It may be possible to do without dancing entirely. —
也许完全可以不跳舞。 —

Instances have been known of young people passing many, many months successively, without being at any ball of any description, and no material injury accrue either to body or mind; —
曾经有年轻人连续几个月都没有参加任何舞会，身心都没有受到任何实质性的伤害; —

• but when a beginning is made - when the felicities of rapid motion have once been, though slightly, felt - it must be a very heavy set that does not ask for more.
  但一旦开始 - 一旦体验到快速运动的愉悦感受 - 很少有人不想再跳下去纵使只是稍微地感受了一下。
  

Frank Churchill had danced once at Highbury, and longed to dance again; —
弗兰克·丘吉尔曾在海伯里跳过一次舞，并渴望再次跳舞； —

and the last half-hour of an evening which Mr. Woodhouse was persuaded to spend with his daughter at Randalls, was passed by the two young people in schemes on the subject. —
在伦德尔斯与伍德豪斯先生度过的最后半个小时，两个年轻人都在对这个话题进行讨论。 —

Frank’s was the first idea; and his the greatest zeal in pursuing it; —
这个想法是弗兰克的，他是最热心追求这个想法的人； —

for the lady was the best judge of the difficulties, and the most solicitous for accommodation and appearance. —
因为女士是最有判断力的，也是最关心住宿和外观的人。 —

But still she had inclination enough for shewing people again how delightfully Mr. Frank Churchill and Miss Woodhouse danced - for doing that in which she need not blush to compare herself with Jane Fairfax - and even for simple dancing itself, without any of the wicked aids of vanity - to assist him first in pacing out the room they were in to see what it could be made to hold - and then in taking the dimensions of the other parlour, in the hope of discovering, in spite of all that Mr. Weston could say of their exactly equal size, that it was a little the largest.
但她仍然有足够的倾向来再次向人们展示弗兰克·丘吉尔先生和伍德豪斯小姐跳舞的愉快 - 在这方面，她不必羞于拿简·费尔法克斯比较 - 甚至简单的跳舞，不需要任何虚荣的帮助 - 首先帮助他测量所在房间的地面积，看看可以容纳多少人 - 然后测量其他客厅的尺寸，希望能发现，尽管韦斯顿先生说他们的大小完全相同，但它还是稍微大一点。

His first proposition and request, that the dance begun at Mr. Cole’s should be finished there - that the same party should be collected, and the same musician engaged, met with the readiest acquiescence. —
他的第一个提议和请求，即在科尔先生家开始的舞蹈应该在那里结束 - 应该召集同样的人，雇用同样的音乐家，得到了最容易的同意。 —

Mr. Weston entered into the idea with thorough enjoyment, and Mrs. Weston most willingly undertook to play as long as they could wish to dance; —
韦斯顿先生兴致勃勃地接受了这个想法，而韦斯顿太太也很愿意承诺尽可能长时间地为他们演奏舞曲； —

and the interesting employment had followed, of reckoning up exactly who there would be, and portioning out the indispensable division of space to every couple.
随后进行了有趣的活动，精确地计算出将会有哪些人，以及将不可避免的空间分配给每一对夫妇。

`You and Miss Smith, and Miss Fairfax, will be three, and the two Miss Coxes five,’ had been repeated many times over. —
“你和史密斯小姐、费尔法克斯小姐，将有三个人，两个考克斯小姐，将有五个人，”这样的话重复了很多次。 —

`And there will be the two Gilberts, young Cox, my father, and myself, besides Mr. Knightley. —
“那还有两个吉尔伯特，年轻的考克斯，我父亲，还有我自己，另外还有奈特利先生。 —

Yes, that will be quite enough for pleasure. —
是的，这样就够让人愉悦了。 —

You and Miss Smith, and Miss Fairfax, will be three, and the two Miss Coxes five; —
“你和史密斯小姐，费尔法克斯小姐，将有三个人，两个考克斯小姐将有五个人； —

and for five couple there will be plenty of room.’
有了五对夫妇，房间会很宽敞。

But soon it came to be on one side,
但很快情况发生了变化，

`But will there be good room for five couple? - I really do not think there will.’
“但是足够五对夫妇吗？我真的不这么认为。

On another,
在另一方面，

`And after all, five couple are not enough to make it worth while to stand up. —
“毕竟，五对夫妇不足以值得站起来。 —

Five couple are nothing, when one thinks seriously about it. —
当认真考虑时，五对夫妇根本算不了什么。 —

It will not do to invite five couple. It can be allowable only as the thought of the moment.’
邀请五对夫妇是不行的。这只能允许作为当时的想法。

Somebody said that Miss Gilbert was expected at her brother’s, and must be invited with the rest. —
有人说Gilbert小姐应该去她兄弟那里，并且必须邀请她。 —

Somebody else believed Mrs. Gilbert would have danced the other evening, if she had been asked. —
还有人说，如果她被邀请了， Gilbert夫人前几天晚上会跳舞的。 —

A word was put in for a second young Cox; —
又有人为第二位年轻的Cox先生鸣谢； —

and at last, Mr. Weston naming one family of cousins who must be included, and another of very old acquaintance who could not be left out, it became a certainty that the five couple would be at least ten, and a very interesting speculation in what possible manner they could be disposed of.
最后，韦斯顿先生提到必须包括的一家表兄妹和必须不能落下的一家非常老的熟人，至少五对夫妇会变成十对，如何安排他们成了一个非常有趣的思考。

The doors of the two rooms were just opposite each other. —
两个房间的门正对着彼此。 —

`Might not they use both rooms, and dance across the passage?’ It seemed the best scheme; —
“他们不能使用两个房间，然后在过道上跳舞吗？”这似乎是最好的方案； —

and yet it was not so good but that many of them wanted a better. Emma said it would be awkward; —
不过有很多人觉得还有更好的方案。Emma说这会很尴尬。 —

Mrs. Weston was in distress about the supper; —
韦斯顿夫人为晚宴感到烦恼； —

and Mr. Woodhouse opposed it earnestly, on the score of health. —
伍德豪斯先生则认为这对健康有害而坚决反对。 —

It made him so very unhappy, indeed, that it could not be persevered in.
这让他感到非常不快，因此无法坚持下去。

Oh! no,' said he;it would be the extreme of imprudence. I could not bear it for Emma! —
“哦！不行，”他说，“这太不明智了。我无法让艾玛这么做！ —

• Emma is not strong. She would catch a dreadful cold. So would poor little Harriet. —
  艾玛身体不好。她会着凉的。哈丽埃特也会。你们大家也都会。韦斯顿夫人，你会病倒的； —
  

So you would all. Mrs. Weston, you would be quite laid up; —
不要让他们谈论这种疯狂的事情。请不要让他们谈论这个。 —

do not let them talk of such a wild thing. Pray do not let them talk of it. —
那年轻人（声音低沉地说）非常轻率。 —

That young man (speaking lower) is very thoughtless. —
不要告诉他父亲，但那年轻人有些不对劲。 —

Do not tell his father, but that young man is not quite the thing. —
今晚他一直打开着门，非常考虑不周地让它们敞开。 —

He has been opening the doors very often this evening, and keeping them open very inconsiderately. —
他没有考虑到通风。我并不是要你反感他，但他确实有些不对劲！” —

He does not think of the draught. I do not mean to set you against him, but indeed he is not quite the thing!’
韦斯顿夫人对这样的指控感到遗憾。她知道这很重要，尽力想要化解。

Mrs. Weston was sorry for such a charge. She knew the importance of it, and said every thing in her power to do it away. —
每一扇门现在都关闭了，通道计划被放弃了，又回到了最初在他们所在的房间里跳舞的计划； —

Every door was now closed, the passage plan given up, and the first scheme of dancing only in the room they were in resorted to again; —
弗兰克·丘吉尔的热情投入，使得刚才被认为勉强够五对舞的空间，现在被设法足够十对。 —

and with such good-will on Frank Churchill’s part, that the space which a quarter of an hour before had been deemed barely sufficient for five couple, was now endeavoured to be made out quite enough for ten.
“我们太奢华了，”他说。“我们给予了不必要的空间。

We were too magnificent,' said he.We allowed unnecessary room. —
十对夫妇可以很好地站在这里。” —

Ten couple may stand here very well.’
及时送达。

Emma demurred. `It would be a crowd - a sad crowd; —
艾玛推辞道。这将是一群人 - 一个悲伤的群体； —

and what could be worse than dancing without space to turn in?’
还有比在没有转身空间的情况下跳舞更糟糕的事情吗？

Very true,' he gravely replied;it was very bad.’ —
他庄严地回答说：`非常正确。那真的很糟糕。’ —

But still he went on measuring, and still he ended with,
但他还是继续测量，最后又结束了，

I think there will be very tolerable room for ten couple.' <span><tang1>我认为十对夫妇有足够宽敞的空间。’

No, no,' said she,you are quite unreasonable. It would be dreadful to be standing so close! —
不，不，'她说，你太不讲道理了。要站得那样近将是可怕的！ —

Nothing can be farther from pleasure than to be dancing in a crowd - and a crowd in a little room!’
没有什么比在拥挤的小房间里跳舞更远离愉悦的了 - 而且是在一群人中！

There is no denying it,' he replied.I agree with you exactly. —
不可否认，'他回答。我完全同意你。 —

A crowd in a little room - Miss Woodhouse, you have the art of giving pictures in a few words. —
在一个小房间里有一群人 - 伍德豪斯小姐，你擅长用几个词来形容画面。绝妙，非常绝妙！ —

Exquisite, quite exquisite! - Still, however, having proceeded so far, one is unwilling to give the matter up. —
在这么远的情况下，仍然不愿放弃这个问题。’ —

It would be a disappointment to my father - and altogether - I do not know that - I am rather of opinion that ten couple might stand here very well.’
这会让我父亲失望 - 总的来说 - 我不知道 - 我倒是认为十对夫妇在这里站得很好。’

Emma perceived that the nature of his gallantry was a little self-willed, and that he would rather oppose than lose the pleasure of dancing with her; —
艾玛察觉到他的殷勤有点固执己见，他宁愿反对也不愿失去与她跳舞的乐趣； —

but she took the compliment, and forgave the rest. —
但她接受了这个赞美，宽恕了其他的。 —

Had she intended ever to marry him, it might have been worth while to pause and consider, and try to understand the value of his preference, and the character of his temper; —
如果她打算嫁给他，也许值得停下来思考一下，试着了解他的偏好价值和脾气的性格； —

but for all the purposes of their acquaintance, he was quite amiable enough.
但就他们相识的目的而言，他足够和蔼。

Before the middle of the next day, he was at Hartfield; —
在第二天中午之前，他便来到了哈特菲尔德； —

and he entered the room with such an agreeable smile as certified the continuance of the scheme. —
他带着一种讨人喜欢的微笑进入了房间，这证明了计划的继续。 —

It soon appeared that he came to announce an improvement.
很快就明显出来，他来宣布一个改进。

Well, Miss Woodhouse,' he almost immediately began,your inclination for dancing has not been quite frightened away, I hope, by the terrors of my father’s little rooms. —
“好了，伍德豪斯小姐，”他几乎立刻开始说道，“希望您对跳舞的兴趣，并没有被我父亲的小房间吓跑了。 —

I bring a new proposal on the subject: - a thought of my father’s, which waits only your approbation to be acted upon. —
“我带来了关于这个主题的一个新提议：-这是我父亲的一个想法，只等待您的批准才能付诸实施。 —

May I hope for the honour of your hand for the two first dances of this little projected ball, to be given, not at Randalls, but at the Crown Inn?’
“我是否能希望能够有幸在这个计划中的第一个小舞会上与您一起跳两支舞，地点定在皇冠酒店，而不是兰德尔斯那里？”

`The Crown!’
“皇冠酒店！”

`Yes; if you and Mr. Woodhouse see no objection, and I trust you cannot, my father hopes his friends will be so kind as to visit him there. —
“是的；如果您和伍德豪斯先生没有意见，我相信您不会的，我父亲希望他的朋友们能够去那里看望他。 —

Better accommodations, he can promise them, and not a less grateful welcome than at Randalls. —
“他可以向他们保证有更好的住宿条件，接待之意也毫不逊色于兰德尔斯。 —

It is his own idea. Mrs. Weston sees no objection to it, provided you are satisfied. —
“这是他自己的主意。韦斯顿夫人对此没有异议，只要您满意。 —

This is what we all feel. Oh! you were perfectly right! —
“这正是我们所有人的感受。哦！您完全是对的！ —

Ten couple, in either of the Randalls rooms, would have been insufferable! - Dreadful! —
“在兰德尔斯的任何一个房间里动作十对会令人无法忍受！— 真是可怕！ —

• I felt how right you were the whole time, but was too anxious for securing any thing to like to yield. —
  “我整个时间都感觉到您是对的，但由于太焦急于确保某件事情，所以不愿意让步。 —
  

Is not it a good exchange? - You consent - I hope you consent?’
“这难道不是一个好的交换吗？- 您同意 - 我希望您同意？”

`It appears to me a plan that nobody can object to, if Mr. and Mrs. Weston do not. —
“如果韦斯顿夫妇没有异议的话，似乎这是一个没有人会反对的计划。 —

I think it admirable; and, as far as I can answer for myself, shall be most happy - It seems the only improvement that could be. —
我认为这是令人钦佩的；就我自己而言，我会非常高兴 - 这似乎是唯一可以改进的地方。 —

Papa, do you not think it an excellent improvement?’
爸爸，你不觉得这是一个很好的改进吗？

She was obliged to repeat and explain it, before it was fully comprehended; —
她不得不重复并解释它，直到完全被理解； —

and then, being quite new, farther representations were necessary to make it acceptable.
然后，由于这是全新的，还需要进一步的说明才能让人接受。

No; he thought it very far from an improvement - a very bad plan - much worse than the other. --- <span><tang1>不，他认为这距离改进很遥远 - 这是一个非常糟糕的计划 - 比其他的更糟。 —

A room at an inn was always damp and dangerous; never properly aired, or fit to be inhabited. —
住在旅店的房间总是潮湿且危险；永远没有得到适当通风，或适于居住。 —

If they must dance, they had better dance at Randalls. —
如果他们一定要跳舞，他们最好在兰道尔斯跳。 —

He had never been in the room at the Crown in his life - did not know the people who kept it by sight. —
他一生中从未来过皇冠酒店的房间 - 也不认识那里的人。 —

• Oh! no - a very bad plan. They would catch worse colds at the Crown than anywhere.’
  - 哦！不 - 这是一个非常糟糕的计划。他们在皇冠酒店比任何其他地方更容易感冒。
  

I was going to observe, sir,' said Frank Churchill,that one of the great recommendations of this change would be the very little danger of any body’s catching cold - so much less danger at the Crown than at Randalls! —
我本来要观察的，先生，'弗兰克·丘吉尔说，这次变动的一大推荐是任何人患感冒的危险极小 - 在皇冠酒店比在兰道尔斯更少危险！ —

Mr. Perry might have reason to regret the alteration, but nobody else could.’
佩里先生可能有理由对这个变化感到遗憾，但其他人没有。’

Sir,' said Mr. Woodhouse, rather warmly,you are very much mistaken if you suppose Mr. Perry to be that sort of character. —
先生，'伍德豪斯先生有些激动地说，如果你认为佩里先生是那种性格，那你就大错特错了。 —

Mr. Perry is extremely concerned when any of us are ill. —
佩里先生当我们中的任何人生病时都非常关心。 —

But I do not understand how the room at the Crown can be safer for you than your father’s house.’
但我不明白皇冠酒店的房间怎么会比你父亲的房子更安全。

From the very circumstance of its being larger, sir. --- <span><tang1>正因为它更大，先生。 —

We shall have no occasion to open the windows at all - not once the whole evening; —
我们晚上完全不需要打开窗户一次; —

and it is that dreadful habit of opening the windows, letting in cold air upon heated bodies, which (as you well know, sir) does the mischief.’
而且就是那种可怕的习惯，打开窗户，让冷空气进入受热身体，（您知道的，先生）会造成伤害。

Open the windows! - but surely, Mr. Churchill, nobody would think of opening the windows at Randalls. --- <span><tang1>打开窗户！- 但当然，某人绝对不会想在兰德尔斯开窗户。 —

Nobody could be so imprudent! I never heard of such a thing. Dancing with open windows! —
没人会如此鲁莽！我从未听说过这种事。开着窗户跳舞！ —

• I am sure, neither your father nor Mrs. Weston (poor Miss Taylor that was) would suffer it.’
  - 我相信，您的父亲和韦斯顿夫人（以前是泰勒小姐）不会允许的。
  

Ah! sir - but a thoughtless young person will sometimes step behind a window-curtain, and throw up a sash, without its being suspected. --- <span><tang1>啊！先生 - 但一个轻率的年轻人有时会走到窗帘后面，拉起窗棂，而不被察觉。 —

I have often known it done myself.’
我自己经常见到这种事发生。

Have you indeed, sir? - Bless me! I never could have supposed it. --- <span><tang1>您真的见过，先生？- 天哪！我从未想过。 —

But I live out of the world, and am often astonished at what I hear. —
但我生活在异乡，经常听到令人吃惊的事。 —

However, this does make a difference; and, perhaps, when we come to talk it over - but these sort of things require a good deal of consideration. —
然而，这确实有所不同；也许，当我们谈论这件事的时候 - 但这类事情需要仔细考虑。 —

One cannot resolve upon them in a hurry. —
这些事情不能急于解决。 —

If Mr. and Mrs. Weston will be so obliging as to call here one morning, we may talk it over, and see what can be done.’
如果韦斯顿夫妇愿意在某天早上过来，我们可以谈一谈，看看能做些什么。

But, unfortunately, sir, my time is so limited - ' <span><tang1>但，不幸的是，先生，我时间很有限 - ‘

Oh!' interrupted Emma,there will be plenty of time for talking every thing over. —
哦！'艾玛打断道，完全有足够的时间来讨论所有事情。 —

There is no hurry at all. If it can be contrived to be at the Crown, papa, it will be very convenient for the horses. —
根本不急。如果能在皇冠酒店见面，爸爸，对马来说会很方便。 —

They will be so near their own stable.’
他们离自己的马厩如此之近。’

So they will, my dear. That is a great thing. Not that James ever complains; --- <span><tang1>是的，亲爱的。这是一件很好的事情。不是说詹姆斯曾经抱怨过； —

but it is right to spare our horses when we can. —
但在我们能够时，节约一下我们的马是对的。 —

If I could be sure of the rooms being thoroughly aired - but is Mrs. Stokes to be trusted? —
如果我能确定房间通风透彻——但斯托克斯夫人可信吗？ —

I doubt it. I do not know her, even by sight.’
我怀疑。我甚至没见过她的面。

I can answer for every thing of that nature, sir, because it will be under Mrs. Weston's care. --- <span><tang1>我可以保证一切都会被照顾好，先生，因为这将由韦斯顿夫人来负责。 —

Mrs. Weston undertakes to direct the whole.’
韦斯顿夫人承诺全权指导一切。’

There, papa! - Now you must be satisfied - Our own dear Mrs. Weston, who is carefulness itself. --- <span><tang1>看到了吧，爸爸！现在你得满意了——我们亲爱的韦斯顿夫人，细心入微。 —

Do not you remember what Mr. Perry said, so many years ago, when I had the measles? —
你还记得许多年前佩里先生说过的话吗，当时我得了麻疹吗？ —

If Miss Taylor undertakes to wrap Miss Emma up, you need not have any fears, sir.' --- <span><tang1>如果泰勒小姐负责包裹艾玛小姐，你就不用担心了，先生。’ —

’ How often have I heard you speak of it as such a compliment to her!’
’ 我多少次听你说过这样说是对她的尊敬！’

Aye, very true. Mr. Perry did say so. I shall never forget it. Poor little Emma! --- <span><tang1>嗯，确实如此。佩里先生当时这么说。我永远不会忘记。可怜的艾玛！ —

You were very bad with the measles; that is, you would have been very bad, but for Perry’s great attention. —
你得了麻疹时非常不舒服；那是，如果不是佩里非常关心的话。 —

He came four times a day for a week. He said, from the first, it was a very good sort - which was our great comfort; —
他一周四次来看你。他最初就说这是一种很好的病——这是我们的安慰； —

but the measles are a dreadful complaint. —
但麻疹是一种可怕的疾病。 —

I hope whenever poor Isabella’s little ones have the measles, she will send for Perry.’
我希望每当可怜的伊莎贝拉的小孩得麻疹时，她都会派人去请佩里。

My father and Mrs. Weston are at the Crown at this moment,' said Frank Churchill,examining the capabilities of the house. —
我父亲和韦斯顿夫人此刻正在皇冠酒店，'弗兰克·丘吉尔说，审查这所房子的能力。 —

I left them there and came on to Hartfield, impatient for your opinion, and hoping you might be persuaded to join them and give your advice on the spot. —
我留他们在那里，然后赶到哈特菲尔德，急切地想听听你的意见，希望你会被说服去加入他们，当场给予建议。 —

I was desired to say so from both. It would be the greatest pleasure to them, if you could allow me to attend you there. —
我被两人委托转告你。如果你能允许我陪同你去那里，他们将会非常高兴。 —

They can do nothing satisfactorily without you.’
没有你，他们无法令人满意地做任何事情。

Emma was most happy to be called to such a council; —
爱玛非常高兴被召集到这样的委员会； —

and her father, engaging to think it all over while she was gone, the two young people set off together without delay for the Crown. There were Mr. and Mrs. Weston; —
她的父亲答应在她离开时考虑这一切，两个年轻人没有拖延立刻一起去了皇冠酒店。那里是韦斯顿夫妇； —

delighted to see her and receive her approbation, very busy and very happy in their different way; —
非常高兴见到她，并得到她的认可，用不同的方式都非常忙碌和快乐； —

she, in some little distress; and he, finding every thing perfect.
她有些困扰；而他则认为一切都完美。

Emma,' said she,this paper is worse than I expected. Look! —
爱玛，'她说，这张纸比我预期的还要糟糕。看！ —

in places you see it is dreadfully dirty; —
有些地方你会看到它脏得可怕； —

and the wainscot is more yellow and forlorn than any thing I could have imagined.’
墙板比我能想象的任何东西都更黄更凄凉。’

My dear, you are too particular,' said her husband.What does all that signify? —
亲爱的，你太挑剔了，'她的丈夫说。这有什么意义呢？ —

You will see nothing of it by candlelight. —
你在明亮的灯光下看不出任何问题。 —

It will be as clean as Randalls by candlelight. —
在灯光下它将和兰道斯一样干净。 —

We never see any thing of it on our club-nights.’
永远在我们的俱乐部之夜中没有看到它的任何东西。

The ladies here probably exchanged looks which meant, `Men never know when things are dirty or not;’ —
这里的女士们可能交换了一些眼神，意思是，“男人们永远不知道什么时候事情是脏的或不是；” —

and the gentlemen perhaps thought each to himself, `Women will have their little nonsenses and needless cares.’
而绅士们也许心里想，“女人们总是有些小糊涂和不必要的关心。”

One perplexity, however, arose, which the gentlemen did not disdain. It regarded a supper-room. —
然而，一个困扰出现了，绅士们并不屑一顾。它涉及一个就餐室。 —

At the time of the ballroom’s being built, suppers had not been in question; —
在建造舞厅时，并没有讨论过晚餐； —

and a small card-room adjoining, was the only addition. What was to be done? —
一个毗邻的小牌室是唯一的增加。该怎么办？ —

This card-room would be wanted as a card-room now; —
现在这个牌室将被用作牌室； —

or, if cards were conveniently voted unnecessary by their four selves, still was it not too small for any comfortable supper? —
或者如果四个人方便地认为不需要打牌，那么它仍然太小，无法容纳一个舒适的晚餐。 —

Another room of much better size might be secured for the purpose; —
可以为此选取一间更好尺寸的房间； —

but it was at the other end of the house, and a long awkward passage must be gone through to get at it. —
但它在房子的另一端，必须穿过一个长而尴尬的走廊才能到达。 —

This made a difficulty. Mrs. Weston was afraid of draughts for the young people in that passage; —
这带来了一个困难。韦斯顿夫人担心那条走廊里的年轻人着凉； —

and neither Emma nor the gentlemen could tolerate the prospect of being miserably crowded at supper.
艾玛和绅士们都无法忍受在晚餐时被挤得不堪忍受。

Mrs. Weston proposed having no regular supper; merely sandwiches, &c., set out in the little room; —
韦斯顿夫人建议不设定正式的晚餐；只在小房间里摆放三明治等； —

but that was scouted as a wretched suggestion. —
但这个建议被嘲笑为一个可怜的建议。 —

A private dance, without sitting down to supper, was pronounced an infamous fraud upon the rights of men and women; —
没有坐下来吃晚餐的私人舞会被宣布为对男人和女人权利的一种可耻的欺诈。 —

and Mrs. Weston must not speak of it again. —
韦斯顿太太不能再提起这件事。 —

She then took another line of expediency, and looking into the doubtful room, observed,
于是她又采取了另一种权宜之计，看着那个令人怀疑的房间，说道，

I do not think it is so very small. We shall not be many, you know.' <span><tang1>我觉得它并不是很小。你知道我们不会有很多人的。’

And Mr. Weston at the same time, walking briskly with long steps through the passage, was calling out,
与此同时，韦斯顿先生也在整个走廊里快步走着，大步迈着，大声喊道，

You talk a great deal of the length of this passage, my dear. --- <span><tang1>亲爱的，你谈论这段走廊的长度真是太多了。 —

It is a mere nothing after all; and not the least draught from the stairs.’
总的来说，一点儿事都没有；楼梯上也不吹风。’

I wish,' said Mrs. Weston,one could know which arrangement our guests in general would like best. —
我希望，'韦斯顿太太说，我们可以知道大多数客人喜欢哪种安排。 —

To do what would be most generally pleasing must be our object - if one could but tell what that would be.’
我们的目标应该是做出最普遍受欢迎的选择——如果我们能知道那是什么的话。’

Yes, very true,' cried Frank,very true. You want your neighbours’ opinions. —
是的，非常正确，'弗兰克喊道，非常正确。你想要邻居们的意见。 —

I do not wonder at you. If one could ascertain what the chief of them - the Coles, for instance. —
我一点也不奇怪。如果我们能确定他们中的主要人物——科尔斯一家，比如说。 —

They are not far off. Shall I call upon them? Or Miss Bates? She is still nearer. —
他们不在很远的地方。我该去拜访他们吗？或者贝茨小姐？她更近一些。 —

• And I do not know whether Miss Bates is not as likely to understand the inclinations of the rest of the people as any body. —
  我不知道贝茨小姐是否不如任何人更有可能了解其他人的倾向。 —
  

I think we do want a larger council. Suppose I go and invite Miss Bates to join us?’
我觉得我们需要一个更大的委员会。要不要我去邀请贝茨小姐参加？’

Well - if you please,' said Mrs. Weston rather hesitating,if you think she will be of any use.’
好吧——如果你愿意，'韦斯顿太太有些犹豫地说，如果你认为她会有所用处。’

You will get nothing to the purpose from Miss Bates,' said Emma.She will be all delight and gratitude, but she will tell you nothing. —
你问贝茨小姐得不到什么有意义的东西，'艾玛说道。她会高兴得不得了，感激不尽，但她什么都不会告诉你。’ —

She will not even listen to your questions. —
她甚至都不愿意听你的问题。 —

I see no advantage in consulting Miss Bates.’
我不认为向贝茨小姐请教有什么好处。

But she is so amusing, so extremely amusing! --- <span><tang1>但她那么有趣，非常有趣! —

I am very fond of hearing Miss Bates talk. —
我很喜欢听贝茨小姐讲话。 —

And I need not bring the whole family, you know.’
你知道，我不需要带全家人来的。

Here Mr. Weston joined them, and on hearing what was proposed, gave it his decided approbation.
西顿先生加入他们，听到提议后，毫不犹豫地表示赞同。

Aye, do, Frank. - Go and fetch Miss Bates, and let us end the matter at once. --- <span><tang1>好吧，弗兰克，去请贝茨小姐来，让我们立刻结束这件事。 —

She will enjoy the scheme, I am sure; and I do not know a properer person for shewing us how to do away difficulties. —
她一定会喜欢这个计划，我敢肯定；没有比她更适合向我们展示如何解决困难的人了。 —

Fetch Miss Bates. We are growing a little too nice. —
请去请贝茨小姐来。我们变得太挑剔了。 —

She is a standing lesson of how to be happy. —
她是一个不平时学习如何快乐的榜样。 —

But fetch them both. Invite them both.’
但是请他们两个一起来。邀请他们两个一起来吧。

Both sir! Can the old lady?' . . . <span><tang1>两位都吗！那位老太太？’…

The old lady! No, the young lady, to be sure. --- <span><tang1>老太太！不，当然是那位年轻的小姐。 —

I shall think you a great blockhead, Frank, if you bring the aunt without the niece.’
如果你把侄女没有带来而带了姨妈，我会认为你是个大蠢货，弗兰克。

Oh! I beg your pardon, sir. I did not immediately recollect. --- <span><tang1>哦！对不起，先生。我没有立即想起来。 —

Undoubtedly if you wish it, I will endeavour to persuade them both.’ And away he ran.
“毫无疑问，如果你愿意，我会尽力说服他们两个。” 他一边说着一边跑了出去。

Long before he reappeared, attending the short, neat, brisk-moving aunt, and her elegant niece, - Mrs. Weston, like a sweet-tempered woman and a good wife, had examined the passage again, and found the evils of it much less than she had supposed before - indeed very trifling; —
在短暂、整洁、轻快的姨妈和她优雅的侄女跟着出现之前，西斯顿夫人就像一个温和的女人和好妻子一样，再次检查了通道，发现其中的问题远不如她之前所想的那么严重 - 实际上非常微不足道; —

and here ended the difficulties of decision. —
至此，做出决定就没那么困难了。 —

All the rest, in speculation at least, was perfectly smooth. —
在理论上，一切都非常顺利。 —

All the minor arrangements of table and chair, lights and music, tea and supper, made themselves; —
桌椅、灯光和音乐、茶和晚餐等一切次要安排自行解决; —

or were left as mere trifles to be settled at any time between Mrs. Weston and Mrs. Stokes. —
“或者被作为毫无意义的小事留给西斯顿夫人和斯托克斯夫人随时去解决。” —

• Every body invited, was certainly to come; —
  “每个受邀的人肯定都会来;” —
  

Frank had already written to Enscombe to propose staying a few days beyond his fortnight, which could not possibly be refused. —
“弗兰克已经写信给恩斯康，提议延长他的两周假期，这是不可能拒绝的。” —

And a delightful dance it was to be.
“这将是一场美好的舞会。”

Most cordially, when Miss Bates arrived, did she agree that it must. —
“当贝茨小姐到达时，她非常确信这一点。” —

As a counsellor she was not wanted; but as an approver, (a much safer character,) she was truly welcome. —
“她并不需要做顾问;但作为一个赞同者（一个更安全的角色），她真的受到欢迎。” —

Her approbation, at once general and minute, warm and incessant, could not but please; —
“她的赞同，即普遍又细致，热情而持续，不可不讨人喜欢;” —

and for another half-hour they were all walking to and fro, between the different rooms, some suggesting, some attending, and all in happy enjoyment of the future. —
“接下来的半个小时，他们都在不同的房间里来回走动，有人提议，有人照顾，并且所有人都在享受未来的快乐。” —

The party did not break up without Emma’s being positively secured for the two first dances by the hero of the evening, nor without her overhearing Mr. Weston whisper to his wife, `He has asked her, my dear. —
“派对结束时，艾玛被当晚的主角邀请参加前两支舞；同时她听到西斯顿先生对夫人小声说：‘他已经问她了，亲爱的。’” —

That’s right. I knew he would!’
“太好了。我就知道他会这么做！”。