he could make her feel that he was out here, and so cause her to come out. Butshe didn't. On the contrary, he observed Mr. Shurlock issue forth and disappear toward Central Avenue. And,after that, pedestrian after pedestrian making their way out of different houses along the street and towardCentral, which caused him to walk briskly about the block in order to avoid being seen. At the same time hesighed often, because it was such a fine night--a full moon rising about nine-thirty and hanging heavy andyellow over the chimney tops. He was so lonely.
　　But at ten, the moon becoming too bright, and no Roberta appearing, he decided to leave. It was not wise to behanging about here. But the night being so fine he resented the thought of his room and instead walked up anddown Wykeagy Avenue, looking at the fine houses there--his uncle Samuel's among them. Now, all theiroccupants were away at their summer places. The houses were dark. And Sondra Finchley and Bertine Cranstonand all that company--what were they doing on a night like this? Where dancing? Where speeding? Whereloving? It was so hard to be poor, not to have money and position and to be able to do in life exactly as youwished.
　　And the next morning, more eager than usual, he was out of Mrs. Peyton's by six-forty-five, anxious to find someway of renewing his attentions to Roberta. For there was that crowd of factory workers that proceeded northalong Central Avenue. And she would be a unit in it, of course, at about 7.10. But his trip to the factory wasfruitless. For, after swallowing a cup of coffee at one of the small restaurants near the post-office and walking thelength of Central Avenue toward the mill, and pausing at a cigar store to see if Roberta should by any chancecome along alone, he was rewarded by the sight of her with Grace Marr again. What a wretched, crazy world thiswas, he at once decided, and how difficult it was in this miserable town for anyone to meet anyone else alone.
　　Everyone, nearly, knew everyone else. Besides, Roberta knew that he was trying to get a chance to talk to her.
　　Why shouldn't she walk alone then? He had looked at her enough yesterday. And yet here she was walking withGrace Marr and appeared seemingly contented. What was the matter with her anyhow?
　　By the time he reached the factory he was very sour. But the sight of Roberta taking her place at her bench andtossing him a genial "good morning" with a cheerful smile, caused him to feel better and that all was not lost.
　　It was three o'clock in the afternoon and a lull due to the afternoon heat, the fag of steadily continued work, andthe flare of reflected light from the river outside was over all. The tap, tap, tap of metal stamps upon scores ofcollars at once--nearly always slightly audible above the hum and whirr of the sewing machines beyond was, ifanything, weaker than usual. And there was Ruza Nikoforitch, Hoda Petkanas, Martha Bordaloue, Angelina Pittiand Lena Schlict, all joining in a song called "Sweethearts" which some one had started. And Roberta,perpetually conscious of Clyde's eyes, as well as his mood, was thinking how long it would be before he wouldcome around with some word in regard to something. For she wished him to--and because of his whisperedwords of the day before, she was sure that it would not be long, because he would not be able to resist it. Hiseyes the night before had told her that. Yet because of the impediments of this situation she knew that he must behaving a difficult time thinking of any way by which he could say anything to her. And still at certain momentsshe was glad, for there were such moments when she felt she needed the security which the presence of so manygirls gave her.
　　And as she thought of all this, stamping at her desk along with the others, she suddenly discovered that a bundleof collars which she had already stamped as sixteens were not of that size but smaller. She looked at it quicklyand nervously, then decided that there was but one thing to do--lay the bundle aside and await comment fromone of the foremen, including Clyde, or take it directly to him now--really the better way, because it preventedany of the foremen seeing it before he did. That was what all the girls did when they made mistakes of any kind.
　　And all trained girls were supposed to catch all possible errors of that kind.
　　And yet now and in the face of all her very urgent desires she hesitated, for this would take her direct to Clydeand give him the opportunity he was seeking. But, more terrifying, it was giving her the opportunity she wasseeking. She wavered between loyalty to Clyde as a superintendent, loyalty to her old conventions as opposed toher new and dominating desire and her repressed wish to have Clyde speak to her--then went over with thebundle and laid it on his desk. But her hands, as she did so, trembled. Her face was white--her throat taut. At themoment, as it chanced, he was almost vainly trying to calculate the scores of the different girls from the stubslaid before him, and was having a hard time of it because his mind was not on what he was doing. And then helooked up. And there was Roberta bending toward him. His nerves became very taut, his throat and lips, dry, forhere and now was his opportunity. And, as he could see, Roberta was almost suffocating from the strain which her daring and self-deception was putting upon her nerves and heart.
　　"There's been a distake" (she meant to say mistake) "in regard to this bundle upstairs," she began. "I didn't noticeit either until I'd stamped nearly all of them. They're fifteen-and-a-half and I've stamped nearly all of themsixteen. I'm sorry."Clyde noticed, as she said this, that she was trying to smile a little and appear calm, but her cheeks were quiteblanched and her hands, particularly the one that held the bundle, trembled. On the instant he realized thatalthough loyalty and order were bringing her with this mistake to him, still there was more than that to it. In aweak, frightened, and yet love-driven way, she was courting him, giving him the opportunity he was seeking,wishing him to take advantage of it. And he, embarrassed and shaken for the moment by this sudden visitation,was still heartened and hardened into a kind of effrontery and gallantry such as he had not felt as yet in regard toher. She was seeking him--that was plain. She was interested, and clever enough to make the occasion whichpermitted him to speak. Wonderful! The sweetness of her daring.
　　"Oh, that's all right," he said, pretending a courage and a daring in regard to her which he did not feel even now.
　　"I'll just send them down to the wash room and then we'll see if we can't restamp them. It's not our mistake,really."He smiled most warmly and she met his look with a repressed smile of her own, already turning and fearing thatshe had manifested too clearly what had brought her.
　　"But don't go," he added quickly. "I want to ask you something. I've been trying to get a word with you eversince Sunday. I want you to meet me somewhere, will you? There's a rule here that says a head of a departmentcan't have anything to do with a girl who works for him--outside I mean. But I want you to see me just the same,won't you? You know," and he smiled winsomely and coaxingly into her eyes, "I've been just nearly crazy overyou ever since you came in here and Sunday made it worse. And now I'm not going to let any old rule comebetween me and you, if I can help it. Will you?""Oh, I don't know whether I can do that or not," replied Roberta, who, now that she had succeeded inaccomplishing what she had wished, was becoming terrorized by her own daring. She began looking aroundnervously and feeling that every eye in the room must be upon her. "I live with Mr. and Mrs. Newton, myfriend's sister and brother-in-law, you know, and they're very strict. It isn't the same as if--" She was going to add"I was home," but Clyde interrupted her.
　　"Oh, now please don't say no, will you? Please don't. I want to see you. I don't want to cause you any trouble,that's all. Otherwise I'd be glad to come round to your house. You know how it is.""Oh, no, you mustn't do that," cautioned Roberta. "Not yet anyhow." She was so confused that quiteunconsciously she was giving Clyde to understand that she was expecting him to come around some time later.
　　"Well," smiled Clyde, who could see that she was yielding in part. "We could just walk out near the end of somestreet here--that street you live in, if you wish. There are no houses out there. Or there's a little park--Mohawk-justwest of Dreamland on the Mohawk Street line. It's right on the river. You might come out there. I could meet you where the car stops. Will you do that?""Oh, I'd be afraid to do that I think--go so far, I mean. I never did anything like that before." She looked soinnocent and frank as she said this that Clyde was quite carried away by the sweetness of her. And to think hewas making a clandestine appointment with her. "I'm almost afraid to go anywhere here alone, you know. Peopletalk so here, they say, and some one would be sure to see me. But--""Yes, but what?""I'm afraid I'm staying too long at your desk here, don't you think?" She actually gasped as she said it. And Clyderealizing the openness of it, although there was really nothing very unusual about it, now spoke quickly andforcefully.
　　"Well, then, how about the end of that street you live in? Couldn't you come down there for just a little while tonight--a half hour or so, maybe?""Oh, I couldn't make it to-night, I think--not so soon. I'll have to see first, you know. Arrange, that is. But anotherday." She was so excited and troubled by this great adventure of hers that her face, like Clyde's at times, changedfrom a half smile to a half frown without her realizing that it was registering these changes.
　　"Well, then, how about Wednesday night at eight-thirty or nine? Couldn't you do that? Please, now."Roberta considered most sweetly, nervously. Clyde was enormously fascinated by her manner at the moment, forshe looked around, conscious, or so she seemed, that she was being observed and that her stay here for a firstvisit was very long.
　　"I suppose I'd better be going back to my work now," she replied without really answering him.
　　"Wait a minute," pled Clyde. "We haven't fixed on the time for Wednesday. Aren't you going to meet me? Makeit nine or eight-thirty, or any time you want to. I'll be there waiting for you after eight if you wish. Will you?""All right, then, say eight-thirty or between eight-thirty and nine, if I can. Is that all right? I'll come if I can, youknow, and if anything does happen I'll tell you the next morning, you see." She flushed and then looked aroundonce more, a foolish, flustered look, then hurried back to her bench, fairly tingling from head to toe, and lookingas guilty as though she had been caught red-handed in some dreadful crime. And Clyde at his desk was almostchoking with excitement. The wonder of her agreeing, of his talking to her like that, of her venturing to make adate with him at all here in Lycurgus, where he was so well-known! Thrilling!
　　For her part, she was thinking how wonderful it would be just to walk and talk with him in the moonlight, to feelthe pressure of his arm and hear his soft appealing voice.
第十六章
那天下午湖畔邂逅给他们俩都留下美妙的印象,随后一连好几天,谁也情不自禁,频频怀念,不觉对他们这么美妙的机缘感到万分惊讶,可是他们却又心照不宣,因为雇工与上司之间是不应该那么过分亲近的.
他们在小船上说笑了一会儿.克莱德谈到这些睡莲有多美,能给她采撷睡莲感到很高兴.他们让格雷斯也上了小船,最后又回到了租船的地方.
他们俩一上岸,都有点儿犯疑,真不知道下一步该怎么办.因为明摆在他们面前的问题,就是:是不是一块儿回莱柯格斯去.罗伯达认为这样似乎不妥当,可能引起风言风语.而克莱德呢,也想到吉尔伯特和他自己所认识的一些人,以及由此可能招来的麻烦.吉尔伯特要是听到这件事,又会怎么说呢.因此,克莱德、罗伯达和格雷斯一时都有些迟疑不定,真不知道一起乘车回去是否明智.格雷斯要为自己的名誉操心,而且还知道克莱德对她不感兴趣,因而很呕气.罗伯达一眼看出了女友的心思,就说:"依你看,我们该怎么办?同他告辞,好吗?"
罗伯达立刻暗自思忖,她们怎样才能落落大方脱身,但又不让克莱德扫兴.就她自己来说,她对他已是那么入迷,要是格雷斯不在身边,本来她乐意同他一起搭车回去.不过,眼前有格雷斯在场,加上她自己又是那么谨小慎微,这就断断乎不好办了.她非得想出一个脱身之计不可.
这时,克莱德也在暗自寻思,该怎么办才好——同她们一起搭车回去,冒着风险,万一被人撞见了,报告吉尔伯特·格里菲思一家人呢,还是另找一个什么借口同她们分手告别.无奈他什么借口托词都找不到,正想转身陪她们上电车站,就在这时,寄宿在牛顿夫妇家里,恰好在一个阳台上的年轻的电工舒洛克突然在向他们大声招呼了.舒洛克正好跟一个朋友(此人有一辆小汽车)打算一起回城去.
"哦,真是太巧了,"他大声喊道."你好,奥尔登小姐?你好,玛尔小姐?你们二位是不是跟我们同道?要是同道,我们可以把你们一块捎去."
这句话,不仅罗伯达,甚至连克莱德也都听见了.她马上回答说,时间不早了,她跟格雷斯还要陪牛顿夫妇去教堂,因此,坐小汽车回去的确方便些.不过,她似乎还希望舒洛克会邀克莱德一起上车,希望克莱德会接受他的邀请.后来尽管舒洛克邀请了他,克莱德却马上谢绝了,说他要在这儿多待一会儿.因此,罗伯达临走时看了他一眼,借以充分表达了她心中喜悦和感激之情.刚才他们在一起度过了多么愉快的时光.至于他呢,尽管对这一切是否正当尚有疑虑,却在暗自思忖:他跟罗伯达不能在这儿多待几个钟头真够伤心的.他们走了以后,他也马上独自一人回城了.
转天早晨,他比往常更加急急乎想见到罗伯达.虽说厂里工作都是在众目睽睽之下进行的,使他不可能表达出自己的感情来,可是,从他脸上和眼里一闪而过的爱慕和试探性的微笑里,罗伯达知道他的心情如果说不是更加强烈的话,至少还是如昨天一样兴奋.那她自己呢,虽然觉得好象某种灾难就要临头,而且这一切还必须保守秘密,当然使她很不高兴,可她还是情不自禁向他回送热情、温顺的秋波.瞧他已被她吸引住了!真是多么叫人惊心动魄!
克莱德马上断定:他献的殷勤还是受欢迎的,往后如有什么合适机会,他准备冒险跟罗伯达说说话.因此,他等了个把钟头,正好她两旁的女工一走开,这时,他便抓住机会来到了她身边,从她刚才打过印的领子中拿起一条,仿佛是专门在谈领子似的对她说:"昨儿晚上不得不跟你分手,真是非常抱歉.我巴不得今儿个我们俩再上那儿去,而不是待在这里.而且只有你和我两个人.你说怎么样?"
罗伯达侧过身来,心里明白,此刻就得决定:对于他的盛情邀请,她是鼓励呢,还是一口回绝.同时,她心中又几乎有点儿昏昏迷迷,急急乎要接受他献的殷勤,对于他们俩会发生什么问题,她也全都不管了.瞧他的眼睛!他的头发!他的手!她不但没有责备他或是冷淡他,反而一个劲儿凝望着他,眼里是那么软弱无力、令人动怜,却又露出温顺和茫然若失的神情.克莱德见她已情不自禁,倾心于他,的确如同他也钟情于她那样,他马上决定,一有机会就跟她再说几句话,问问她也许在什么地方两人见面,不要有旁人在场.因为很显然,她如同他一样,也不乐意让别人看见.今天,他比往日里更深切地意识到:他走的正是一条危险的道路.
现在他算帐时开始出差错了.他感到,只要罗伯达在他身边,他干什么工作也都专心不起来.他觉得,她简直是太迷人,太令人倾倒了.她是那样热情、快活、可爱.他觉得,他要是能赢得她的爱,那就可以成为天底下最幸福的人了.不过,毕竟还有吉尔伯特说过的那个厂规呢.虽说昨天在湖上他就下过这样结论——他在厂里处境并不是那么称心如意,可是,只要有希望罗伯达能在他身旁,那末,他继续在厂里待下去,岂不是有更大乐趣吗?难道说格里菲思一家人的冷淡,他就不能——至少在目前——再忍受一下吗?只要他不去干冒犯他们的事情,说不定将来他们对他感到兴趣,并将他纳入他们上流社会那个圈子里去吧?不过,现在他一心想做的事,正好是断断乎做不得的.而吉尔伯特告诫他的那一套训谕,又算得上什么呢?只要他能够说服她,也许她会暗底里跟他幽会,这样也就完全可以不被人家议论了.
这时,克莱德不论坐在桌旁办公,还是在车间里走路,心心念念想的都是这些.甚至在厂里上班时,他差不多时时刻刻都惦念着她,再也不去考虑其他的事情.他决定向她提议说,如果她乐意,他们就在莱柯格斯城西、莫霍克河上第一个郊外游人常去的小公园里会面.不过,这一天女工们都挨挤在一起干活,他没有机会跟她说话.午休时,他下楼用过午餐,比往日早一点回来,希望这时她已独自一人,好让他低声耳语告诉她,他心里巴不得在什么地方跟她见见面.可她四周还是围着一拨人,整整一个下午就这样过去了,始终没有说话机会.
到最后离厂时,他心里还在琢磨,要是碰巧遇到她独自一人在街上,他就会走过去跟她说说话.她也巴不得他这样做——这一点,他心里很清楚,哪怕她嘴上说的不是那样.他就得想方设法,务必使他们的见面在她或者别人看来,好象完全是巧遇,因而也是无伤大雅的.不过,汽笛一响,她走出厂门时,正跟一个姑娘一块走着.这样,克莱德就得另想办法了.
往常一到傍晚,他不是憋闷在佩顿太太家里,就是上电影院(这是近来他常去之处),或则独个儿出去散散步,聊解愁怀.但那一天傍晚,他却一反常态,决定去泰勒街寻访罗伯达的寓所.他认定那不是一所令人喜爱的房子,远不如柯比太太的房子或是现在他住的房子那样吸引人.房子太破旧,而且黑不溜丢,街坊邻居抱残守缺,简直难以形容.不过,天色还早,各个房间里已掌了灯,就给人一种亲切感.门前两三棵树,克莱德也还喜欢.那末,此刻罗伯达正在干什么呢?为什么她不在工厂附近等一等他呢?为什么她没有想到他已来到这儿,不出来接接他呢?是的,他真恨不得有办法能让她感觉到他已来到这儿,因此就出来接他.可她并没有感觉到.恰好相反,他只看见舒洛克走了出来,冲中央大道走去,一下子就没影儿了.随后,家家户户都有人出来,沿着大街往中央大道走去.于是,他急忙离开罗伯达寓所远远的,免得惹人注目.这时,他免不了长叹短吁,因为正当一个美好的夜晚——大约九点半,一轮满月在冉冉上升,黄澄澄地高悬在家家户户烟囱之上.他有多么孤单啊.
不过,到了十点钟,月光变得越发明亮,还不见罗伯达出来,他就决定走了.在这儿滞留太久,很不妥当.不过,夜色那么美,他才不想回到自己房间去呢.于是,他就在威克吉大街上徘徊倘佯,举目张望那里漂亮的房子——包括他伯父塞缪尔的府邸在内.这时,所有这些府邸的主人,都到他们的避暑别墅去了.窗子里一点儿灯光都没有.桑德拉·芬奇利、伯蒂娜·克兰斯顿,以及所有那一伙人——在这样的一个夜晚,他们都在干些什么呢?他们在哪里跳舞呢?在哪里超速开车兜风呢?还是在哪里谈情说爱呢?穷人嘛,没有钱,没有地位,就没法随心所欲地生活,该有多么难受.
翌日早上,他比往日更加急不可耐,六点四十五分就走出佩顿太太家的大门,心里急于想出一个办法来,再向罗伯达大献殷勤.这时正有一大群工人沿着中央大道往北走去.大约在七点十分左右,当然罗,她也一定是在这股人流之中.不过,他这回去工厂路上,还是没碰到罗伯达.因为,他在邮局附近一家小餐厅急匆匆喝了一杯咖啡,走完整整一条通往工厂的中央大道,到了一家烟铺门口歇歇脚,看看罗伯达会不会碰巧独自一人在走路,结果呢,只见到她又是跟格雷斯·玛尔走在一起.他心里马上就想到:当今这个世界该有多么可怜,多么丧心病狂;就在这么一个可怜巴巴的小城里,要跟一个人单独见面,该有多难啊.不拘是谁,差不多人人都认识.再说,罗伯达也知道他正在设法找机会跟她说话.那她为什么不独自一人走呢?昨天,他老是朝着她举目四望.可现在呢,她却跟格雷斯·玛尔走在一起,而且还显得好象心满意足似的.她到底是怎么个意思?
他进厂时心里可真是灰溜溜的.不过,一看到罗伯达正坐在自己座位上,对他笑吟吟,亲昵地说了一声"您好",这才使他心里宽慰不少,觉得还有些希望.
到了下午三点钟,由于午后天气转热和不停地干活疲乏,大家都有些昏昏欲睡的样子;窗外骄阳似火,满屋子都是骄阳照在河面上的反光,令人眩目.几十条领子打印时一齐发出的嗒嗒声——平时在外间缝纫机的咔嚓声以外依稀还能听得见,可此时此刻,这种嗒嗒声却比往常更加微弱了.这时,有人领头唱了一支叫做《情人》的歌,罗莎·尼柯弗列奇、霍达·佩特卡娜斯,玛莎·博达洛、安吉利娜·皮蒂、莉娜·希利克特一下子都跟着唱了起来.罗伯达却一个劲儿注意克莱德的眼神和心态,暗自思忖还要多久他才会走过来,跟她说些什么呢.她心里真巴不得他能这样——从他昨天的低声耳语里,她相信,要不了多久,他就会来的,因为他早已身不由己了.她从昨天晚上他的眼神里已经看出来了.不过因为这里诸多不便,她知道,他要设法跟她说话,一定也是煞费苦心.可是,有时她又觉得高兴,因为她感到自己置身于这么多姑娘中间就有一种安全感.
她一面在想心事,一面跟别人一起给领子打印.蓦然间,她发现有一捆领子,她虽然打了"16",其实不是那个尺码,还得小一些.她焦急不安地瞅着这一捆领子,心里想只有一个办法——先把这一捆撂在一边,听候不知道是哪一个领班(包括克莱德在内)来批评她,要不然,干脆现在就把这捆领子直接送到他那儿去——说实话,也许这个办法好一些,因为这样可以不让别的领班比他先看到.大凡姑娘们出了什么差错,也都是这样照办不误的.类似这样的差错,就是训练有素的女工们,也在所难免.
不过,尽管眼下她对他正怀着强烈的欲念,此刻却又迟疑不定了.因为她这一去直接找克莱德,无异于给了他一个正在寻摸的机会.但更可怕的是,这也给了她自己正在寻摸的机会.她心里摇摆不定:一方面应该向作为监工的克莱德负责,另一方面还得恪守她那老一套传统观念,尽管这些传统观念跟她此刻新的压倒一切的愿望,以及她竭力压制下去的、要让克莱德跟她说话的希望是大相径庭的——到头来她还是拿起这捆领子走了过去,放到他桌子上.不过,她把领子放在桌子上时,两手却在瑟瑟发抖.她脸色煞白——嗓子眼发紧.这时,克莱德正好根据桌子上的存根,仔细统计女工们打印过的件数,但因为他心不在焉,感到很别扭.过了一会儿,他抬眼一看:原来是罗伯达正俯身伫立在他跟前.他的神经一下子紧张极了,连嗓子眼和嘴唇也都发干:因为,他梦寐以求的机会终于来到了.同时,他还看到罗伯达心神也紧张极了,几乎都透不过气来:显然她明白自己这种举动太大胆,而且是在欺骗自己.
"楼上送下来的这一捆,早就弄'岔'了,"(本来她是要说弄"错"了)她一开口,就语无伦次地说."差不多都打完了,我才发现.应该是15·5,我差不多都给打上16了.请您原谅."
克莱德发觉她说话时有点儿强作笑颜,故作镇静的样子,可她两颊几乎煞白,她的手,特别是拿着那捆领子的手,却在瑟瑟发抖.他马上明白:尽管她上他这儿来,说明她工作认真、恪守厂规,可其中还包含着更多东西.瞧她软弱、骇怕,但又被爱情所驱使,她这是来向他求爱的,给了他一个求之不得的机会,巴望他能好好利用它.这在眼前突然出现的景象,一时间让他感到既窘迫,又震惊.可他还是振作起来,索性厚着脸皮,大献殷勤,这在过去,他对她从来都不是这样的.她迷上了他——这是明摆着的.她对他真有情意,她聪明得很,让他有机会跟他说说话.真了不起!瞧她这种大胆,该有多可爱."哦,这算不了什么,"他说话时对她装出勇敢而又大胆的样子,其实,即使在此刻,他在她面前也并不见得真的这样大胆."我送楼下洗布间去漂洗一下,再看能不能重新打上,这就得了.说实话,这并不是我们的差错."
他非常热情地向她微微一笑,她也很勉强向他报以一笑,身子早就转了过来,深怕她的来意太外露了.
"不过,你先别走,"他马上找补着说."我想问你一件事.打从星期天起,我一直想找机会跟你说话.我希望你我在什么地方见见面,好吗?固然,这儿有厂规,说一个部门的负责人不得跟本部门女工有任何来往——可我是说在厂外嘛.不过,不管怎么说,我还是希望你和我见见面,好不好?你要知道,"他迷人而又哄诱地冲她的眼睛笑着说,"打从你来这儿之后,我一直在想你,几乎快疯了,而在那个星期天之后,也就更糟了.现在,我可不让在你我之间还有什么老的条条框框.那你说呢?"
"哦,我也不知道……"罗伯达回答说.如今,她如愿以偿之后,却对她自己这种胆大妄为反而感到害怕了.她忐忑不安地举目四望,觉得打印间里每一只眼睛都在直瞅着她."我住在牛顿夫妇那里,您知道,他们就是我那个女友的姐姐、姐夫,而且他们循规蹈矩,严格得很.要是在——就不一样了,"她原来想说,"要是在我自个儿家里",可是,克莱德把她的话儿给打断了.
"哦,千万请你别说不,好吗?请你千万不要这样说.我非要见你不可.我不会给你添什么麻烦,这就得了.要不然,我也乐于上你家去找你.你明白就这么回事."
"哦,不,您千万别那样,"罗伯达提醒他."反正现在还不行."这时她心里乱糟糟,无意之中让克莱德知道:她正巴不得他过了一阵子去看她.
"好吧,"克莱德微微一笑.他看出她已经部分让步了."如果你愿意的话,我们不妨在这儿街上——就在你住的那一条街上溜达溜达.反正街的尽头,也没有什么房子了.不然的话,就去那个小公园——莫霍克——正好在莫霍克街上'梦乡'以西.就在河边.你不妨上那儿去.我会在电车站等你.
你说这样好吗?"
"哦,我觉得有点儿害怕——我这是说走得太远了.我从来都没有这样过."她说话时显得那么天真坦率,克莱德不由得被她迷人的神态倾倒了.只要想一想,他这是在跟她约定幽会啊."在这儿,不管上哪儿,我就怕独个儿去,您知道吧.人们都说,这儿的人净爱说风言风语,而且,不用说,肯定有人会看见我.不过——"
"是啊,不过怎么啦?"
"我担心我在您这儿待得时间太久了,您说是吧?"她说这话时,真的有点儿上气不接下气了.克莱德心里明白她说这些话够坦率了,尽管其中并没有什么异乎寻常之处,于是就急忙用一种强有力的语调说:
"好吧,那末,就在你住的那条街的尽头见面,好吗?今天晚上,你能不能去那里,只待一会儿——比方说,半个钟头左右,好吗?"
"哦,今天晚上我去不成,我说——不要那么快.您知道,我首先得想一想.也就是说,要安排一下.不过改天再说."她这次异乎寻常的冒险举动,已使自己显得那么激动不安,她脸上的神情,如同克莱德常有的那样,一忽儿在微笑,一忽儿却又蹙紧眉头.连她自己都不知道脸上所出现的这些变化."得了,那末,星期三晚上八点半,或是九点钟,怎么样?这样你总可以来吧?那就一言为定."
罗伯达可真是惴惴不安地考虑了一下.这时她的举止仪态,早已使克莱德神魂颠倒,因为她往四下里张望了一下,她意识到,或则她觉得:人家都在直瞅着自己呢,她第一次上这儿来,时间待得太长了.
"依我看,现在我还得回去干活啦,"她回答说,但并没有真正回答他的问题.
"等一会儿,"克莱德恳求说."我们还没有讲定星期三具体时间呢.你不是要来见我吗?讲定九点或是八点半,或是依你看什么时间就得了.反正八点以后,我就在那里等你.你说好吗?"
"好吧,那末,就定在八点半,或是在八点半到九点之间,要是我来得了的话.这样总可以吧!您知道,要是我来得了,我一定会来的;要是临时有什么事的话,明早我就会告诉您,好吧."她一下子脸红了,又往四下里张望了一下,现出愚不可及而又惊慌失措的神色,就急急乎奔回到自己座位上,从头到脚,浑身上下震颤,好象正在犯罪作案时当场被人抓住似的.这时,克莱德坐在办公桌旁,兴奋得几乎喘不过气来.他就是那样跟她谈了话,她也一口答应了,在这个人人都知道他的莱柯格斯,他跟她约定了幽会的时间,这不是奇迹吗!多么让人激动!
至于她呢,这时却在暗自思忖,跟他在月光下散散步,谈谈心,感到他的胳臂正挽着她,同时在倾听他那温言款语,该有多美啊.
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Part 2 Chapter 17
It was quite dark when Roberta stole out on Wednesday night to meet Clyde. But before that what qualms andmeditations in the face of her willingness and her agreement to do so. For not only was it difficult for her toovercome her own mental scruples within, but in addition there was all the trouble in connection with thecommonplace and religious and narrow atmosphere in which she found herself imbedded at the Newtons'. Forsince coming here she had scarcely gone anywhere without Grace Marr. Besides on this occasion--a thing shehad forgotten in talking to Clyde--she had agreed to go with the Newtons and Grace to the Gideon BaptistChurch, where a Wednesday prayer meeting was to be followed by a social with games, cake, tea and ice cream.
　　In consequence she was troubled severely as to how to manage, until it came back to her that a day or two beforeMr. Liggett, in noting how rapid and efficient she was, had observed that at any time she wanted to learn onephase of the stitching operations going on in the next room, he would have her taken in hand by Mrs. Braley,who would teach her. And now that Clyde's invitation and this church affair fell on the same night, she decidedto say that she had an appointment with Mrs. Braley at her home. Only, as she also decided, she would wait untiljust before dinner Wednesday and then say that Mrs. Braley had invited her to come to her house. Then shecould see Clyde. And by the time the Newtons and Grace returned she could be back. Oh, how it would feel tohave him talk to her--say again as he did in the boat that he never had seen any one look so pretty as she didstanding on the bank and looking for water lilies. Many, many thoughts--vague, dreadful, colorful, came to her-howand where they might go--be--do--from now on, if only she could arrange to be friends with him withoutharm to her or him. If need be, she now decided, she could resign from the factory and get a place somewhereelse--a change which would absolve Clyde from any responsibility in regard to her.
　　There was, however, another mental as well as emotional phase in regard to all this and that related to herclothes. For since coming to Lycurgus she had learned that the more intelligent girls here dressed better than didthose about Biltz and Trippetts Mills. At the same time she had been sending a fair portion of her money to hermother--sufficient to have equipped her exceptionally well, as she now realized, had she retained it. But now thatClyde was swaying her so greatly she was troubled about her looks, and on the evening after her conversationwith him at the mill, she had gone through her small wardrobe, fixing upon a soft blue hat which Clyde had notyet seen, together with a checkered blue and white flannel skirt and a pair of white canvas shoes purchased theprevious summer at Biltz. Her plan was to wait until the Newtons and Grace had departed for church and thenswiftly dress and leave.
　　At eight-thirty, when night had finally fallen, she went east along Taylor to Central Avenue, then by a circuitousroute made her way west again to the trysting place. And Clyde was already there. Against an old wooden fencethat enclosed a five-acre cornfield, he was leaning and looking back toward the interesting little city, the lights inso many of the homes of which were aglow through the trees. The air was laden with spices--the mingledfragrance of many grasses and flowers. There was a light wind stirring in the long swords of the corn at hisback--in the leaves of the trees overhead. And there were stars--the big dipper and the little dipper and the milkyway--sidereal phenomena which his mother had pointed out to him long ago.
　　And he was thinking how different was his position here to what it had been in Kansas City. There he had beenso nervous in regard to Hortense Briggs or any girl, really--afraid almost to say a word to any of them. Whereashere, and especially since he had had charge of this stamping room, he had seemed to become aware of the factthat he was more attractive than he had ever thought he was before. Also that the girls were attracted to him and that he was not so much afraid of them. The eyes of Roberta herself showed him this day how much she wasdrawn to him. She was his girl. And when she came, he would put his arms around her and kiss her. And shewould not be able to resist him.
　　He stood listening, dreaming and watching, the rustling corn behind him stirring an old recollection in him, whensuddenly he saw her coming. She looked trim and brisk and yet nervous, and paused at the street end and lookedabout like a frightened and cautious animal. At once Clyde hurried forward toward her and called softly: "Hello.
　　Gee, it's nice to have you meet me. Did you have any trouble?" He was thinking how much more pleasing shewas than either Hortense Briggs or Rita Dickerman, the one so calculating, the other so sensually free andindiscriminate.
　　"Did I have any trouble? Oh, didn't I though?" And at once she plunged into a full and picturesque account, notonly of the mistake in regard to the Newtons' church night and her engagement with them, but of a determinationon the part of Grace Marr not to go to the church social without her, and how she had to fib, oh, so terribly, aboutgoing over to Mrs. Braley's to learn to stitch--a Liggett-Roberta development of which Clyde had heard nothingso far and concerning which he was intensely curious, because at once it raised the thought that already Liggettmight be intending to remove her from under his care. He proceeded to question her about that before he wouldlet her go on with her story, an interest which Roberta noticed and because of which she was very pleased.
　　"But I can't stay very long, you know," she explained briskly and warmly at the first opportunity, the while Clydelaid hold of her arm and turned toward the river, which was to the north and untenanted this far out. "The BaptistChurch socials never last much beyond ten-thirty or eleven, and they'll be back soon. So I'll have to manage to beback before they are."Then she gave many reasons why it would be unwise for her to be out after ten, reasons which annoyed yetconvinced Clyde by their wisdom. He had been hoping to keep her out longer. But seeing that the time was to bebrief, he was all the keener for a closer contact with her now, and fell to complimenting her on her pretty hat andcape and how becoming they were. At once he tried putting his arm about her waist, but feeling this to be a tooswift advance she removed his arm, or tried to, saying in the softest and most coaxing voice "Now, now--that'snot nice, is it? Can't you just hold my arm or let me hold yours?" But he noted, once she persuaded him todisengage her waist, she took his arm in a clinging, snuggling embrace and measured her stride to his. On theinstant he was thinking how natural and unaffected her manner was now that the ice between them had beenbroken.
　　And how she went on babbling! She liked Lycurgus, only she thought it was the most religious town she hadever been in--worse than Biltz or Trippetts Mills that way. And then she had to explain to Clyde what Biltz andTrippetts Mills were like--and her home--a very little, for she did not care to talk about that. And then back to theNewtons and Grace Marr and how they watched her every move. Clyde was thinking as she talked how differentshe was from Hortense Briggs or Rita, or any other girl he had ever known--so much more simple andconfiding--not in any way mushy as was Rita, or brash or vain or pretentious, as was Hortense, and yet really aspretty and so much sweeter. He could not help thinking if she were smartly dressed how sweet she would be.
　　And again he was wondering what she would think of him and his attitude toward Hortense in contrast to hisattitude toward her now, if she knew.
　　"You know," he said at the very first opportunity, "I've been trying to talk to you ever since you came to work atthe factory but you see how very watchful every one is. They're the limit. They told me when I came up therethat I mustn't interest myself in any girl working there and so I tried not to. But I just couldn't help this, could I?"He squeezed her arm affectionately, then stopped suddenly and, disengaging his arm from hers, put both hisabout her. "You know, Roberta, I'm crazy about you. I really am. I think you're the dearest, sweetest thing. Oh,say! Do you mind my telling you? Ever since you showed up there, I haven't been able to sleep, nearly. You'vegot such nice eyes and hair. To-night you look just too cute--lovely, I think. Oh, Roberta," suddenly he caughther face between his two hands and kissed her, before really she could evade him. Then having done this he heldher while she resisted him, although it was almost impossible for her to do so. Instead she felt as though shewanted to put her arms around him or have him hold her tight, and this mood in regard to him and herselfpuzzled and troubled her. It was awful. What would people think--say--if they knew? She was a bad girl, really,and yet she wanted to be this way--near him--now as never before.
　　"Oh, you mustn't, Mr. Griffiths," she pleaded. "You really mustn't, you know. Please. Some one might see us. Ithink I hear some one coming. Please, now." She looked about quite frightened, apparently, while Clyde laughedecstatically. Life had presented him a delicious sweet at last. "You know I never did anything like this before,"she went on. "Honest, I didn't. Please. It's only because you said--"Clyde was pressing her close, not saying anything in reply--his pale face and dark hungry eyes held very close tohers. He kissed her again and again despite her protests, her little mouth and chin and cheeks seeming toobeautiful--too irresistible--then murmured pleadingly, for he was too overcome to speak vigorously.
　　"Oh, Roberta, dearest, please, please, say that you love me. Please do! I know that you do, Roberta. I can tell.
　　Please, tell me now. I'm crazy about you. We have so little time."He kissed her again upon the cheek and mouth, and suddenly he felt her relax. She stood quite still andunresisting in his arms. He felt a wonder of something--he could not tell what. All of a sudden he felt tears uponher face, her head sunk to his shoulder, and then he heard her say: "Yes, yes, yes. I do love you. Yes, yes. I do. Ido."There was a sob--half of misery, half of delight--in her voice and Clyde caught that. He was so touched by herhonesty and simplicity that tears sprang to his own eyes. "It's all right, Roberta. It's all right. Please don't cry. Oh,I think you're so sweet. I do. I do, Roberta."He looked up and before him in the east over the low roofs of the city was the thinnest, yellowest topmost arc ofthe rising July moon. It seemed at the moment as though life had given him all--all--that he could possibly askof it.
第十七章
星期三晚上,罗伯达偷偷地溜出来跟克莱德幽会时,天已经黑下来了.在这以前,尽管她甘心乐意去会面,但她毕竟感到几多疑虑不安.因为,不仅是很难克服自己内心深处种种顾虑,而且,她置身在牛顿夫妇家里,那里庸俗、虔诚和狭隘的气氛,也会引起种种麻烦.自从她来到这里以后,要不是格雷斯·玛尔同去的话,她几乎哪儿也不去.殊不知这一次——她跟克莱德说话时却忘记了:她原来讲定跟牛顿夫妇、格雷斯一块上吉迪恩浸礼会去的,那儿每逢星期三做礼拜,礼拜以后还有一次团契聚会,有各种游戏,以及茶水、点心和冰淇淋招待.因此,这一晚到底该怎么安排,就叫她煞费苦心.到后来,她才回想到,一两天前利格特先生觉察到她的工作做得又快又好,曾经跟她说:不拘什么时候,只要她想学隔壁缝纫车间的活儿,他就会关照布雷莉太太教教她.现在,克莱德的约会跟上教堂做礼拜正好碰在同一天晚上,她就决定告诉牛顿夫妇说:她跟布雷莉太太有约在先,要上她家里去.不过,她还决定要等到星期三吃晚饭以前,才说布雷莉太太约自己上她家里去.这么一来,她就可以跟克莱德相会去了.而且,她还可以赶在牛顿夫妇和格雷斯到家以前,先回来了.啊,再一次听到他跟她说话——如同前次他在小船上说过那样,说他从没见过谁能象她伫立在湖畔凝望睡莲时那么漂亮,该有多美啊.她心头一下子涌起许许多多想法——模糊的、可怕的、异彩纷呈的想法——只要她能跟他交朋友,不论对她自己或是对他本人都是无伤大雅的话,那末,从现在起,不管哪儿他们都可以去,而且可以不时相会,相亲相爱.现在她还决定,必要时,她干脆向这个厂辞退,上别处另觅一个工作——这样一改变,克莱德也就用不着替她承担任何责任了.
不过,这一切还牵涉到另一个心理侧面:那就是跟她的衣着打扮有关.自从她到莱柯格斯以后,她就知道:这里许多聪明得很的姑娘,在衣着打扮上若与比尔茨和特里佩茨米尔斯的姑娘相比都要讲究得多.不过,她一向把自己所挣的钱大部分寄给妈妈——现在她知道,她要是把这笔钱给自己留下,就净够自己穿得非常漂亮的了.但如今克莱德已完全征服了她,她对自己的模样儿就很担心了.她跟他在厂里说话后的那个晚上,她在自己小小的衣柜翻检一遍,挑出了克莱德从没有见过的一顶淡蓝色帽子,还有一条带格子的蓝白法兰绒裙子,和一双白帆布鞋,都是去年夏天在比尔茨买的.她打算要等到牛顿夫妇和格雷斯上教堂去后才赶快换装,然后出门去.
到了八点半,天已经全黑了,她沿着泰勒街往东走去,到中央大道,然后绕了道走,往西来到了约定的地点.克莱德早就在那儿了.他身子斜靠围着五英亩玉米田的旧木栅栏,正回头望着这个有趣的小城市,以及透过树木忽闪忽闪的城里的万家灯火.空气里弥漫着香气——很多花草羼杂在一起的芳香.一阵微风掠过克莱德背后一簇簇细长的玉米梗,以及他头顶上的树叶子.天上还有许许多多星星——北斗七星和小北斗星以及银河——这些星辰现象,很早以前他妈妈就指点给他看过.
克莱德心里琢磨,他在这里的地位跟在堪萨斯城时相比,已是不可同日而语.在那里,他对霍丹斯·布里格斯,是的,不论对哪一个姑娘,总是那么怯生生——几乎怕跟她们说一句话.可在这里,尤其是他主管打印间以后,看来他才恍然领悟到这样一个事实:现在他实际上比他过去的估计还要漂亮得多了.还有姑娘们向他频送秋波,他也不怎么怕她们了.今天,罗伯达的眼睛就告诉他,她对他该有多么一往情深.她就是他的姑娘啊.她一来了,他就会搂住她,亲吻她.她已是无力抗拒他了.
他伫立在那里,侧耳倾听,举目四望,浮想联翩,他身子背后沙沙作响的玉米,勾起了他对往昔的回忆,就在此刻,他突然看见她走过来了.她显得很整洁活泼,只不过心情有些紧张,在街的尽头歇了一会儿,往四下里张望,活象一只受惊的、胆小的动物.克莱德急忙冲她走过去,低声招呼说:"哦,你来了,真好.你碰上什么麻烦来着?"他心里想,她可比霍丹斯·布里格斯或是丽达·迪克曼更要惹人喜爱,因为后面两个女人,一个太工于心计,另一个则过于放荡不羁.
"我有没有碰上什么麻烦?哦,好象我没有碰上似的."于是她详详细细、绘声绘色地谈了起来;不仅谈到她约好同牛顿夫妇上教堂的事都给忘掉了,而且还谈到格雷斯·玛尔一个劲儿要扯着她非去教堂参加团契聚会不可.此外还有她如何不得不撒了谎,哦,多么可怕,胡说她要上布雷莉太太那儿去学缝纫——利格特向罗伯达提起过的这个事情,克莱德至今还不知道.因此,他对此事非常关注,因为,这一下子让他想到:利格特可能打算要把她从他手下调走.他便先询问她这件事,随后再让她继续谈她自个儿的事.罗伯达觉察到他对这事很感兴趣,因此她也很高兴.
"不过,您也知道,我来这里时间不能待得太久,"她一开口就活泼泼、热乎乎地向他这么说.克莱德抓住她的胳臂,转过身来朝河边走去,往北那一带几乎还无人居住哩."浸礼会团契聚会结束,从没有超过十点半或是十一点的,他们一会儿就要回来了.在他们回来以前,我就怎么也得先回去."
随后,她列举出许多理由,说明为什么十点钟以后还不回家对她来说是很不恰当的.这些理由尽管克莱德觉得很恼火,可又让他不能不信服.本来他希望她多待一些时间.不过,他一知道会面时间很短,就更加恨不得要跟她马上亲热起来.于是,他就开口称赞她那漂亮的帽子和披肩,说她戴上这些该有多么好看.他马上想用手搂住她的腰,不过,她觉得这样来得太快了,便把他的手挪开,或者说,她竭力要把他的手挪开,并且用非常温柔而又甘言劝诱的声调说:"哦,哦——这样不好吗?难道说您挽住我的胳臂,或是我挽住您的胳臂,不好吗?"不过,他觉察到,她说服他不再搂住她腰以后,她就马上挽住他的胳臂,紧紧偎依着他,肩并肩地往前走去.他一下子感到她的态度多么自然,一点儿不做作,说明他们俩之间早已涣然冰释了.
她一说起话来,总是滔滔不绝!她喜欢莱柯格斯,只不过觉得在她所到过的城市中就数这里最最恪守宗教教规了——从这一点来说,莱柯格斯可比特里佩茨米尔斯、比尔茨差劲.随后,她还得把比尔茨、特里佩茨米尔斯的情况讲给克莱德听——以及她家里的境况也要讲一讲,不过讲得很少,因为她压根儿不乐意多讲.以后又讲到牛顿夫妇、格雷斯·玛尔,以及他们怎样都在密切注视她的一举一动.在她谈话时,克莱德暗自思忖,她跟霍丹斯·布里格斯、丽达或是他认识的任何一个姑娘相比,该有多么不一样——她可要单纯得多,诚实得多——完全不象丽达那样淫佚放荡,不象霍丹斯那样轻率、爱好虚荣与装腔作势,可她说真的还那样漂亮,而且更要美得多.他不由得想到,她要是穿得漂亮些,看起来一定更加可爱.他又在暗自寻思:她要是知道霍丹斯其人其事,并且跟他现在对她的态度相比的话,那末,她对于他本人,以及他对霍丹斯的态度又会作何感想呢.
"你知道,"他一抓住机会就说,"自从你来厂里以后,我就一直想跟你说话.不过,你自己也知道,每个人都是瞪起两眼直瞅着.这真太气人啦.我刚走上这个岗位时,人家跟我说,对于在这里干活的女工,不论是哪一个,我都不得动念头,我也就照办不误.不过这一回,我自己实在也按捺不住了,是不是?"他怪亲昵地捏了一下她的胳臂,接着突然一松手,让自己胳臂抽了回来,又一下子搂住了她."你知道吗,罗伯达,我为了你简直想疯了.真的就是这样.我觉得你是天底下最最迷人、最最可爱的人.哦,你听着,先别生气,我就老实告诉你,好吗?自从你上这儿以后,我简直连睡觉都睡不好.这是实话——实实在在就是这样.我总是想啊想,想着你.你的眼睛、头发,就是这么漂亮.今儿晚上,你太迷人了——我说,太可爱了.哦,罗伯达."他突然两手捂住她的脸儿亲吻起来,实在使她躲闪不及.亲吻以后,他紧紧搂住她,她竭力挣扎着,其实,她怎么也都挣脱不了.恰好相反,她心里似乎很想用双手紧紧搂住他,或是希望他紧紧地搂住她.她上面这种心态,连她自己也都觉得困惑不安.这可太可怕了.比方说,人家要是知道了,那又会怎么想、怎么说?当然罗,她就是一个坏姑娘啦;不过,她心里巴不得就是这样——紧紧偎依在他身边——过去她从来没想到会这样的.
"哦,千万别这样,格里菲思先生,"她恳求说."说实在的,您别这样,好吗?高抬贵手吧.说不定会有人看见我们.好象我听见有人走过来.得了,得了."她举目四望,显然很骇怕似的,克莱德却兴高采烈地大笑起来.生活终于送给了他一个可爱的美人儿."听我说,过去我从来没有做过类似这样的事,"她继续说道."说实话,我从来没有过.请您快撒手.这就是因为您说了——"
克莱德紧紧地把她抱住,一句话也没有回答——他那苍白的脸孔,饥渴的黑眼睛,紧紧地逼视着她.他一次又一次地亲吻她,不管她再三挣扎反抗;她的那口小嘴、她的下巴、她的两颊,就是太美了——太诱人了——随后,他只好恳求似的轻声耳语,因为这时他早已被勾魂摄魄,没有力气再大声说话了.
"哦,罗伯达,我最亲爱的人儿,得了,我求求你,就说你爱我啦.我求求你快说呀!我知道你是爱我的,罗伯达.这我很清楚.我求求你,现在你就跟我说吧.我为了你简直都快想疯了.我们会面的时间,又是这么短暂."
他又一次亲吻她的双颊、她的小嘴,蓦地他觉得她全身已酥软下来.她伫立在那里,一声不响,在他怀里一点儿也不抗拒.他体味到一种奇妙的感觉——可他就是说不出是什么滋味儿.他突然觉得她脸上泪水涟涟,她的头倒在他肩头上;他听见她说:"是啊,是啊,是啊.我是爱您.是啊,是啊.我是爱您啊.我是爱您啊."
从她的话里听得出呜咽声——不知是出于痛苦呢,还是出于喜悦——反正克莱德已觉察到那一点.瞧她是这样诚实、单纯,他深为感动,禁不住也热泪夺眶而出."哦,一切都会好的,罗伯达.一切都会好的.请你千万别哭.哦,我说你真的太可爱呀.真的,真的,罗伯达."
他一抬眼,瞧见东边城里一片低矮的屋脊上,悬着七月间冉冉升起的一弯黄澄澄的月牙儿.在这一瞬间,他仿佛觉得生活把一切——他完全可以向生活索取的一切——已经给予他了.
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Part 2 Chapter 18
The culmination of this meeting was but the prelude, as both Clyde and Roberta realized, to a series of contactsand rejoicings which were to extend over an indefinite period. They had found love. They were deliciously happy, whatever the problems attending its present realization might be. But the ways and means of continuingwith it were a different matter. For not only was her connection with the Newtons a bar to any normal procedurein so far as Clyde was concerned, but Grace Marr herself offered a distinct and separate problem. Far more thanRoberta she was chained, not only by the defect of poor looks, but by the narrow teachings and domestic trainingof her early social and religious life. Yet she wanted to be gay and free, too. And in Roberta, who, while gay andboastful at times, was still well within the conventions that chained Grace, she imagined that she saw one whowas not so bound. And so it was that she clung to her closely and as Roberta saw it a little wearisomely. Sheimagined that they could exchange ideas and jests and confidences in regard to the love life and their respectivedreams without injury to each other. And to date this was her one solace in an otherwise gray world.
　　But Roberta, even before the arrival of Clyde in her life, did not want to be so clung to. It was a bore. Andafterwards she developed an inhibition in regard to him where Grace was concerned. For she not only knew thatGrace would resent this sudden desertion, but also that she had no desire to face out within herself the suddenand revolutionary moods which now possessed her. Having at once met and loved him, she was afraid to thinkwhat, if anything, she proposed to permit herself to do in regard to him. Were not such contacts between theclasses banned here? She knew they were. Hence she did not care to talk about him at all.
　　In consequence on Monday evening following the Sunday on the lake when Grace had inquired most gayly andfamiliarly after Clyde, Roberta had as instantly decided not to appear nearly as interested in him as Grace mightalready be imagining. Accordingly, she said little other than that he was very pleasant to her and had inquiredafter Grace, a remark which caused the latter to eye her slyly and to wonder if she were really telling what hadhappened since. "He was so very friendly I was beginning to think he was struck on you.""Oh, what nonsense!" Roberta replied shrewdly, and a bit alarmed. "Why, he wouldn't look at me. Besides,there's a rule of the company that doesn't permit him to, as long as I work there."This last, more than anything else, served to allay Grace's notions in regard to Clyde and Roberta, for she was ofthat conventional turn of mind which would scarcely permit her to think of any one infringing upon a companyrule. Nevertheless Roberta was nervous lest Grace should be associating her and Clyde in her mind in someclandestine way, and she decided to be doubly cautious in regard to Clyde--to feign a distance she did not feel.
　　But all this was preliminary to troubles and strains and fears which had nothing to do with what had gone before,but took their rise from difficulties which sprang up immediately afterwards. For once she had come to thiscomplete emotional understanding with Clyde, she saw no way of meeting him except in this very clandestineway and that so very rarely and uncertainly that she could not say when there was likely to be another meeting.
　　"You see, it's this way," she explained to Clyde when, a few evenings later, she had managed to steal out for anhour and they walked from the region at the end of Taylor Street down to the Mohawk, where were some openfields and a low bank rising above the pleasant river. "The Newtons never go any place much without invitingme. And even if they didn't, Grace'd never go unless I went along. It's just because we were together so much inTrippetts Mills that she feels that way, as though I were a part of the family. But now it's different, and yet I don'tsee how I am going to get out of it so soon. I don't know where to say I'm going or whom I am going with.""I know that, honey," he replied softly and sweetly. "That's all true enough. But how is that going to help us now? You can't expect me to get along with just looking at you in the factory, either, can you?"He gazed at her so solemnly and yearningly that she was moved by her sympathy for him, and in order toassuage his depression added: "No, I don't want you to do that, dear. You know I don't. But what am I to do?"She laid a soft and pleading hand on the back of one of Clyde's thin, long and nervous ones.
　　"I'll tell you what, though," she went on after a period of reflection, "I have a sister living in Homer, New York.
　　That's about thirty-five miles north of here. I might say I was going up there some Saturday afternoon or Sunday.
　　She's been writing me to come up, but I hadn't thought of it before. But I might go--that is--I might--""Oh, why not do that?" exclaimed Clyde eagerly. "That's fine! A good idea!""Let me see," she added, ignoring his exclamation. "If I remember right you have to go to Fonda first, thenchange cars there. But I could leave here any time on the trolley and there are only two trains a day from Fonda,one at two, and one at seven on Saturday. So I might leave here any time before two, you see, and then if I didn'tmake the two o'clock train, it would be all right, wouldn't it? I could go on the seven. And you could be overthere, or meet me on the way, just so no one here saw us. Then I could go on and you could come back. I couldarrange that with Agnes, I'm sure. I would have to write her.""How about all the time between then and now, though?" he queried peevishly. "It's a long time till then, youknow.""Well, I'll have to see what I can think of, but I'm not sure, dear. I'll have to see. And you think too. But I oughtto be going back now," she added nervously. She at once arose, causing Clyde to rise, too, and consult his watch,thereby discovering that it was already near ten.
　　"But what about us!" he continued persistently. "Why couldn't you pretend next Sunday that you're going tosome other church than yours and meet me somewhere instead? Would they have to know?"At once Clyde noted Roberta's face darken slightly, for here he was encroaching upon something that was stilltoo closely identified with her early youth and convictions to permit infringement.
　　"Hump, uh," she replied quite solemnly. "I wouldn't want to do that. I wouldn't feel right about it. And itwouldn't be right, either."Immediately Clyde sensed that he was treading on dangerous ground and withdrew the suggestion because hedid not care to offend or frighten her in any way. "Oh, well. Just as you say. I only thought since you don't seemto be able to think of any other way.""No, no, dear," she pleaded softly, because she noted that he felt that she might be offended. "It's all right, only Iwouldn't want to do that. I couldn't."Clyde shook his head. A recollection of his own youthful inhibitions caused him to feel that perhaps it was notright for him to have suggested it.
　　They returned in the direction of Taylor Street without, apart from the proposed trip to Fonda, either having hitupon any definite solution. Instead, after kissing her again and again and just before letting her go, the best hecould suggest was that both were to try and think of some way by which they could meet before, if possible. Andshe, after throwing her arms about his neck for a moment, ran east along Taylor Street, her little figure swayingin the moonlight.
　　However, apart from another evening meeting which was made possible by Roberta's announcing a secondengagement with Mrs. Braley, there was no other encounter until the following Saturday when Roberta departedfor Fonda. And Clyde, having ascertained the exact hour, left by the car ahead, and joined Roberta at the firststation west. From that point on until evening, when she was compelled to take the seven o'clock train, they wereunspeakably happy together, loitering near the little city comparatively strange to both.
　　For outside of Fonda a few miles they came to a pleasure park called Starlight where, in addition to a few claptrappleasure concessions such as a ring of captive aeroplanes, a Ferris wheel, a merry-go-round, an old mill anda dance floor, was a small lake with boats. It was after its fashion an idyllic spot with a little band-stand out on anisland near the center of the lake and on the shore a grave and captive bear in a cage. Since coming to LycurgusRoberta had not ventured to visit any of the rougher resorts near there, which were very much like this, onlymuch more strident. On sight of this both exclaimed: "Oh, look!" And Clyde added at once: "Let's get off here,will you--shall we? What do you say? We're almost to Fonda anyhow. And we can have more fun here."At once they climbed down. And having disposed of her bag for the time being, he led the way first to the standof a man who sold frankfurters. Then, since the merry-go-round was in full blast, nothing would do but thatRoberta should ride with him. And in the gayest of moods, they climbed on, and he placed her on a zebra, andthen stood close in order that he might keep his arm about her, and both try to catch the brass ring. And ascommonplace and noisy and gaudy as it all was, the fact that at last he had her all to himself unseen, and she him,was sufficient to evoke in both a kind of ecstasy which was all out of proportion to the fragile, gimcrack scene.
　　Round and round they spun on the noisy, grinding machine, surveying now a few idle pleasure seekers who werein boats upon the lake, now some who were flying round in the gaudy green and white captive aeroplanes orturning upward and then down in the suspended cages of the Ferris wheel.
　　Both looked at the woods and sky beyond the lake; the idlers and dancers in the dancing pavilion dreaming andthrilling, and then suddenly Clyde asked: "You dance, don't you, Roberta?""Why, no, I don't," she replied, a little sadly, for at the very moment she had been looking at the happy dancersrather ruefully and thinking how unfortunate it was that she had never been allowed to dance. It might not beright or nice, perhaps--her own church said it was not--but still, now that they were here and in love like this-theseothers looked so gay and happy--a pretty medley of colors moving round and round in the green and brownframe--it did not seem so bad to her. Why shouldn't people dance, anyway? Girls like herself and boys likeClyde? Her younger brother and sister, in spite of the views of her parents, were already declaring that when theopportunity offered, they were going to learn.
　　"Oh, isn't that too bad!" he exclaimed, thinking how delightful it would be to hold Roberta in his arms. "Wecould have such fun now if you could. I could teach you in a few minutes if you wanted me to.""I don't know about that," she replied quizzically, her eyes showing that his suggestion appealed to her. "I'm notso clever that way. And you know dancing isn't considered so very nice in my part of the country. And mychurch doesn't approve of it, either. And I know my parents wouldn't like me to.""Oh, shucks," replied Clyde foolishly and gayly, "what nonsense, Roberta. Why, everybody dances these days ornearly everybody. How can you think there's anything wrong with it?""Oh, I know," replied Roberta oddly and quaintly, "maybe they do in your set. I know most of those factory girlsdo, of course. And I suppose where you have money and position, everything's right. But with a girl like me, it'sdifferent. I don't suppose your parents were as strict as mine, either.""Oh, weren't they, though?" laughed Clyde who had not failed to catch the "your set"; also the "where you havemoney and position.""Well, that's all you know about it," he went on. "They were as strict as yours and stricter, I'll bet. But I dancedjust the same. Why, there's no harm in it, Roberta. Come on, let me teach you. It's wonderful, really. Won't you,dearest?"He put his arm around her and looked into her eyes and she half relented, quite weakened by her desire for him.
　　Just then the merry-go-round stopped and without any plan or suggestion they seemed instinctively to drift to theside of the pavilion where the dancers--not many but avid--were moving briskly around. Fox-trots and one-stepswere being supplied by an orchestrelle of considerable size. At a turnstile, all the remaining portions of thepavilion being screened in, a pretty concessionaire was sitting and taking tickets--ten cents per dance per couple.
　　But the color and the music and the motions of the dancers gliding rhythmically here and there quite seized uponboth Clyde and Roberta.
　　The orchestrelle stopped and the dancers were coming out. But no sooner were they out than five-cent admissionchecks were once more sold for the new dance.
　　"I don't believe I can," pleaded Roberta, as Clyde led her to the ticket-stile. "I'm afraid I'm too awkward, maybe.
　　I never danced, you know.""You awkward, Roberta," he exclaimed. "Oh, how crazy. Why, you're as graceful and pretty as you can be.
　　You'll see. You'll be a wonderful dancer."Already he had paid the coin and they were inside.
　　Carried away by a bravado which was three-fourths her conception of him as a member of the Lycurgus uppercrust and possessor of means and position, he led the way into a corner and began at once to illustrate therespective movements. They were not difficult and for a girl of Roberta's natural grace and zest, easy. Once themusic started and Clyde drew her to him, she fell into the positions and steps without effort, and they movedrhythmically and instinctively together. It was the delightful sensation of being held by him and guided here and there that so appealed to her--the wonderful rhythm of his body coinciding with hers.
　　"Oh, you darling," he whispered. "Aren't you the dandy little dancer, though. You've caught on already. If youaren't the wonderful kid. I can hardly believe it."They went about the floor once more, then a third time, before the music stopped and by the time it did, Robertawas lost in a sense of delight such as had never come to her before. To think she had been dancing! And it shouldbe so wonderful! And with Clyde! He was so slim, graceful--quite the handsomest of any of the young men onthe floor, she thought. And he, in turn, was now thinking that never had he known any one as sweet as Roberta.
　　She was so gay and winsome and yielding. She would not try to work him for anything. And as for SondraFinchley, well, she had ignored him and he might as well dismiss her from his mind--and yet even here, and withRoberta, he could not quite forget her.
　　At five-thirty when the orchestrelle was silenced for lack of customers and a sign reading "Next Concert 7.30"hung up, they were still dancing. After that they went for an ice-cream soda, then for something to eat, and bythen, so swiftly had sped the time, it was necessary to take the very next car for the depot at Fonda.
　　As they neared this terminal, both Clyde and Roberta were full of schemes as to how they were to arrange for tomorrow.
　　For Roberta would be coming back then and if she could arrange to leave her sister's a little earlySunday he could come over from Lycurgus to meet her. They could linger around Fonda until eleven at least,when the last train south from Homer was due. And pretending she had arrived on that they could then, assumingthere was no one whom they knew on the Lycurgus car, journey to that city.
　　And as arranged so they met. And in the dark outlying streets of that city, walked and talked and planned, andRoberta told Clyde something--though not much--of her home life at Biltz.
　　But the great thing, apart from their love for each other and its immediate expression in kisses and embraces, wasthe how and where of further contacts. They must find some way, only, really, as Roberta saw it, she must be theone to find the way, and that soon. For while Clyde was obviously very impatient and eager to be with her asmuch as possible, still he did not appear to be very ready with suggestions--available ones.
　　But that, as she also saw, was not easy. For the possibility of another visit to her sister in Homer or her parents inBiltz was not even to be considered under a month. And apart from them what other excuses were there? Newfriends at the factory--the post-office--the library--the Y. W. C. A.--all suggestions of Clyde's at the moment.
　　But these spelled but an hour or two together at best, and Clyde was thinking of other week-ends like this. Andthere were so few remaining summer week-ends.
第十八章
这次会见的高潮,不论克莱德也好,还是罗伯达也好,他们都认为只不过是永无尽头的将来一系列新的交往和欢乐的序幕罢了.毕竟他们找到了爱情.他们都感到说不出的幸福,姑且不管眼下要使爱情得以实现,可能还会遇到哪些难题.不过,采取什么样的方式方法,使爱情继续下去,却是另一回事了.就克莱德来说,罗伯达跟牛顿夫妇的关系,不仅仅是对他们正常交往的一大障碍.而且,格雷斯·玛尔也构成了另一个性质不同的问题.她思想上所受的束缚,要比罗伯达多得多,她不仅长得丑,而且在早年的社会、宗教生活中,还受过狭隘的偏见和家教熏陶.不过,她也希望自己能得到快乐和自由.虽然罗伯达喜欢乐乐呵呵,有时候不免爱好自夸,可是她并没有违反禁锢着格雷斯的传统观念.所以,格雷斯认为,罗伯达就是一个并没有逾越雷池一步的人.也正因为这样,她就紧紧地抓住她,而罗伯达却觉得这就不免有点儿腻味了.格雷斯以为,她们俩可以对恋爱生活和她们各自的梦想交流一下看法,谈一谈、乐一乐,那也是无伤大雅.迄至今日,这就是她在这个灰溜溜的世界上唯一的慰籍了.
可是罗伯达,哪怕在克莱德闯进她的生活以前,压根儿也不希望格雷斯这样粘附在一起.这是一个累赘.后来,她觉得断断乎不能对格雷斯谈有关克莱德的事.因为,她不但知道格雷斯对自己突如其来甩开她会产生反感,而且也知道,她自己这种突然叛变的心态,虽然现在占了上风,可是说心里话并不想毅然决然付诸实现.如今遇见了他,一下子爱上了他,她却很怕去想:她跟他的关系,好歹也得保持一定分寸.贫富之间类似这样的交往,在这里不是受到禁止吗?这一点她是知道的.因此,她压根儿就不愿向格雷斯谈论他了.
正好在星期天湖衅邂逅以后第二天,亦即星期一傍晚,当格雷斯兴冲冲、热乎乎地问起克莱德时,罗伯达马上就决定佯装出自己对他的兴趣也许并没有格雷斯想象中那么大.所以,她只是说他对她很客气,而且还问到过格雷斯.格雷斯一听到这句话,偷偷地乜了她一眼,心里纳闷,真不知道她说的是不是实话."瞧他那股子亲热劲儿,我说莫非是他看中了你不成."
"哦,胡扯淡!"罗伯达很乖觉地回答说,不免也有一点吃惊."嘿,他才不会看我一眼呢.再说,厂里有厂规,只要我在厂里干活,就不准他跟我接近."
最末这句话,比什么都灵验,一下子消除了格雷斯对克莱德和罗伯达的种种疑虑,因为她这个人传统观念很深,根本不可能想到有人会违反厂规的.尽管如此,罗伯达心里还是忐忑不安,唯恐格雷斯以为她与克莱德有什么暖昧关系,因此,她暗自决定,凡是一涉及到克莱德,就要加倍小心——佯装她好象对他完全无动于衷似的.
不过话又说回来,这一切只是随之而来的困惑、懊恼和恐惧的引子.这些困惑、懊恼和恐惧跟过去并无关系,而是后来紧接着立刻发生的困难所引起的.因为她跟克莱德完全情投意合以后,就知道除了幽会以外,再也没有别的办法跟他会面;何况那种幽会,机会又是那么难得,那么没有把握,就连下一次何时能再见面,她也说不上来.
"您知道,事情是这样的,"她向克莱德作了说明.那是在几天以后的一个晚上,她偷偷地溜出来一个钟头的时候跟他说的,他们正从泰勒街的尽头走向莫霍河边,那儿有一些空旷的田野和在令人悦目的河边隆起的一道低堤."牛顿夫妇不管上哪儿,就非得邀我一块去不可.而且,即便说他们没有邀请我,那末,我不去,格雷斯从来也不肯去.这就是因为过去我们住在特里佩茨米尔斯时相处很好,所以,直到现在,她还是那样,仿佛把我当作他们自己家里人一样.尽管现在情况不同了,可我就是看不到一下子解决的出路.我真不知道该怎么说——我上哪儿去了,或是我跟什么人一块儿去的.""亲爱的,这个我明白,"他嗲声嗲气地回答说."这全都是事实.可是现在我们究竟该怎么办呢?难道说你认为我只要在厂里把你看个饱就得了,是不是?"
他是那么严肃而又充满渴望地凝视着她,使她不由得对他满怀同情.为了抚慰他那沮丧的心情,她就找补着说:"不,亲爱的,我可不愿意您那样.您也知道,我不会这样的.不过,叫我怎么办呢?"她把一只温柔、恳求的手按在克莱德瘦长而又紧张不安的手背上.
"得了,我告诉您,"她沉吟一会儿以后说,"我有一个妹妹住在纽约州的霍默,从这里北面去大约三十五英里就到了.我说,也许我说不准在哪个星期六下午或星期天就上那里去.她过去来过信要我去,可我过去一直不想去呢.不过现在,也许我会去——那就是说——也许我会去的——"
"哦,干吗不去呢?"克莱德热乎乎地喊道."那敢情好!真是个好主意!"
"让我想一想,"她接下去说,并没有理会他的大声嚷嚷."要是我记得不错,您就得先到方达,然后在那里换车.不过我可以随便什么时候搭乘电车离开这里.而星期六方达只有两班车,一班车在两点钟,另一班车是七点钟.这就是说,我可以在两点钟以前随便什么时候离开这里,然后,我要是不搭乘两点那班车,也没有关系,您说,是不是?反正我可以搭乘七点钟的车.您不妨先到那里,或者在路上跟我碰头,这样就不让这儿的人看见我们俩在一起.到时候,我可以去找妹妹,而您就可以返回莱柯格斯.我相信一切我都可以跟艾格尼斯安排好.
那我就得先写封信给她呗."
"那末,从眼前起到那天以前,这一大段时间,怎么办?"他气呼呼地问."这段时间可长啊,你说是吗?"
"哦,那我就得想想办法看,不过,我可说不上有没有把握,亲爱的.我得想想.您也得想想才行.不过,现在我就得往回走了,"她心神不安地说,马上站了起来,于是,克莱德也跟着站了起来,看了一下表,不觉快到十点钟了.
"可是,我们该怎么办呢?"他坚持说."干吗你不在星期天找个借口,说是上别的一个教堂去,那你也就可以在某某地方跟我碰头?难道说他们非得知道不可吗?"
克莱德顿时觉察到罗伯达脸色有点儿阴沉,因为,他这是触犯了她自幼时起即受到熏陶,而且不容违悖的信念了."哦,哦,"她极其严肃地回答说."那个我不能干.我觉得不应该那么做.而且事实上也是要不得的."
克莱德一觉察到自己踏上了危险道路,马上把他刚才的建议收回了,因为他压根儿不想惹她生气,或是吓唬她."哦,那末,得了吧.就照你说的办吧.刚才我只不过因为你好象找不到别的好办法才有这样的想法."
"不,不,亲爱的,"她温柔地恳求说,因为她发觉他生怕她会生气."这可没有什么,只不过我不愿意这样做罢了.我可不能那样做啊."
克莱德摇摇头.他一想起自己年轻时学过的一些规矩,觉得刚才建议也许是很不对头的.
这时,他们又折回泰勒街,除了谈到拟议中的方达之行以外,一路上并没有想出任何具体的解决办法来.相反,在他一次又一次亲吻了她才让她离去以前,他所能提出的,不外乎是他们俩要继续动脑筋,想出办法在这以前尽可能再见一次面.她用双手搂了一会儿他的脖子后,就顺着泰勒街往东走去,克莱德目送着在月光底下忽隐忽现的她那纤小的身影.
不过话又说回来,只有一个晚上,罗伯达推说她跟布雷莉太太有第二次约会,才又跟克莱德相会一次.除此以外,在星期六罗伯达去方达以前,他们俩就一直没能再次见面.到了星期六那天,克莱德先弄清确切的时间,然后提前搭乘电车离城,在西行的第一站跟罗伯达碰头.从这时起,一直到晚上她不得不搭乘七点钟的那班车为止,他们俩始终在一起,就在他们俩几乎都很陌生的那个小城附近闲逛,真有说不尽的快乐.
他们俩来到了离方达一两英里远的一个名叫"星光"的露天游乐场.那里有一些颇有噱头的娱乐设施,比方说,拴在铁环圈上的一些小飞机、一台费里斯大旋车①、一架旋转木马、一座老式磨坊和一座跳舞厅.此外,还有一个可供游人泛舟的小湖.这是一个颇有田园牧歌风味的理想场所,湖心岛上有一个小小的音乐台,岸边一座笼子里,还关进一头垂头丧气的熊.罗伯达到莱柯格斯以后,还没有光临过那里一些粗俗的娱乐场所,那些地方跟这儿差不离,只不过还要俗不可耐.他们一见到"星光"乐园后,禁不住大声嚷了起来:"喂,看啊!"克莱德马上接茬说:"我们就在这儿下车,你看好不好?反正差不多快到方达了.我们在这儿会玩得更痛快."
①一种供人游戏的竖立大轮,轮缘设置座位,供游客回旋.1893年由费里斯首创而得名.
他们赶紧下了车.他先把她的手提包寄放好,就在前头领路,来到卖腊肠的摊位跟前.这时,旋转木马正转得起劲,看来罗伯达非得陪他一块儿玩不可.于是,他们兴高采烈地爬了上去,他让她跨上一匹斑马,自己紧紧地站在旁边,以便搂住她,搀扶她.他们俩都竭力想把铜环抓住.这一切其实都很俗丽、喧闹、平凡乏味,不过,他们俩终于能够在一起尽情地玩儿,而没有被人看见,这一点也就足以使他们俩完全心醉神迷了,这种情绪跟这儿那些低劣、无聊的场面是极不调和的.他们在嘎嘎作响的轮转机上来回不停地旋转,眼前还可以看见泛舟于湖上的三三两两的游客,有些游客坐在俗艳的绿白两色的拴住的小飞机里来回盘旋,或是坐在费里斯大旋车悬空的笼子里一会儿朝上一会儿朝下不停运转.
他们俩抬眼望去,只见湖边小树林和天空,还有舞厅里头许多游客,正在翩翩起舞,沉醉于幻梦之中.克莱德突然开口问道:"你会跳舞,是不是,罗伯达?"
"哦,不,我不会,"她回答说,话里听得出有一点儿伤心味道.因为,这时她也正眼望着那些幸福的舞侣,心里不免有点儿酸溜溜,想到过去一直不准她跳舞,真太可惜.也许跳舞是要不得的,或是不道德的——她信奉的教会就是这么说的——不过,不管怎么说,现在他们都在这里,而且是在相互热恋着——人家是那么快乐,那么幸福——在那褐绿色衬景掩映下,在不停转圈中只见异彩纷呈,目不暇接——这一切,她觉得并不都是那么坏.那末,为什么就不让跳舞呢?象她这样的姑娘,象克莱德这样的年轻小伙子,为什么就不让他们跳呢?不管爸爸妈妈怎么规劝,她的弟弟妹妹早就扬言过:赶明儿只要有机会,他们就是要学跳舞.
"哦,那不是也太可惜了吗?"他大声嚷了起来,心里琢磨,要是搂着罗伯达跳,该有多美."你要是会跳,才带劲呢.我几分钟就教会你,要是你让我教你的话."
"我可不知道该怎么才好,"她探询地回答说.从她的眼神里可以看出:他这个主意正说到了她心坎上."也许学跳舞,我并不是很灵巧的.您知道,在我们家乡,人们压根儿不让跳舞的.我们教会里也不赞成跳舞.我知道,爸爸妈妈也不喜欢我去跳的."
"嘿,呸,"克莱德傻乎乎地、乐呵呵地回答说,"胡扯,罗伯达.现在大伙儿都跳舞,也可以说差不多人人都跳舞.怎么你还说跳舞坏话呢?"
"哦,我知道,"罗伯达有点儿尴尬地回答说,"你们这个圈子里的人也许可以跳.当然罗,我知道厂里女工们十之八九也跳舞.依我看,只要有钱有势,什么都办得到.可是,象我这样的女孩子,情况就不一样了,我想,您的父母就是没有我的父母那么严格吧."
"哦,真的吗?"克莱德格格大笑起来.他一下子注意到她所说的"你们这个圈子里的人",以及"只要有钱有势"这些话."哦,那就是你对我父母的看法罗,"他接下去说."我敢说他们跟你的父母一样严格,也许还要严格哩.可我还不是照样跳舞.嘿,这可没有什么害处,罗伯达.来吧,让我来教你,得了.这可美极了,说实在的.你乐意吗,我最亲爱的?"
他一手搂住她的腰,眼巴巴地直瞅着她的眼睛,她被感动了,又因为按捺不住对他的欲念,这时早已浑身无力了.
正在这时,旋转木马戛然而止,他们漫无目的、好象顺其自然地溜达到舞厅那边去——那里,跳舞的人并不很多,但是很起劲,正在舞步轻捷地跳着.一支有相当规模的乐队,正在演奏狐步舞曲和一步舞曲①.一道旋转栅门,已把舞厅另一头隔开,有一个长得很俊的检票员,正坐在那里收入场券——一对舞侣跳一次收十个美分.这儿艳丽的色彩、动人的乐曲,以及舞侣们合着节奏的优美舞姿,早就使克莱德和罗伯达两人入了迷.
①也属于狐步舞的一种.
乐队演奏停止,舞侣们正在往外走.不过,他们还没有走出舞厅,五个美分跳一个新曲子的入场券又开始出售了."我看我跳不了,"克莱德领她向检票处走去时,罗伯达向他这样恳求说."我怕自己也许跳得很难看.您知道,我从来没有跳过舞."
"你难看,罗伯达?"他大声嚷道."哦,胡扯淡!你这个人再漂亮大方也没有啦.回头你就会知道.你跳起舞来一定顶呱呱."
他付了钱,他们就一块进去了.
克莱德故意摆出一副英勇姿态(她认为这多半是他来自莱柯格斯上流社会,有钱有势吧).他把罗伯达带到舞场一隅,马上把有关的舞步动作做给她看.这些动作根本不难,对罗伯达那样天生娴雅、热心好学的姑娘来说,自然一学就会.乐曲一开始,克莱德就搂住她,她也毫不费劲地踩着步子,于是,他们俩就合着节奏,好象天生在一起地跳起舞来了.她觉得,让他搂抱着,带着她来回驰骋舞场,这是一种愉快的感觉,对她是如此富有吸引力——他们俩早已浑然一体,溶合在美妙的节奏之中了.
"哦,亲爱的,"他低声耳语道."你不是跳得很漂亮吗?你一下子全学会了.真是太了不起.简直叫我难以相信."
他们再跳了一次,接下来又跳第三次,一直到乐曲声停止为止.这时,罗伯达感到自己陶醉在从来没有体会过的一种快感之中.只要想一想:她这是在跳舞呀!而且,想不到会有这么美妙!而且,又是跟克莱德一块跳的!他那么灵巧,那么潇洒大方——她觉得这儿年轻人里头就数他最漂亮.他呢,也觉得自己从来没有见过象罗伯达那么可爱的人儿了.她是那么快活,那么可爱,那么百依百顺.她决不会平白无故地折磨他的.至于那个桑德拉·芬奇利,得了吧,她既然不睬他,那他就干脆把她全忘掉吧——不过,即使在此时此地,跟罗伯达在一起,他也没法把桑德拉完全忘怀.
到了五点半,乐队因为舞客不多,就停止演奏,挂出了"下一场七点半开始"的牌子,可是他们俩还在跳个不停.后来,他们先去喝汽水冰淇淋,然后去餐厅吃饭.时间飞快地过去,他们又得赶紧上方达火车站去搭乘下一班车了.
他们快到终点站时,克莱德和罗伯达两人对明天活动如何安排,心中都有了谱.因为明天,罗伯达还要回来,要是她星期日从她妹妹那里早一点动身,他就可以从莱柯格斯上这儿来跟她相会.他们在方达至少可以逗留到十一点钟,那时从霍默南行的最后一班车刚好到站.她可以推说是搭乘这一班车回来的;要是回莱柯格斯的车上没有什么熟人的话,他们也可以结伴同行回城.
后来他们就按约又会面了.他们在那个小城镇近郊黑古隆冬的街上一边走,一边谈,一边在商讨计划.罗伯达还讲了她在比尔茨家里生活的一些情况给克莱德听,虽然她讲得并不很多.
抛开他们相亲相爱,及其在亲吻、拥抱上直接表现以外,目前最大的问题,就是:今后在哪儿会面,以及会面的方式.他们必须寻摸出一个办法来.不过,正如罗伯达所预见,那个办法想必要由她来寻摸——而且很快就能寻摸到.因为,尽管克莱德显然急不可待,心里恨不得马上就跟她在一起,可是,看来他提不出切实可行的办法来.
不过话又说回来,她也知道,切实可行的办法并不易.要是第二次去看望住在霍默的妹妹,或是在比尔茨的父母,那在一个月以内根本是无法考虑的事.除此以外,还能找到别的借口吗?工厂里、邮局里、图书馆里、基督教女青年会里新结识的朋友——那时克莱德全都想到过他们.不过,所有这些至多只能给克莱德逍遥自由一两个钟头.而在克莱德心里却巴不得再一次重温如同眼前这样的周末.可惜目下夏日里的周末,早已所剩无几了.
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Part 2 Chapter 19
The return of Roberta and Clyde, as well as their outing together, was quite unobserved, as they thought. On thecar from Fonda they recognized no one. And at the Newtons' Grace was already in bed. She merely awakenedsufficiently to ask a few questions about the trip--and those were casual and indifferent. How was Roberta's sister? Had she stayed all day in Homer or had she gone to Biltz or Trippetts Mills? (Roberta explained that shehad remained at her sister's.) She herself must be going up pretty soon to see her parents at Trippetts Mills. Thenshe fell asleep.
　　But at dinner the next night the Misses Opal Feliss and Olive Pope, who had been kept from the breakfast tableby a too late return from Fonda and the very region in which Roberta had spent Saturday afternoon, now seatedthemselves and at once, as Roberta entered, interjected a few genial and well-meant but, in so far as Roberta wasconcerned, decidedly troubling observations.
　　"Oh, there you are! Look who's back from Starlight Park. Howja like the dancing over there, Miss Alden? Wesaw you, but you didn't see us." And before Roberta had time to think what to reply, Miss Feliss had added: "Wetried to get your eye, but you couldn't see any one but him, I guess. I'll say you dance swell."At once Roberta, who had never been on very intimate terms with either of these girls and who had neither theeffrontery nor the wit to extricate herself from so swift and complete and so unexpected an exposure, flushed.
　　She was all but speechless and merely stared, bethinking her at once that she had explained to Grace that she wasat her sister's all day. And opposite sat Grace, looking directly at her, her lips slightly parted as though she wouldexclaim: "Well, of all things! And dancing! A man!" And at the head of the table, George Newton, thin andmeticulous and curious, his sharp eyes and nose and pointed chin now turned in her direction.
　　But on the instant, realizing that she must say something, Roberta replied: "Oh, yes, that's so. I did go over therefor a little while. Some friends of my sister's were coming over and I went with them." She was about to add,"We didn't stay very long," but stopped herself. For at that moment a certain fighting quality which she hadinherited from her mother, and which had asserted itself in the case of Grace before this, now came to her rescue.
　　After all, why shouldn't she be at Starlight Park if she chose? And what right had the Newtons or Grace oranyone else to question her for that matter? She was paying her way. Nevertheless, as she realized, she had beencaught in a deliberate lie and all because she lived here and was constantly being questioned and looked after inregard to her very least move. Miss Pope added curiously, "I don't suppose he's a Lycurgus boy. I don'tremember ever seeing him around here.""No, he isn't from here," returned Roberta shortly and coldly, for by now she was fairly quivering with therealization that she had been caught in a falsehood before Grace. Also that Grace would resent intensely thissocial secrecy and desertion of her. At once she felt as though she would like to get up from the table and leaveand never return. But instead she did her best to compose herself, and now gave the two girls with whom she hadnever been familiar, a steady look. At the same time she looked at Grace and Mr. Newton with defiance. Ifanything more were said she proposed to give a fictitious name or two--friends of her brother-in-law in Homer,or better yet to refuse to give any information whatsoever. Why should she?
　　Nevertheless, as she learned later that evening, she was not to be spared the refusing of it. Grace, coming to theirroom immediately afterward, reproached her with: "I thought you said you stayed out at your sister's all the timeyou were gone?""Well, what if I did say it?" replied Roberta defiantly and even bitterly, but without a word in extenuation, forher thought was now that unquestionably Grace was pretending to catechize her on moral grounds, whereas in reality the real source of her anger and pique was that Roberta was slipping away from and hence neglecting her.
　　"Well, you don't have to lie to me in order to go anywhere or see anybody without me in the future. I don't wantto go with you. And what's more I don't want to know where you go or who you go with. But I do wish youwouldn't tell me one thing and then have George and Mary find out that it ain't so, and that you're just trying toslip away from me or that I'm lying to them in order to protect myself. I don't want you to put me in thatposition."She was very hurt and sad and contentious and Roberta could see for herself that there was no way out of thistrying situation other than to move. Grace was a leech--a hanger-on. She had no life of her own and couldcontrive none. As long as she was anywhere near her she would want to devote herself to her--to share her everythought and mood with her. And yet if she told her about Clyde she would be shocked and critical and wouldunquestionably eventually turn on her or even expose her. So she merely replied: "Oh, well, have it that way ifyou want to. I don't care. I don't propose to tell anything unless I choose to."And at once Grace conceived the notion that Roberta did not like her any more and would have nothing to dowith her. She arose immediately and walked out of the room--her head very high and her spine very stiff. AndRoberta, realizing that she had made an enemy of her, now wished that she was out of here. They were all toonarrow here anyway. They would never understand or tolerate this clandestine relationship with Clyde--sonecessary to him apparently, as he had explained--so troublesome and even disgraceful to her from one point ofview, and yet so precious. She did love him, so very, very much. And she must now find some way to protectherself and him--move to another room.
　　But that in this instance required almost more courage and decision than she could muster. The anomalous andunprotected nature of a room where one was not known. The look of it. Subsequent explanation to her motherand sister maybe. Yet to remain here after this was all but impossible, too, for the attitude of Grace as well as theNewtons--particularly Mrs. Newton, Grace's sister--was that of the early Puritans or Friends who had caught a"brother" or "sister" in a great sin. She was dancing--and secretly! There was the presence of that young man notquite adequately explained by her trip home, to say nothing of her presence at Starlight Park. Besides, inRoberta's mind was the thought that under such definite espionage as must now follow, to say nothing of theunhappy and dictatorial attitude of Grace, she would have small chance to be with Clyde as much as she nowmost intensely desired. And accordingly, after two days of unhappy thought and then a conference with Clydewho was all for her immediate independence in a new room where she would not be known or spied upon, sheproceeded to take an hour or two off; and having fixed upon the southeast section of the city as one most likelyto be free from contact with either the Newtons or those whom thus far she had encountered at the Newtons', sheinquired there, and after little more than an hour's search found one place which pleased her. This was in an oldbrick house in Elm Street occupied by an upholsterer and his wife and two daughters, one a local milliner andanother still in school. The room offered was on the ground floor to the right of a small front porch andoverlooking the street. A door off this same porch gave into a living room which separated this room from theother parts of the house and permitted ingress and egress without contact with any other portion of the house.
　　And since she was still moved to meet Clyde clandestinely this as she now saw was important.
　　Besides, as she gathered from her one conversation with Mrs. Gilpin, the mother of this family, the character ofthis home was neither so strict nor inquisitive as that of the Newtons. Mrs. Gilpin was large, passive, cleanly, not so very alert and about fifty. She informed Roberta that as a rule she didn't care to take boarders or roomers atall, since the family had sufficient means to go on. However, since the family scarcely ever used the front room,which was rather set off from the remainder of the house, and since her husband did not object, she had made upher mind to rent it. And again she preferred some one who worked like Roberta--a girl, not a man--and one whowould be glad to have her breakfast and dinner along with her family. Since she asked no questions as to herfamily or connections, merely looking at her interestedly and seeming to be favorably impressed by herappearance, Roberta gathered that here were no such standards as prevailed at the Newtons.
　　And yet what qualms in connection with the thought of moving thus. For about this entire clandestine procedurethere hung, as she saw it, a sense of something untoward and even sinful, and then on top of it all, quarreling andthen breaking with Grace Marr, her one girl friend here thus far, and the Newtons on account of it, when, as shewell knew, it was entirely due to Grace that she was here at all. Supposing her parents or her sister in Homershould hear about this through some one whom Grace knew and think strangely of her going off by herself inLycurgus in this way? Was it right? Was it possible that she could do things like this--and so soon after hercoming here? She was beginning to feel as though her hitherto impeccable standards were crumbling.
　　And yet there was Clyde now. Could she give him up?
　　After many emotional aches she decided that she could not. And accordingly after paying a deposit and arrangingto occupy the room within the next few days, she returned to her work and after dinner the same eveningannounced to Mrs. Newton that she was going to move. Her premeditated explanation was that recently she hadbeen thinking of having her younger brother and sister come and live with her and since one or both were likelyto come soon, she thought it best to prepare for them.
　　And the Newtons, as well as Grace, feeling that this was all due to the new connections which Roberta hadrecently been making and which were tending to alienate her from Grace, were now content to see her go.
　　Plainly she was beginning to indulge in a type of adventure of which they could not approve. Also it was plainthat she was not going to prove as useful to Grace as they had at first imagined. Possibly she knew what she wasdoing. But more likely she was being led astray by notions of a good time not consistent with the reserved lifeled by her at Trippetts Mills.
　　And Roberta herself, once having made this move and settled herself in this new atmosphere (apart from the factthat it gave her much greater freedom in connection with Clyde) was dubious as to her present course. Perhaps-perhaps--she had moved hastily and in anger and might be sorry. Still she had done it now, and it could not behelped. So she proposed to try it for a while.
　　To salve her own conscience more than anything else, she at once wrote her mother and her sister a veryplausible version of why she had been compelled to leave the Newtons. Grace had grown too possessive,domineering and selfish. It had become unendurable. However, her mother need not worry. She wassatisfactorily placed. She had a room to herself and could now entertain Tom and Emily or her mother or Agnes,in case they should ever visit her here. And she would be able to introduce them to the Gilpins whom sheproceeded to describe.
　　Nevertheless, her underlying thought in connection with all this, in so far as Clyde and his great passion for her was concerned--and hers for him--was that she was indeed trifling with fire and perhaps social disgrace into thebargain. For, although consciously at this time she was scarcely willing to face the fact that this room--itsgeometric position in relation to the rest of the house--had been of the greatest import to her at the time she firstsaw it, yet subconsciously she knew it well enough. The course she was pursuing was dangerous--that she knew.
　　And yet how, as she now so often asked herself at moments when she was confronted by some desire which rancounter to her sense of practicability and social morality, was she to do?
第十九章
他们这次返回莱柯格斯,以及他们双双结伴出游,罗伯达和克莱德心里想总没有被别人瞧见.从方达回莱柯格斯的车上,他们并没有碰见一个熟人.到达牛顿夫妇家时,格雷斯早已入睡了.她只不过迷迷糊糊地向罗伯达问了两句有关这次出门的事——都是信口道来、不痛不痒的话.比方说,罗伯达的妹妹好吗?她是整天价都待在霍默,还是去过比尔莎,或是特里佩茨米尔斯?(罗伯达当即回答说自己一直待在妹妹那里.)格雷斯说不久她自己也得上特里佩茨米尔斯去看望父母.说完,她一下子又睡着了.
可是,转天晚上吃饭时,奥帕尔·费利斯小姐和奥利夫·波普小姐也都入了座.她们从方达以及罗伯达星期六下午消磨过的那些地方回来太晚了,没能赶上吃早饭.罗伯达一进去,她们说了几句乐乐呵呵、而又出于善意的话,可是,罗伯达一听这些话,肯定非常窘困不堪.
"哦,你来啦!瞧逛星光乐园的人回来啦.奥尔登小姐,在那里跳舞,你很喜欢吗?我们看见你的,只不过你没看到我们罢了."罗伯达还来不及考虑如何应答,费利斯已接过去说:"我们巴不得你看上我们一眼,可是,我心里估摸,除了你的骑士以外,你好象谁都看不见.我说,你跳得可真棒."
罗伯达一下子脸红起来.过去罗伯达跟她们哪一个都不熟识,而且,平素她既不会厚颜无耻,也不会急中生智,使她能在真相突然一下子全给揭露以后摆脱困境.这时,她哑口无言,只好两眼发呆,顿时想到她昨夜跟格雷斯说过,她不是整天价都待在妹妹那里吗.殊不知格雷斯就坐在对面,两眼直瞅着她,嘴唇微微启开,仿佛要大声喊道:"嘿,想不到事情可真小少!居然还跳舞!而且跟一个男人跳!"坐在餐桌主人座位的乔治·牛顿,此人瘦骨嶙峋,谨小慎微,好奇心重,眼睛犀利,鼻子尖削,下巴颏儿向外突出,这时也转过身来瞅看她.
罗伯达心里一下子明白她非得说明一下不可,就回答说:"哦,是的,一点儿不错.我去过那里,只待了一会儿.那天我妹妹来了几个朋友,我就跟他们一块去了."原来她还打算说,"我们在那里并没有待多久,"不过她没有说下去.因为这时,前来拯救她的,就是从她母亲那里一脉相承、并在这以前跟格雷斯相处时常常流露过的一种顽强不屈的气质.干脆说穿了,只要她喜欢去星光乐园,那干吗她就不能去呢?牛顿夫妇、格雷斯,或是任何人,他们究竟有什么权利追问她那件事?她靠自己挣钱过活,她对自己负责嘛.不过话又说回来,她也知道,她的谎话一下子被揭穿了.这都是因为她住在这里,时常受人盘问,连她的一举一动也被人们监视.波普小姐还好奇地找补着说:"依我看,他可不是莱柯格斯的年轻人吧.我在这里好象压根儿没见过这个人."
"是啊,他不是当地人,"罗伯达冷冷地回答了这么短短一句.她一想到谎话已在格雷斯面前被人拆穿了,心中不由得感到震惊.她又想到,格雷斯对这种鬼鬼祟祟的交际活动以及自己被甩在一边,一定会感到非常气忿.这时,她心里真恨不得马上站起来,离开这儿,永远不回来.可是,她并没有这样做,反而竭尽全力,让自己镇静下来,泰然自若地望了这两个素昧平生的姑娘一眼.与此同时,她富于挑战性地瞅了格雷斯和牛顿夫妇一眼.要是有人继续追问的话,她打算胡编乱造一两个人的名字——说成是她妹妹在霍默的朋友,要不然,最好干脆什么也都不说.干吗她非说不可呢?
不过,当天晚上她就知道,绝口不谈还是不行的.晚饭后一回到房间,格雷斯马上责备她:"我好象记得你告诉我,说你一直待在你妹妹家里,可不是吗?"
"哦,我是说过,那又怎么啦?"罗伯达回答说,语气富有挑战性,甚至还带着尖酸刻薄的味道,但她并没有说过一句给自己辩白的话.这时,她心里琢磨,毫无疑问,格雷斯会装模作样,从维护道德立场出发向她盘问一通.其实,她大发雷霆的真正原因,却是:罗伯达偷偷地躲开她,因而也就是疏远了她."得了吧,今后,你也用不着哄骗我:你爱上哪儿去,看什么人,一概悉听尊便.我并不乐意跟你一起去.而且,我再也不想知道你上哪儿去,或是跟什么人在一起.不过,我希望你别跟我谈到一件事,后来却被乔治和玛丽揭穿,说并不是这么一回事;实际上,你只不过存心躲开我,要不然,为了保护自己,我也不得不对他们撒谎.我可不希望你使我竟然也落到那样境地."
她受到很大委屈,因而很难过,真想争论一番.罗伯达也为自己着想,觉得要摆脱这种难堪局面,只好自己从这里搬出去.格雷斯好象一条水蛭——吸别人的血来养活自己.她并没有自己的私生活,而且即使想有,她也办不到.只要她们俩在一起,格雷斯就要求罗伯达献身给她,乃至于每一个想法、每一种心态,都得向她和盘托出.可是,如果说罗伯达把克莱德的事告诉她,那她一定会大为震惊,严加批评,最后毫无疑问跟她决裂,甚至揭发了她.因此,她只好回答说:"哦,得了吧,要是你爱这么想,就随你的便吧.我可不在乎.我不打算把什么事都说出来,除非我高兴这么做."
格雷斯立时想到:罗伯达再也不会跟她和好,而且不愿跟她有什么来往了.她马上站了起来,昂起头、挺直腰背从房间里走了出去.罗伯达知道:如今格雷斯已成了她的敌人,恨不得马上从这儿搬出去,离得越远越好.说到底,他们这里的人思想太狭隘了.对于她跟克莱德这种秘密的关系,他们既不会谅解,也不会宽容,可是这种关系,正如克莱德所说的,对他显然是断断乎不可缺的,而对罗伯达来说,虽然是恼人的,甚至丢脸的,但她对它依然觉得弥足珍贵.她确实爱他,非常非常爱他.如今,她总得想个办法来保护她自己和他——那就是非搬家不可.
不过,搬家需要更大的勇气和决心,远不是她一口气就鼓得起来的.搬到谁都不认识你的屋子里,无人保护,该有多么别扭.怎么会不觉得别扭?也许往后还得向她妈妈、妹妹解释一番.不过,打这以后再待在这儿,也是要不得的,因为格雷斯和牛顿夫妇,特别是格雷斯的姐姐牛顿太太,他们的态度依然有如早期清教徒,或是教友派信徒对待一个犯了大罪的"兄弟"或是"姐姐"一模一样.她跳过舞——而且是偷偷的,嘿!怎么还跟一个年轻人在一起,这次她又回了家,这些事她都说不清楚,更不用提她到过星光乐园了.此外,罗伯达心里还想到,往后人家肯定会密切侦察,格雷斯那种令人不快的专断态度,也更不在话下了,因此,她一定很少有机会跟克莱德相会,如同现在一样,她如饥似渴地希望有这样的机会.于是,她冥思苦想了两天,又跟克莱德商量之后,克莱德完全赞同她不再看人脸色,马上搬到一个无人相识、无人监视的新住处去.接着,她便请了一两个钟头假,径自觅房去了.她心里估摸,到了本城东南区那一带,也许不会再跟牛顿夫妇和在牛顿家里见到过的人碰面,所以她就到那里去打听.经过一个多钟头寻找,她找到了一个很合她心意的住处.这是埃尔姆街上一幢老式砖头房子,里面住了一位家具商和他的妻子,此外还有两个女儿,一个是在当地专营女帽生意,一个还在学校里念书.让给罗伯达的房间,是在底楼小门廊的右面,窗子朝着大街.小门廊有一道门通往小客厅,就把这个房间跟所有其他房间隔开,这样进进出出,也就各不相干.因为她一心想跟克莱德幽会,对这一点也就看得特别重要.
再说,从她跟这一家主妇吉尔平太太的谈话里得知,这一家人不象牛顿夫妇那么严格,那么喜欢问这问那.吉尔平太太是个大块头,大约五十岁上下,很爱清洁,但是不太机灵.她告诉罗伯达,说她通常不收房客,因为他们一家子的收入除去开销,原是绰绰有余.不过,前面这一间跟其他房间是完全隔开,在平时空关不用,再加上她丈夫也并不反对,所以,她才决定把这一间租出去.再说,她也希望房客最好就象罗伯达那样,有固定工作的——要姑娘,不要男人——而且还乐意跟他们一家人共进早餐、晚餐.吉尔平太太并没有问到她家庭或是她亲戚的情况,只不过怪有趣地望着她,看来对她的模样儿还印象不错.罗伯达由此推想,这里大概没有牛顿夫妇家里那一套清规戒律.
不过,她一想到搬家,心里就犯疑了.她觉得,综观这种偷偷摸摸的行径,总有一种不吉利的甚至犯罪的感觉,发展到顶点,终于跟她迄至今日在这里的女友格雷斯·玛尔——自然也还牵扯到牛顿夫妇——吵架,最后决裂.其实,罗伯达心中也很清楚,她之所以能在莱柯格斯站住脚跟,完全仰仗格雷斯的帮助.万一她妈妈或是在霍默的妹妹从格雷斯的熟人那里听到了这件事,发现她很怪,怎么会孤零零一个人在莱柯格斯过日子呢?这样做是对头,还是不对头呢?她怎么会做这样的事——何况来到这儿,时间也还不久?她好象觉得:她迄至今日那些无懈可击的道德标准正在崩溃.
可是,眼前有克莱德在这里.她能舍弃他吗?
经过很多痛苦的内心斗争之后,她决定不能舍弃.因此,她付了押金,约定近日内迁入,就回去上班了.当天晚上吃过饭后,罗伯达便向牛顿太太说明她要搬出去住.她根据事前想好的那一套,以最近她一直想要她的弟弟、妹妹上这里来,跟她一块住.大概他们马上就会来,也许来一个,也许两个都来,因此,她觉得还是及早给他们准备住处为好.
牛顿夫妇和格雷斯都认为,这完全是因为最近以来罗伯达新结识了一些朋友,便跟格雷斯越发疏远了,因此,他们也巴不得她搬走.显然,她已开始沉溺在他们不敢赞同的冒险事业之中.而且往后,她显然也不会象他们当初想象的那样对格雷斯有什么用处了.可能她也知道她正在干的是什么.不过,更可能的是,她已被寻欢作乐的一些邪念引入歧途,这跟她在特里佩茨米尔斯循规蹈矩的生活已是不可同日而语了.
至于罗伯达自己呢,她一经迁出,在这个新环境安顿下来以后(除了住在这里她跟克莱德来往可以更加自由以外),对她目前所走的道路,毕竟感到疑惧不安.也许——也许——搬家她太急促了,何况又是在一怒之下,说不定她会后悔不及.不过,事至今日,无法挽回了.因此,她想还是不妨先试试看再说.
多半为了抚慰自己的良心,她立时写信给自己的母亲和妹妹,振振有词地把她不得不从牛顿夫妇家里迁出的理由告诉了她们.格雷斯这个人变得太专断,太自私,太跋扈,简直让人受不了.不过,妈妈用不着发愁.现在她住的地方很称心.她自己有一个房间,汤姆、艾米莉、妈妈和艾格尼斯要是上这儿来看望她,就可以招待他们了.那时她不妨让他们跟吉尔平一家人见见面.接着她对这一家人作了详细介绍.
可是,她一想到克莱德也好,还是他对她的热恋,或是她对他的热恋也好,在她心底深深地意识到:她的确是在玩火,往后说不定身败名裂.尽管她思想上还不肯承认,她开头一看这个单独隔开的房间就正中下怀,但在潜意识里,她还是知道得一清二楚的.现在她走的正是危险的道路——这个她也知道.有时她心里一有某种欲念,跟她注重实际和社会道理的观念发生对抗,她通常总要反躬自问:她该怎么办?如今,她又在这样反躬自问了.
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