I must have been married, if I may trust to my imperfect memory for dates, about a year or so, when one evening, as I was returning from a solitary walk, thinking of the book I was then writing - for my success had steadily increased with my steady application, and I was engaged at that time upon my first work of fiction - I came past Mrs. Steerforth’s house. —-
根据我不完整的记忆，我大概结婚已经一年左右了，那天晚上，我从一个独自散步回来，心里惦念着我当时正在写的书 - 因为我的成功一直在我持续的努力下不断增长，而那时我正忙着写作中的第一部小说。 —-

I had often passed it before, during my residence in that neighbourhood, though never when I could choose another road. —-
我之前在那个地区居住时常常经过那栋房子，尽管从来没有能够选择其他路线的时候。 —-

Howbeit, it did sometimes happen that it was not easy to find another, without making a long circuit; —-
更何况有时确实很难找到其他路，而不得不走一个远路。 —-

and so I had passed that way, upon the whole, pretty often.
所以整体上，我倒是经常走那条路。

I had never done more than glance at the house, as I went by with a quickened step. —-
我过去只是匆匆一瞥地看过那栋房子。 —-

It had been uniformly gloomy and dull. None of the best rooms abutted on the road; —-
它始终显得阴暗乏味。最好的房间都不临街； —-

and the narrow, heavily-framed old-fashioned windows, never cheerful under any circumstances, looked very dismal, close shut, and with their blinds always drawn down. —-
狭窄笨重框架的老式窗户，无论何时看上去都不开心，总是紧闭着，百叶帘永远拉下。 —-

There was a covered way across a little paved court, to an entrance that was never used; —-
有一条有盖的小铺石院子连接一个从不用的门； —-

and there was one round staircase window, at odds with all the rest, and the only one unshaded by a blind, which had the same unoccupied blank look. —-
还有一个圆形的楼梯窗，与其他窗户格格不入，是唯一没有被百叶帘遮挡的窗，看上去一片空寂。 —-

I do not remember that I ever saw a light in all the house. —-
我记不得我在这房子里见过灯光。 —-

If I had been a casual passer-by, I should have probably supposed that some childless person lay dead in it. —-
如果我只是路过的过客，我可能会以为有个无子女的人死在里面。 —-

If I had happily possessed no knowledge of the place, and had seen it often in that changeless state, I should have pleased my fancy with many ingenious speculations, I dare say.
如果我幸好对这个地方一无所知，而经常看到它保持着那种不变的状态，我可能会拿它来满足我的想象力，我敢说。

As it was, I thought as little of it as I might. —-
那时，我对它的想法并不多。 —-

But my mind could not go by it and leave it, as my body did; —-
但我的思绪无法像我的身体那样忽视它而离开； —-

and it usually awakened a long train of meditations. —-
而且它通常唤起我长久的沉思。 —-

Coming before me, on this particular evening that I mention, mingled with the childish recollections and later fancies, the ghosts of half-formed hopes, the broken shadows of disappointments dimly seen and understood, the blending of experience and imagination, incidental to the occupation with which my thoughts had been busy, it was more than commonly suggestive. —-
我口中所提及的这个特殊的晚上，在我面前走来的既有童年的回忆，也有后来的幻想，还有那些萌芽的希望的幽灵，朦胧理解的失望的残影，经验与想象的融合，所有这些与我忙碌的思绪相关的东西，这一切都显得格外地富有暗示。 —-

I fell into a brown study as I walked on, and a voice at my side made me start.
我一边走着，一边陷入了沉思，身旁的一声声音让我惊起。

It was a woman’s voice, too. I was not long in recollecting Mrs. Steerforth’s little parlour-maid, who had formerly worn blue ribbons in her cap. —-
而且还是一个女人的声音。我很快就想起了斯蒂尔福太太的小女仆，她以前在帽子上系着蓝丝带。 —-

She had taken them out now, to adapt herself, I suppose, to the altered character of the house; —-
她现在已经取下了那些丝带，我想是为了适应房子的改变了性质; —-

and wore but one or two disconsolate bows of sober brown.
现在只戴着一两个稀松的褐色蝴蝶结。

‘If you please, sir, would you have the goodness to walk in, and speak to Miss Dartle?’
“请问，先生，您能进来跟达特尔小姐说一句话吗？

‘Has Miss Dartle sent you for me?’ I inquired.
“是达特尔小姐让您找我的吗？”我问道。

‘Not tonight, sir, but it’s just the same. Miss Dartle saw you pass a night or two ago; —-
“不是今晚，先生，但情况是一样的。达特尔小姐前两个晚上看见您经过; —-

and I was to sit at work on the staircase, and when I saw you pass again, to ask you to step in and speak to her.’
我本来就当在楼梯上做工，看见您再次经过时，就请您进来跟她说几句话。”

I turned back, and inquired of my conductor, as we went along, how Mrs. Steerforth was. —-
我掉头而去，一路上询问我的引导者，斯蒂尔福太太的情况如何。 —-

She said her lady was but poorly, and kept her own room a good deal.
她说她的夫人有些虚弱，经常呆在自己的房间里。

When we arrived at the house, I was directed to Miss Dartle in the garden, and left to make my presence known to her myself. —-
当我们到达那座房子时，我被引向花园里的达特尔小姐，并留下自己向她宣布到场的任务。 —-

She was sitting on a seat at one end of a kind of terrace, overlooking the great city. —-
她正坐在一处台阶末端的长椅上，俯瞰着那大城市。 —-

It was a sombre evening, with a lurid light in the sky; —-
这是一个阴郁的傍晚，天空中有一种灰暗的光; —-

and as I saw the prospect scowling in the distance, with here and there some larger object starting up into the sullen glare, I fancied it was no inapt companion to the memory of this fierce woman.
当我看到远处目光阴郁的景色，那里散落着一些更大的物体，在阴郁的光芒中突显出来，我想那大概是这位凶狠女人记忆的一个合适的伴侣。

She saw me as I advanced, and rose for a moment to receive me. —-
她看见我走过来，起身迎接了我。 —-

I thought her, then, still more colourless and thin than when I had seen her last; —-
我觉得她比上次见到她时更苍白瘦弱。 —-

the flashing eyes still brighter, and the scar still plainer.
闪烁的眼睛更明亮，疤痕更显眼。

Our meeting was not cordial. We had parted angrily on the last occasion; —-
我们的相遇并不友好。上次我们生气地分开； —-

and there was an air of disdain about her, which she took no pains to conceal.
她身上带着一种不加掩饰的轻蔑之气。

‘I am told you wish to speak to me, Miss Dartle,’ said I, standing near her, with my hand upon the back of the seat, and declining her gesture of invitation to sit down.
‘我听说你想和我谈谈，达特尔小姐，’我站在她旁边，手放在椅背上，拒绝了她邀请坐下的姿势。

‘If you please,’ said she. ‘Pray has this girl been found?’
‘如果你愿意的话，’她说。’请问这个女孩找到了吗？’

‘No.’
‘没有。’

‘And yet she has run away!’
‘可她跑了！’

I saw her thin lips working while she looked at me, as if they were eager to load her with reproaches.
我看见她尖瘦的嘴唇在看着我的时候在动，似乎渴望责备她。

‘Run away?’ I repeated.
‘跑了？’我重复道。

‘Yes! From him,’ she said, with a laugh. ‘If she is not found, perhaps she never will be found. She may be dead!’
‘是的！逃离他，’她笑着说。’如果她没被找到，也许永远不会被找到。她可能已经死了！’

The vaunting cruelty with which she met my glance, I never saw expressed in any other face that ever I have seen.
她用夸夸其谈的残忍面对我的眼神，在任何其他我见过的脸上都没有看到过。

‘To wish her dead,’ said I, ‘may be the kindest wish that one of her own sex could bestow upon her. —-
‘祝她去世，’我说，’或许是她同性别能给她的最仁慈的祝福。 —-

I am glad that time has softened you so much, Miss Dartle.’
我很高兴看到时间让你变得如此温和，达特尔小姐。

She condescended to make no reply, but, turning on me with another scornful laugh, said:
她屈尊不肯回答，但转过身来，又冷笑着对我说：

‘The friends of this excellent and much-injured young lady are friends of yours. —-
“这位优秀而备受委屈的年轻女士的朋友也是你的朋友。 —-

You are their champion, and assert their rights. —-
你是他们的捍卫者，为他们的权利辩护。 —-

Do you wish to know what is known of her?’
你想知道有关她的情况吗？”

‘Yes,’ said I.
“是的，”我说。

She rose with an ill-favoured smile, and taking a few steps towards a wall of holly that was near at hand, dividing the lawn from a kitchen-garden, said, in a louder voice, ‘Come here!’ —-
她冷笑着站起身来，朝着附近一堵正在分隔草坪和菜园的冬青墙走了几步，大声说：“过来！” —-

• as if she were calling to some unclean beast.
  - 就像在呼唤一只不洁净的野兽一样。

‘You will restrain any demonstrative championship or vengeance in this place, of course, Mr. Copperfield?’ —-
“你当然会在这个地方克制任何夸张的支持或复仇，笔迪克先生？” —-

said she, looking over her shoulder at me with the same expression.
她回过头来看着我，面无表情地说。

I inclined my head, without knowing what she meant; and she said, ‘Come here!’ again; —-
我点了点头，不知道她是什么意思；她又说了一遍“过来！”； —-

and returned, followed by the respectable Mr. Littimer, who, with undiminished respectability, made me a bow, and took up his position behind her. —-
然后又回来，身后跟着那位体面的利蒂默先生，他风度不减地向我鞠了一躬，站在她身后。 —-

The air of wicked grace: of triumph, in which, strange to say, there was yet something feminine and alluring: —-
这种邪恶而优雅的神态，胜利的气息，奇怪的是，其中还带有某种女性的迷人之处： —-

with which she reclined upon the seat between us, and looked at me, was worthy of a cruel Princess in a Legend.
她靠在我们之间的座位上，凝视着我，那种姿态堪比传说中的残暴公主。

‘Now,’ said she, imperiously, without glancing at him, and touching the old wound as it throbbed: —-
“现在，”她霸道地说，没有看他一眼，并在触及那个旧伤口时，它跳动着： —-

perhaps, in this instance, with pleasure rather than pain. —-
也许，这一次，是带着愉悦而不是疼痛。 —-

‘Tell Mr. Copperfield about the flight.’
告诉科波菲尔先生有关这次航班的情况。

‘Mr. James and myself, ma’am -‘
詹姆斯先生和我，夫人 -

‘Don’t address yourself to me!’ she interrupted with a frown.
不要对我说话！她皱着眉中断道。

‘Mr. James and myself, sir -‘
詹姓先生和我，先生 -

‘Nor to me, if you please,’ said I.
请不要对我说话，我说。

Mr. Littimer, without being at all discomposed, signified by a slight obeisance, that anything that was most agreeable to us was most agreeable to him; and began again.
利蒂默先生毫不慌乱地表示，对我们而言最令人愉快的事情对他也是最令人愉快的事情；并且开始了。

‘Mr. James and myself have been abroad with the young woman, ever since she left Yarmouth under Mr. james’s protection. —-
詹姆斯先生和我一直在外国与这位年轻女士同行，自从她在詹姓先生的保护下离开雅茅斯以来。 —-

We have been in a variety of places, and seen a deal of foreign country. —-
我们去过各种各样的地方，看到了很多外国景色。 —-

We have been in France, Switzerland, Italy, in fact, almost all parts.’
我们去过法国、瑞士、意大利，事实上几乎去过所有地方。

He looked at the back of the seat, as if he were addressing himself to that; —-
他看着座椅的背面，仿佛在对其说话； —-

and softly played upon it with his hands, as if he were striking chords upon a dumb piano.
并用手轻柔地在上面弹奏，就像在无声的钢琴上撩弄琴弦。

‘Mr. James took quite uncommonly to the young woman; —-
詹姆斯先生对这位年轻女士产生了异常的好感； —-

and was more settled, for a length of time, than I have known him to be since I have been in his service. —-
在一个相当长的时间里比我在他的服务中见到过的更加稳重。 —-

The young woman was very improvable, and spoke the languages; —-
这位年轻女士十分易于进步，精通多国语言； —-

and wouldn’t have been known for the same country-person. —-
并且她的外表和乡下人大不相同。 —-

I noticed that she was much admired wherever we went.’
我注意到无论我们去哪里，她总是备受赞赏。

Miss Dartle put her hand upon her side. I saw him steal a glance at her, and slightly smile to himself.
达特尔小姐把手放在自己的腰上。我看见他偷偷瞥了她一眼，微微对自己笑了一下。

‘Very much admired, indeed, the young woman was. What with her dress; what with the air and sun; —-
‘这个年轻女人确实备受赞赏。无论是她的服饰，还是她的气质和风采； —-

what with being made so much of; what with this, that, and the other; —-
再加上备受呵护，这样那样的原因； —-

her merits really attracted general notice.’
她的优点真的引起了普遍关注。

He made a short pause. Her eyes wandered restlessly over the distant prospect, and she bit her nether lip to stop that busy mouth.
他停顿了一下。她的眼睛不安地扫视远方景色，嘴唇轻咬止住了那张忙碌的嘴。

Taking his hands from the seat, and placing one of them within the other, as he settled himself on one leg, Mr. Littimer proceeded, with his eyes cast down, and his respectable head a little advanced, and a little on one side:
他把手从椅子上移开，一只手搭在另一只手上，一只腿支撑身体，脸朝下，端肃地继续说:

‘The young woman went on in this manner for some time, being occasionally low in her spirits, until I think she began to weary Mr. James by giving way to her low spirits and tempers of that kind; —-
‘这位年轻女人就这样过了一段时间，时不时地情绪低落，我想她可能因为情绪低落和类似的脾气而开始让詹姆斯感到厌烦； —-

and things were not so comfortable. Mr. James he began to be restless again. —-
她变得越是烦躁，他也就越是不安； —-

The more restless he got, the worse she got; —-
他越是不安，她就越是糟糕； —-

and I must say, for myself, that I had a very difficult time of it indeed between the two. —-
说实话，我自己在他们之间真是度过了非常困难的时光。 —-

Still matters were patched up here, and made good there, over and over again; —-
事情还是在这儿补补，那儿补补，一遍又一遍； —-

and altogether lasted, I am sure, for a longer time than anybody could have expected.’
整体来说，我敢肯定，这种情况持续的时间比任何人都能预料的要长。

Recalling her eyes from the distance, she looked at me again now, with her former air. —-
她把目光从远处收回，再次以她曾有的神情看着我。 —-

Mr. Littimer, clearing his throat behind his hand with a respectable short cough, changed legs, and went on:
清了清喉咙，用手捂住后面咳了一声，换了条腿，继续说道：’

‘At last, when there had been, upon the whole, a good many words and reproaches, Mr. James he set off one morning, from the neighbourhood of Naples, where we had a villa (the young woman being very partial to the sea), and, under pretence of coming back in a day or so, left it in charge with me to break it out, that, for the general happiness of all concerned, he was’ - here an interruption of the short cough - ‘gone. —-
最后，当总的来说，已经有很多言语和指责之后，詹姆斯先生某天早晨离开了拿波里附近的我们别墅的地方（那位年轻女子非常喜欢大海），并且以很快就回来的借口，交给了我一个任务，拆穿真相，即为了所有相关人的幸福，他已经 - 在此时发生了一次短促的咳嗽打断了 - 离开了。 —-

But Mr. James, I must say, certainly did behave extremely honourable; —-
但詹姆斯先生，我必须说，确实表现得非常光荣； —-

for he proposed that the young woman should marry a very respectable person, who was fully prepared to overlook the past, and who was, at least, as good as anybody the young woman could have aspired to in a regular way: —-
因为他建议那位年轻女子嫁给一位非常体面的人，该人完全准备忽略过去，而且至少和那位年轻女子在正常条件下可能结婚的任何人一样好： —-

her connexions being very common.’
因为她的亲戚关系非常普通。 —-

He changed legs again, and wetted his lips. —-
他又换了一只脚，弄湿了嘴唇。

I was convinced that the scoundrel spoke of himself, and I saw my conviction reflected in Miss Dartle’s face.
我确信那个无赖说的是他自己，而且大多数情况下，我看到了我所相信的东西在达特尔小姐的脸上的反映。 —-

‘This I also had it in charge to communicate. —-
‘我也有这个任务要传达。

I was willing to do anything to relieve Mr. James from his difficulty, and to restore harmony between himself and an affectionate parent, who has undergone so much on his account. —-
我愿意尽一切努力，减轻詹姆斯先生的困难，并恢复他和一个为他承受了这么多的慈爱父亲之间的和谐。 —-

Therefore I undertook the commission. The young woman’s violence when she came to, after I broke the fact of his departure, was beyond all expectations. —-
因此，我接下了这个使命。当我揭示了他离开的事实后，这位年轻女子苏醒过来时的暴力超出了所有人的预期。 —-

She was quite mad, and had to be held by force; —-
她完全发狂，不得不用力控制； —-

or, if she couldn’t have got to a knife, or got to the sea, she’d have beaten her head against the marble floor.’
或者，如果她无法拿到一把刀，或无法到达大海，她会把头撞在大理石地板上。 —-

Miss Dartle, leaning back upon the seat, with a light of exultation in her face, seemed almost to caress the sounds this fellow had uttered.
达特尔小姐倚在座位上，脸上带着一种胜利的光芒，似乎沉醉在这家伙说的话里。

‘But when I came to the second part of what had been entrusted to me,’ said Mr. Littimer, rubbing his hands uneasily, ‘which anybody might have supposed would have been, at all events, appreciated as a kind intention, then the young woman came out in her true colours. —-
‘但当我来到被托付给我的第二部分时，’利蒂默先生揉着手感到不安地说道，’任何人都可能认为，至少会被视为一种善意，然后这位年轻女子展露了真面目。

A more outrageous person I never did see. Her conduct was surprisingly bad. —-
我从未见过如此狂暴的人。她的行为真是令人吃惊。 —-

She had no more gratitude, no more feeling, no more patience, no more reason in her, than a stock or a stone. —-
她没有更多的感激，没有更多的情感，没有更多的耐心，没有更多的理智，简直比一块石头还要迟钝。 —-

If I hadn’t been upon my guard, I am convinced she would have had my blood.’
如果我没有保持警惕，我相信她可能已经伤害了我。

‘I think the better of her for it,’ said I, indignantly.
“我觉得她因此而更好了,”我气愤地说。

Mr. Littimer bent his head, as much as to say, ‘Indeed, sir? —-
李迪默先生低下头，好像在表达：“真的吗？但是你还年轻！”然后继续讲述他的故事。 —-

But you’re young!’ and resumed his narrative.
短时间内必须把她身边可以自伤或伤害他人的一切都拿走，并将她严密地监禁。

‘It was necessary, in short, for a time, to take away everything nigh her, that she could do herself, or anybody else, an injury with, and to shut her up close. —-
尽管如此，她还是在夜间逃走； —-

Notwithstanding which, she got out in the night; —-
强行打开了我亲自用钉子钉上的窗户栅栏； —-

forced the lattice of a window, that I had nailed up myself; —-
通过下面的藤蔓滑下去； —-

dropped on a vine that was trailed below; —-
从那以后，据我所知，她再也没有被看见或听到。 —-

and never has been seen or heard of, to my knowledge, since.’
“她可能已经死了，”达特尔小姐笑着说，仿佛可以蔑视那个被毁坏的女孩的尸体。

‘She is dead, perhaps,’ said Miss Dartle, with a smile, as if she could have spurned the body of the ruined girl.
“也有可能她溺死了，小姐，”李迪默先生回答，找借口就她说话。

‘She may have drowned herself, miss,’ returned Mr. Littimer, catching at an excuse for addressing himself to somebody. —-
“这是有可能的。或者，可能有船夫们以及船夫们的妻子和孩子帮助了她。 —-

‘It’s very possible. Or, she may have had assistance from the boatmen, and the boatmen’s wives and children. —-
她常常与这些下层社会的人交谈，坐在他们的船旁边，达特尔小姐。 —-

Being given to low company, she was very much in the habit of talking to them on the beach, Miss Dartle, and sitting by their boats. —-
我知道有一次，当詹姆士先生离开的时候，她整整一天都和他们在海滩谈话。 —-

I have known her do it, when Mr. James has been away, whole days. —-
在詹姆士先生发现有一次她告诉孩子们她是一个船夫的女儿，并且很久以前在自己的国家，她曾像他们一样在海滩漫步的时候，非常不高兴。 —-

Mr. James was far from pleased to find out, once, that she had told the children she was a boatman’s daughter, and that in her own country, long ago, she had roamed about the beach, like them.’
是我知道小姐”.

Oh, Emily! Unhappy beauty! What a picture rose before me of her sitting on the far-off shore, among the children like herself when she was innocent, listening to little voices such as might have called her Mother had she been a poor man’s wife; —-
哦，艾米丽！不幸的美丽！我眼前浮现出她坐在遥远的海岸上，和那些像她一样天真的孩子们在一起，倾听着那些如果她是一个穷人的妻子，可能会称她为母亲的声音； —-

and to the great voice of the sea, with its eternal ‘Never more!’
并倾听着大海那永恒的“再也不会有！”

‘When it was clear that nothing could be done, Miss Dartle -‘
‘当明显无法做任何事情时，达特尔小姐 -’

‘Did I tell you not to speak to me?’ she said, with stern contempt.
‘我没告诉你不要和我说话吗？’她严厉蔑视地说。

‘You spoke to me, miss,’ he replied. ‘I beg your pardon. But it is my service to obey.’
‘小姐，您跟我说话了，’他回答说，‘请您原谅。但我应该服侍您。’

‘Do your service,’ she returned. ‘Finish your story, and go!’
‘去做你的事吧，’她回答说‘讲完你的故事，然后离开！’

‘When it was clear,’ he said, with infinite respectability and an obedient bow, ‘that she was not to be found, I went to Mr. James, at the place where it had been agreed that I should write to him, and informed him of what had occurred. —-
‘当明显’，他说着，带着无限尊敬和顺从的鞠躬，‘她无法找到时，我去了詹姆斯先生那里，在那里我们约定我应该给他写信的地方，告诉他发生了什么事。 —-

Words passed between us in consequence, and I felt it due to my character to leave him. —-
由此引起了我们之间的争执，我觉得对我的人格有所伤害，所以决定辞去我的职位。 —-

I could bear, and I have borne, a great deal from Mr. James; but he insulted me too far. —-
我可以忍受，我也经历过詹姆斯先生很多的折磨；但他侮辱了我。 —-

He hurt me. Knowing the unfortunate difference between himself and his mother, and what her anxiety of mind was likely to be, I took the liberty of coming home to England, and relating -‘
他伤害了我。知晓他与母亲之间不幸的分歧，以及她心中的焦虑，我冒昧回英国，讲述-

‘For money which I paid him,’ said Miss Dartle to me.
‘用我支付给他的钱，’达特尔小姐对我说。

‘Just so, ma’am - and relating what I knew. —-
‘完全正确，夫人 - 并讲述我所知道的。 —-

I am not aware,’ said Mr. Littimer, after a moment’s reflection, ‘that there is anything else. —-
‘在我回忆一会儿之后向利蒂默先生说，‘我没有意识到还有其他什么。 —-

I am at present out of employment, and should be happy to meet with a respectable situation.’
‘我目前失业中，很乐意找到一个体面的工作机会。

Miss Dartle glanced at me, as though she would inquire if there were anything that I desired to ask. —-
达特尔小姐瞥了我一眼，仿佛想询问我是否有什么想问的事情。 —-

As there was something which had occurred to my mind, I said in reply:
因为有一个想法浮现在我的脑海中，我回答道：

‘I could wish to know from this - creature,’ I could not bring myself to utter any more conciliatory word, ‘whether they intercepted a letter that was written to her from home, or whether he supposes that she received it.’
‘我很想知道从这个-生物’，我无法说出更加宽容的话语，’他们是否拦截了一封从家里写给她的信，还是他认为她收到了这封信。

He remained calm and silent, with his eyes fixed on the ground, and the tip of every finger of his right hand delicately poised against the tip of every finger of his left.
他保持着冷静的沉默，眼睛盯着地面，右手的每个手指尖 delicately poised against the tip of every finger of his left.

Miss Dartle turned her head disdainfully towards him.
达特尔小姐蔑视地转过头看着他。

‘I beg your pardon, miss,’ he said, awakening from his abstraction, ‘but, however submissive to you, I have my position, though a servant. —-
‘小姐，请您原谅，’他从沉思中苏醒过来说，’但是，尽管对您顺从，我有我的身份，虽然是个仆人。 —-

Mr. Copperfield and you, miss, are different people. —-
科波菲尔德先生和您，小姐，是不同的人。 —-

If Mr. Copperfield wishes to know anything from me, I take the liberty of reminding Mr. Copperfield that he can put a question to me. —-
如果科波菲尔德先生想要我告诉他什么，我在这里提醒科波菲尔德先生可以向我提问。 —-

I have a character to maintain.’
我必须保持形象’。

After a momentary struggle with myself, I turned my eyes upon him, and said, ‘You have heard my question. —-
在与自己的一时搏斗之后，我把视线转向他，说，’你已经听到了我的问题。 —-

Consider it addressed to yourself, if you choose. —-
如果你愿意，可以看作是问你自己。 —-

What answer do you make?’
你的回答是什么？’

‘Sir,’ he rejoined, with an occasional separation and reunion of those delicate tips, ‘my answer must be qualified; —-
‘先生，’他回答道，手指尖时而分开时而合拢，’我的回答必须带有一些条件； —-

because, to betray Mr. james’s confidence to his mother, and to betray it to you, are two different actions. —-
因为，背叛詹姆斯先生对他母亲的信任，和向您透露，是两种不同的行为。 —-

It is not probable, I consider, that Mr. James would encourage the receipt of letters likely to increase low spirits and unpleasantness; —-
我认为，詹姆斯先生不太可能鼓励收到可能增加低落情绪和不快的信件； —-

but further than that, sir, I should wish to avoid going.’
但除此之外，先生，我宁愿避免深入讨论’。

‘Is that all?’ inquired Miss Dartle of me.
‘这就是全部吗?’达尔特尔小姐问我。

I indicated that I had nothing more to say. —-
我表示我没有更多要说的。 —-

‘Except,’ I added, as I saw him moving off, ‘that I understand this fellow’s part in the wicked story, and that, as I shall make it known to the honest man who has been her father from her childhood, I would recommend him to avoid going too much into public.’
‘除了,’我补充道，当我看到他准备离开时，’我了解这个家伙在那个邪恶故事中所扮演的角色，而且，我会告诉她从小就当做父亲的诚实人，建议他避免过多涉及公共场所。

He had stopped the moment I began, and had listened with his usual repose of manner.
他在我开始讲话的瞬间停住了，用他通常的镇定态度倾听着。

‘Thank you, sir. But you’ll excuse me if I say, sir, that there are neither slaves nor slave-drivers in this country, and that people are not allowed to take the law into their own hands. —-
‘谢谢，先生。但你原谅我如果我说，这个国家既没有奴隶也没有奴隶主，人们不被允许自行解决法律问题。 —-

If they do, it is more to their own peril, I believe, than to other people’s. —-
如果他们这样做，我相信，比起对别人来说，这更可能危害到他们自己。 —-

Consequently speaking, I am not at all afraid of going wherever I may wish, sir.’
因此，坦率地说，先生，我完全不怕去任何我想去的地方.’

With that, he made a polite bow; and, with another to Miss Dartle, went away through the arch in the wall of holly by which he had come. —-
说完，他礼貌地点了点头；然后再向达尔特尔小姐点了头，穿过他刚才走过的冬青篱墙的拱门走了。 —-

Miss Dartle and I regarded each other for a little while in silence; —-
达尔特尔小姐和我在寂静中相互凝视了一会儿； —-

her manner being exactly what it was, when she had produced the man.
她的态度正是当她引见这个男人时的模样。

‘He says besides,’ she observed, with a slow curling of her lip, ‘that his master, as he hears, is coasting Spain; —-
‘此外,’她缓缓撅起嘴唇说,’他说他的主人，据他听说，正在沿着西班牙海岸航行； —-

and this done, is away to gratify his seafaring tastes till he is weary. —-
航行结束后，他就会远走海洋，满足他的航海兴致，直到他厌倦为止。 —-

But this is of no interest to you. Between these two proud persons, mother and son, there is a wider breach than before, and little hope of its healing, for they are one at heart, and time makes each more obstinate and imperious. —-
但这对你而言无所谓。在这两个骄傲的人之间，母亲和儿子之间，存在着比以往更宽广的裂痕，几乎没有愈合的希望，因为他们心心相印，时间使他们变得更加固执和专横。 —-

Neither is this of any interest to you; but it introduces what I wish to say. —-
这对你也无足轻重；但它引出了我想说的事情。 —-

This devil whom you make an angel of. I mean this low girl whom he picked out of the tide-mud,’ with her black eyes full upon me, and her passionate finger up, ‘may be alive, - for I believe some common things are hard to die. —-
你把这个魔鬼描绘成天使的家伙。我指的是他从潮泥中捞起的这个卑贱的女孩，’她的黑眼睛盯着我，满含激情地举起了手指,’可能还活着，- 因为我相信有些普通的东西很难消亡。 —-

If she is, you will desire to have a pearl of such price found and taken care of. —-
如果是这样，你会渴望找到并照顾这样一颗珍贵的珍珠。 —-

We desire that, too; that he may not by any chance be made her prey again. —-
我们也希望如此;不让他再次成为她的猎物。 —-

So far, we are united in one interest; and that is why I, who would do her any mischief that so coarse a wretch is capable of feeling, have sent for you to hear what you have heard.’
到目前为止，我们在一个利益上是团结的;这就是为什么我，愿意对她做出任何这样一个粗俗恶棍能感受到的伤害的人，找你来听你所听到的。

I saw, by the change in her face, that someone was advancing behind me. —-
我看着她脸上的变化，意识到有人在我身后走来。 —-

It was Mrs. Steerforth, who gave me her hand more coldly than of yore, and with an augmentation of her former stateliness of manner, but still, I perceived - and I was touched by it - with an ineffaceable remembrance of my old love for her son. —-
是斯迪福夫人，她向我伸出手，冷淡了一些，态度比以前更加傲慢，但我还是察觉到 - 并且受到触动 - 对她儿子的旧爱的记忆无法抹去。 —-

She was greatly altered. Her fine figure was far less upright, her handsome face was deeply marked, and her hair was almost white. —-
她变化很大。她优美的身姿不再那么笔挺，她英俊的脸上布满了皱纹，头发几乎全白了。 —-

But when she sat down on the seat, she was a handsome lady still; —-
但当她坐在凳子上时，她仍然是一位漂亮的女士； —-

and well I knew the bright eye with its lofty look, that had been a light in my very dreams at school.
我很清楚那双明亮的眼睛，以及那高傲的神情，它曾经是我的梦中的一道光。

‘Is Mr. Copperfield informed of everything, Rosa?’
‘柯波菲尔先生知道一切了吗，罗莎?’

‘Yes.’
‘是的。’

‘And has he heard Littimer himself?’
‘他听到了利蒂默本人吗?’

‘Yes; I have told him why you wished it.’ ‘You are a good girl. —-
‘听到了；我已经告诉了他你为什么希望这样做。’ ‘你是个好姑娘。 —-

I have had some slight correspondence with your former friend, sir,’ addressing me, ‘but it has not restored his sense of duty or natural obligation. —-
我曾与你以前的朋友有过一些轻微的来往，先生,’对我说，’但这并没有使他恢复起责任感或天然的义务感。 —-

Therefore I have no other object in this, than what Rosa has mentioned. —-
因此，我做这件事没有别的目的，除了罗莎提到的。 —-

If, by the course which may relieve the mind of the decent man you brought here (for whom I am sorry - I can say no more), my son may be saved from again falling into the snares of a designing enemy, well!’
如果通过可能使你带来的那位体面男士（我很抱歉 - 我不能说更多）的心情舒缓的方式，我的儿子可以免于再次落入设计敌人的陷阱，那么好吧！’

She drew herself up, and sat looking straight before her, far away.
她挺直了身子，坐着凝视远方。

‘Madam,’ I said respectfully, ‘I understand. —-
“夫人，”我恭敬地说，“我理解。 —-

I assure you I am in no danger of putting any strained construction on your motives. —-
我向您保证，我绝不会对您的动机做任何牵强附会。 —-

But I must say, even to you, having known this injured family from childhood, that if you suppose the girl, so deeply wronged, has not been cruelly deluded, and would not rather die a hundred deaths than take a cup of water from your son’s hand now, you cherish a terrible mistake.’
但是我必须说，即使对您来说，从小认识这个受害家庭，如果您认为这个深受伤害的女孩没有被残酷欺骗，宁愿死去一百次也不会从您儿子手中接过一杯水，那您就犯了一个可怕的错误。”

‘Well, Rosa, well!’ said Mrs. Steerforth, as the other was about to interpose, ‘it is no matter. —-
“好吧，罗莎，好！”斯蒂福太太说，另一个人正要插话，“没关系。 —-

Let it be. You are married, sir, I am told?’
随它去。我听说您已经结婚了，先生？”

I answered that I had been some time married.
我回答说，我已经结婚有一段时间了。

‘And are doing well? I hear little in the quiet life I lead, but I understand you are beginning to be famous.’
“你们都过得好吗？我在我过着的宁静生活中很少听到消息，但我听说你正逐渐出名。”

‘I have been very fortunate,’ I said, ‘and find my name connected with some praise.’
“我很幸运，我的名字开始受到一些赞扬。”

‘You have no mother?’ - in a softened voice.
“你没有母亲吗？”声音柔和了起来。

‘No.’
“没有。”

‘It is a pity,’ she returned. ‘She would have been proud of you. Good night!’
她回答说，“真可惜。她会为你感到骄傲的。晚安！”

I took the hand she held out with a dignified, unbending air, and it was as calm in mine as if her breast had been at peace. —-
我用一种庄严、不屈不挠的态度握住她伸出的手，她的手在我手中平静如常，仿佛她的内心是平静的。 —-

Her pride could still its very pulses, it appeared, and draw the placid veil before her face, through which she sat looking straight before her on the far distance.
她的骄傲仍然能够让自己的心跳平稳，似乎可以将平静的面纱挡在她的脸前，她直视着远方。

As I moved away from them along the terrace, I could not help observing how steadily they both sat gazing on the prospect, and how it thickened and closed around them. —-
当我沿着阳台走开时，我不禁观察到他们两个坐着凝视着景色，那景色变得越来越浓密、密闭。 —-

Here and there, some early lamps were seen to twinkle in the distant city; —-
那里和那里，一些早期的灯在远处的城市中闪烁； —-

and in the eastern quarter of the sky the lurid light still hovered. —-
在天空的东部区域，那悍杀的光芒仍然徘徊。 —-

But, from the greater part of the broad valley interposed, a mist was rising like a sea, which, mingling with the darkness, made it seem as if the gathering waters would encompass them. —-
但是，在广阔的谷地的大部分地方，一片雾气如海面般升腾着，与黑暗混合在一起，使得像是聚集的水将围困着他们。 —-

I have reason to remember this, and think of it with awe; —-
我有理由记住这一点，并且怀着敬畏之心思考着。 —-

for before I looked upon those two again, a stormy sea had risen to their feet.
因为在我再次看到那两个人之前，一片汹涌的海水已经升至他们的脚边。

Reflecting on what had been thus told me, I felt it right that it should be communicated to Mr. Peggotty. —-
反思了这一切告诉我的事情后，我觉得应该把这件事告诉佩戈蒂先生。 —-

On the following evening I went into London in quest of him. —-
第二天晚上，我去伦敦去找他。 —-

He was always wandering about from place to place, with his one object of recovering his niece before him; —-
他总是四处漫游，目的就是要找到他失踪的侄女； —-

but was more in London than elsewhere. Often and often, now, had I seen him in the dead of night passing along the streets, searching, among the few who loitered out of doors at those untimely hours, for what he dreaded to find.
但在伦敦这个城市的出现频率最高。我曾经多次在深夜看到他穿过街道，搜索在那不寻常的时刻外出闲逛的少数人中，寻找他害怕找到的东西；

He kept a lodging over the little chandler’s shop in Hungerford Market, which I have had occasion to mention more than once, and from which he first went forth upon his errand of mercy. —-
他租住在汉格福德市场的一个小杂货店楼上，这个地方我曾经提到过不止一次，也是他第一次踏上他的慈善使命之路的出发点； —-

Hither I directed my walk. On making inquiry for him, I learned from the people of the house that he had not gone out yet, and I should find him in his room upstairs.
我径直走向那里。询问他的下落时，房里的人告诉我他还没出门，我会在楼上的房间里找到他；

He was sitting reading by a window in which he kept a few plants. —-
他正坐在窗边阅读，窗台上摆放着几盆植物； —-

The room was very neat and orderly. I saw in a moment that it was always kept prepared for her reception, and that he never went out but he thought it possible he might bring her home. —-
房间打扫得非常整洁有序。我一眼就看出这里时刻准备着欢迎她的到来，他从不出门而不考虑带她回家的可能性； —-

He had not heard my tap at the door, and only raised his eyes when I laid my hand upon his shoulder.
我轻轻敲门，他没有听见，只有当我将手放在他的肩上时，他才抬起眼睛；

‘Mas’r Davy! Thankee, sir! thankee hearty, for this visit! —-
“戴维先生！谢谢您，谢谢您的光临！请坐下。您的到来受到了热烈的欢迎，先生！” —-

Sit ye down. You’re kindly welcome, sir!’
“佩格蒂先生”，我说着接过他递过来的椅子，“别抱太大希望！我听到了一些消息；

‘Mr. Peggotty,’ said I, taking the chair he handed me, ‘don’t expect much! I have heard some news.’
“关于艾米丽！”

‘Of Em’ly!’
他紧张地用手捂住嘴，脸色苍白，将目光盯在我的身上；

He put his hand, in a nervous manner, on his mouth, and turned pale, as he fixed his eyes on mine.
“消息没有指出她的位置，但她不在他那里；”

‘It gives no clue to where she is; but she is not with him.’
他坐下来，盯着我听我讲述的一切，一言不发；

He sat down, looking intently at me, and listened in profound silence to all I had to tell. —-
我清楚地记得，当他慢慢移开目光，低头看着自己手背时，他脸上的端庄、甚至是美丽的表情给我留下了深刻的印象； —-

I well remember the sense of dignity, beauty even, with which the patient gravity of his face impressed me, when, having gradually removed his eyes from mine, he sat looking downward, leaning his forehead on his hand. —-
当他把额头靠在手上，沉默地凝视着我，我清晰地记得他脸上深沉的表情赋予我的尊严感，甚至是美感。 —-

He offered no interruption, but remained throughout perfectly still. —-
他毫不打扰，静静地保持着不动。 —-

He seemed to pursue her figure through the narrative, and to let every other shape go by him, as if it were nothing.
他似乎在故事中追寻着她的影子，任凭其他形象从他身旁经过，仿佛那些都无关紧要。

When I had done, he shaded his face, and continued silent. —-
当我讲完时，他掩住脸，保持沉默。 —-

I looked out of the window for a little while, and occupied myself with the plants.
我朝窗外看了一会儿，忙着照料植物。

‘How do you fare to feel about it, Mas’r Davy?’ he inquired at length.
‘你对此感觉如何，戴维先生?’ 他最终问道。

‘I think that she is living,’ I replied.
‘我想她还活着，’我回答道。

‘I doen’t know. Maybe the first shock was too rough, and in the wildness of her art -! —-
‘我不知道。也许最初的震惊太过严重，在她的狂热艺术中——！’ —-

That there blue water as she used to speak on. —-
‘她过去所说的那片蓝色的水。 —-

Could she have thowt o’ that so many year, because it was to be her grave!’
她难道能想到这么多年，因为那将成为她的坟墓!’

He said this, musing, in a low, frightened voice; and walked across the little room.
他低声地思考着这些，在小房间里走来走去。

‘And yet,’ he added, ‘Mas’r Davy, I have felt so sure as she was living - I have know’d, awake and sleeping, as it was so trew that I should find her - I have been so led on by it, and held up by it - that I doen’t believe I can have been deceived. —-
‘然而，’他接着说，’戴维先生，我曾经那样确信她还活着 - 清醒或熟睡，我都深信我会找到她 - 我被这种信念引导，支撑着 - 我不相信自己会被欺骗。 —-

No! Em’ly’s alive!’
不！艾米丽还活着！’

He put his hand down firmly on the table, and set his sunburnt face into a resolute expression.
他坚定地将手紧紧放在桌子上，露出坚决的表情。

‘My niece, Em’ly, is alive, sir!’ he said, steadfastly. —-
‘我侄女，艾米丽，还活着，先生!’ 他坚定地说道。 —-

‘I doen’t know wheer it comes from, or how ‘tis, but I am told as she’s alive!’
‘我不知道消息从何而来，或者是什么原因，但有人告诉我她还活着！’

He looked almost like a man inspired, as he said it. —-
他说这番话时，几乎看起来像是受到了启发的人。 —-

I waited for a few moments, until he could give me his undivided attention; —-
我等了一会儿，直到他能够把他的注意力完全放在我身上； —-

and then proceeded to explain the precaution, that, it had occurred to me last night, it would be wise to take.
然后开始解释我昨晚想到的一个预防措施，认为采取这样的措施是明智的。

‘Now, my dear friend -‘I began.
“现在，我亲爱的朋友 -”我开始说。

‘Thankee, thankee, kind sir,’ he said, grasping my hand in both of his.
“谢谢，谢谢，亲爱的先生，”他握着我的手。

‘If she should make her way to London, which is likely - for where could she lose herself so readily as in this vast city; —-
“如果她会前往伦敦，这是很可能的 - 因为在这座庞大的城市里，她在哪里能够如此轻易地消失呢； —-

and what would she wish to do, but lose and hide herself, if she does not go home? -‘
如果她没有回家，她会希望做什么，除了失踪和隐藏自己呢？-”

‘And she won’t go home,’ he interposed, shaking his head mournfully. —-
“她不会回家，”他悲伤地打断道。 —-

‘If she had left of her own accord, she might; not as It was, sir.’
“如果她是自愿离开，她也许会；但不是，先生。”

‘If she should come here,’ said I, ‘I believe there is one person, here, more likely to discover her than any other in the world. —-
“如果她来了这里，”我说道，“我相信这里有一个人，比世界上任何其他人更有可能发现她。 —-

Do you remember - hear what I say, with fortitude - think of your great object! —-
你还记得 - 要坚强地听我说 - 想想你的伟大目标！ —-

• do you remember Martha?’
  - 你还记得玛莎吗？”

‘Of our town?’
“我们镇上的玛莎？”

I needed no other answer than his face.
我需要的答案不仅仅是他的表情。

‘Do you know that she is in London?’
“你知道她在伦敦吗？”

‘I have seen her in the streets,’ he answered, with a shiver.
‘他颤抖着回答道，”我在街上见过她。”‘

‘But you don’t know,’ said I, ‘that Emily was charitable to her, with Ham’s help, long before she fled from home. —-
‘但你并不知道，’我说，’艾米丽在离家出走之前，曾在汉姆的帮助下对她慷慨解囊。’ —-

Nor, that, when we met one night, and spoke together in the room yonder, over the way, she listened at the door.’
‘也不知道，那天晚上我们在那边的房间里见面交谈时，她在门口听着。’

‘Mas’r Davy!’ he replied in astonishment. ‘That night when it snew so hard?’
‘大约翰尼！’他惊讶地回答道，’那个下雪那么大的夜晚？’

‘That night. I have never seen her since. —-
‘就是那个晚上。自那以后我再也没有见过她。’ —-

I went back, after parting from you, to speak to her, but she was gone. —-
‘和你分开后，我还回去找她，但她已经走了。’ —-

I was unwilling to mention her to you then, and I am now; —-
‘当时我不愿意跟你提起她，现在也是；’ —-

but she is the person of whom I speak, and with whom I think we should communicate. —-
‘但她就是我说的那个人，我觉得我们应该跟她联系。’ —-

Do you understand?’
‘你明白吗？’

‘Too well, sir,’ he replied. We had sunk our voices, almost to a whisper, and continued to speak in that tone.
‘很清楚，先生。’我们把声音压低到几乎是耳语的程度，继续以这样的口吻谈话。

‘You say you have seen her. Do you think that you could find her? I could only hope to do so by chance.’
‘你说你见过她。你觉得你能找到她吗？我只能抱希望凭运气寻找到她。’

‘I think, Mas’r Davy, I know wheer to look.’
‘我想，约翰尼，我知道去哪里找。’

‘It is dark. Being together, shall we go out now, and try to find her tonight?’
‘天色已晚。我们在一起，我们现在就出去，今晚试着找到她吗？’

He assented, and prepared to accompany me. —-
他答应了，并准备跟我一起去。 —-

Without appearing to observe what he was doing, I saw how carefully he adjusted the little room, put a candle ready and the means of lighting it, arranged the bed, and finally took out of a drawer one of her dresses (I remember to have seen her wear it), neatly folded with some other garments, and a bonnet, which he placed upon a chair. —-
并未注意到他在做什么，我看到他是如何小心地整理小房间，准备蜡烛和点火的工具，整理床铺，最后从抽屉里拿出一条她的裙子（我记得曾经见她穿过），整齐地叠好和其他衣物一起，还有一个帽子，他把它放在一把椅子上。 —-

He made no allusion to these clothes, neither did I. There they had been waiting for her, many and many a night, no doubt.
他没有提及这些衣服，我也没有。毫无疑问，它们曾经在那里等她许多个晚上。

‘The time was, Mas’r Davy,’ he said, as we came downstairs, ‘when I thowt this girl, Martha, a’most like the dirt underneath my Em’ly’s feet. —-
‘那时候，戴维先生,’我们下楼时他说，’我觉得这个女孩玛莎，几乎跟我心爱的艾米莉脚下的泥土一样。 —-

God forgive me, theer’s a difference now!’
愿上帝原谅我，现在有了很大的不同！’

As we went along, partly to hold him in conversation, and partly to satisfy myself, I asked him about Ham. He said, almost in the same words as formerly, that Ham was just the same, ‘wearing away his life with kiender no care nohow for ‘t; —-
我们一路上，部分是为了和他交谈，部分是为了满足自己，我问起了汉姆。他几乎用和以前一样的措辞说，汉姆还是一样，’毫无照顾地消磨着生命； —-

but never murmuring, and liked by all’.
但从不抱怨，大家都喜欢他。

I asked him what he thought Ham’s state of mind was, in reference to the cause of their misfortunes? —-
我问他认为汉姆在他们不幸遭遇的原因上的心态如何？ —-

Whether he believed it was dangerous? What he supposed, for example, Ham would do, if he and Steerforth ever should encounter?
他是否认为有危险？例如，如果他和斯迪福特（Steerforth）碰面了，他认为汉姆会做什么？

‘I doen’t know, sir,’ he replied. ‘I have thowt of it oftentimes, but I can’t awize myself of it, no matters.’
‘我不知道，先生,’他回答。 ‘我经常考虑过这个问题，但我始终不能想出答案。

I recalled to his remembrance the morning after her departure, when we were all three on the beach. —-
我让他回忆起她离开后的那个早晨，当时我们三人都在海滩上。 —-

‘Do you recollect,’ said I, ‘a certain wild way in which he looked out to sea, and spoke about “the end of it”?’
‘你记得吗？’我说，’他看向大海的狂野方式，谈论”结局”的那种方式？

‘Sure I do!’ said he.
‘当然记得！’他说。

‘What do you suppose he meant?’
‘你认为他是什么意思？’

‘Mas’r Davy,’ he replied, ‘I’ve put the question to myself a mort o’ times, and never found no answer. —-
‘戴维先生，’他回答，’我自己问过这个问题很多次，从来没找到答案。 —-

And theer’s one curious thing - that, though he is so pleasant, I wouldn’t fare to feel comfortable to try and get his mind upon ‘t. —-
而有一件奇怪的事——尽管他如此愉快，但我不敢感到舒服地试图了解他的想法。 —-

He never said a wured to me as warn’t as dootiful as dootiful could be, and it ain’t likely as he’d begin to speak any other ways now; —-
他对我从来没有说过半个不虔诚的字，不可能现在开始说其他的话； —-

but it’s fur from being fleet water in his mind, where them thowts lays. —-
但在他心里，这些想法远非洪水般流动。 —-

It’s deep, sir, and I can’t see down.’
‘很深，先生，我看不到底.’

‘You are right,’ said I, ‘and that has sometimes made me anxious.’
“你说得对，”我说，“有时确实让我感到焦虑。”

‘And me too, Mas’r Davy,’ he rejoined. ‘Even more so, I do assure you, than his ventersome ways, though both belongs to the alteration in him. —-
‘我也是，大人，’他回答道。“比他冒险的方式更让我忧虑，尽管两者都与他的改变有关。” —-

I doen’t know as he’d do violence under any circumstances, but I hope as them two may be kep asunders.’
“我不知道他在任何情况下会不会动粗，但我希望这两种情况能被分开。”

We had come, through Temple Bar, into the city. —-
当我们穿过庙街入城时。 —-

Conversing no more now, and walking at my side, he yielded himself up to the one aim of his devoted life, and went on, with that hushed concentration of his faculties which would have made his figure solitary in a multitude. —-
他不再交谈，走在我身边，全心全意投入他奉献的一生目标，表现出他专注的能力，使他全然独立于人群中。 —-

We were not far from Blackfriars Bridge, when he turned his head and pointed to a solitary female figure flitting along the opposite side of the street. —-
当我们靠近黑斋桥时，他转过头指着街对面的一位孤独女子。 —-

I knew it, readily, to be the figure that we sought.
我一眼就认出她就是我们在寻找的人物。

We crossed the road, and were pressing on towards her, when it occurred to me that she might be more disposed to feel a woman’s interest in the lost girl, if we spoke to her in a quieter place, aloof from the crowd, and where we should be less observed. —-
我们穿过马路，正朝她走去，但我突然想到如果我们在一个安静的地方与她交谈，远离人群，我们就会更容易引起她这位女性对那个失踪女孩的兴趣，并且我们会被观察得更少。 —-

I advised my companion, therefore, that we should not address her yet, but follow her; —-
因此我建议我的同伴我们暂时不要和她说话，而是跟随她； —-

consulting in this, likewise, an indistinct desire I had, to know where she went.
也出于我对于知道她要去哪的模糊欲望。

He acquiescing, we followed at a distance: —-
他同意了，我们便隔着一定距离跟着她； —-

never losing sight of her, but never caring to come very near, as she frequently looked about. —-
从未失去她的踪影，但也从未想要走得很近，因为她时常四处张望。 —-

Once, she stopped to listen to a band of music; —-
有一次她停下来聆听一个乐队演奏； —-

and then we stopped too.
然后我们也停下来了。

She went on a long way. Still we went on. —-
她走了很长的一段路。但我们还在继续前行。 —-

It was evident, from the manner in which she held her course, that she was going to some fixed destination; —-
显而易见，从她保持方向的方式来看，她是要去某个固定的目的地； —-

and this, and her keeping in the busy streets, and I suppose the strange fascination in the secrecy and mystery of so following anyone, made me adhere to my first purpose. —-
而这样做，她在熙熙攘攘的街道上走着，我想是因为追踪某人的秘密和神秘感使得我坚持了最初的目的。 —-

At length she turned into a dull, dark street, where the noise and crowd were lost; —-
最后她转入了一条沉闷、昏暗的街道，噪音和人群都消失了； —-

and I said, ‘We may speak to her now’; and, mending our pace, we went after her.
我说，“我们现在可以和她说话了”; 然后，我们加快了步伐，跟随着她。