Like bees swarming after their queen, mother and daughters hovered about Mr. March the next day, neglecting everything to look at, wait upon, and listen to the new invalid, who was in a fair way to be killed by kindness. —
就像蜜蜂围绕着蜂后一样，母亲和女儿们第二天围绕着马奇先生忙忙碌碌，把一切都抛在脑后，只为看着、等着、听着这个新病人，他几乎被关怀致死。 —

As he sat propped up in a big chair by Beth’s sofa, with the other three close by, and Hannah popping in her head now and then to “peek at the dear man”, nothing seemed needed to complete their happiness. —
他坐在贝丝的沙发旁边的一把大椅子上，其他三个人都近在咫尺，汉娜不时地把头探进来“偷看这位亲爱的男人”，一切都显得完美无缺。 —

But something was needed, and the elder ones felt it, though none confessed the fact. —
但是，还缺少一些东西，年长的人感觉到了，虽然没有人承认这个事实。 —

Mr. and Mrs. March looked at one another with an anxious expression, as their eyes followed Meg. Jo had sudden fits of sobriety, and was seen to shake her fist at Mr. Brooke’s umbrella, which had been left in the hall; —
当梅格走路时，马奇先生和马奇夫人面带焦虑的表情时时陷入对视。乔突然变得严肃起来，经常对着布鲁克先生的伞挥舞拳头，伞被他落在了大厅里。 —

Meg was absent-minded, shy, and silent, started when the bell rang, and coloured when John’s name was mentioned; —
梅格心不在焉，害羞而沉默，每次门铃响起时都会吃惊，当提到约翰的名字时会脸红。 —

Amy said, ‘Everyone seemed waiting for something, and couldn’t settle down, which was queer, since Father was safe at home,’ and Beth innocently wondered why their neighbours didn’t run over as usual.
艾米说：“每个人都似乎在等着什么，无法安定下来，这很奇怪，因为父亲已经安全回家了。”贝丝天真地想知道为什么他们的邻居不像往常一样跑过来。

Laurie went by in the afternoon, and, seeing Meg at the window, seemed suddenly possessed with a melodramatic fit, for he fell down upon one knee in the snow, beat his breast, tore his hair, and clasped his hands imploringly, as if begging some boon; —
劳瑞在下午经过，看到梅格在窗口，突然陷入了一种戏剧性的情绪中，他跪在雪地上，捶胸顿足，拔头发，双手拱在一起，仿佛乞求某种请求； —

and when Meg told him to behave himself and go away, he wrung imaginary tears out of his handkerchief, and staggered round the corner as if in utter despair.
当梅格告诉他要守规矩离开时，他用手帕挤出了虚假的眼泪，摇摇晃晃地绕过街角，仿佛彻底绝望。

What does the goose mean?’ said Meg, laughing, and trying to look unconscious.
“鹅是什么意思？”梅格笑着说，试图装作不知情的样子。

He’s showing you how your John will go on by and by. —
“他在向你展示你的约翰以后会怎样。 —

Touching, isn’t it?’ answered Jo, scornfully.
令人动容，不是吗？”乔轻蔑地回答道。

Don’t say my John, it isn’t proper or true’; —
“别说我的约翰，那不恰当也不真实。 —

but Meg’s voice lingered over the words as if they sounded pleasant to her. —
”梅格的声音停顿在这些词上，好像她觉得听起来很愉快。 —

‘Please don’t plague me, Jo; —
“请不要烦我，乔。” —

I’ve told you I don’t care much about him, and there isn’t to be anything said, but we are all to be friendly, and go on as before.’
我跟你说了，我并不太在意他，也不希望有什么话说出来，但我们都要友好相处，像以前一样。

We can’t, for something has been said, and Laurie’s mischief has spoilt you for me. —
我们不能这样，因为有些话已经说出来了，而劳里的恶作剧破坏了我们之间的关系。我看得出来，母亲也看得出来； —

I see it, and so does Mother; —
你现在完全不像以前的你，似乎离我很远。 —

you are not like your old self a bit, and seem ever so far away from me. —
我不打算纠缠你，会像男子汉一样忍受，但我真希望一切都尽快解决。我讨厌等待，所以如果你真想这么做，就赶快行动吧。 —

I don’t mean to plague you, and will bear it like a man, but I do wish it was all settled. —
在他开口之前，我不能说或做任何事情，而他又不会说，因为父亲说我太年轻。’ 梅格弯下身子继续做活，带着一丝怪异的微笑， —

I hate to wait; —
似乎对父亲的观点并不完全同意。 —

so if you mean ever to do it, make haste and have it over quickly,’ said Jo, pettishly.
如果他开口了，你会不知道该说什么，只会哭或脸红，或者顺从他的意愿，而不是坚决说不。

I can’t say or do anything till he speaks, and he won’t, because Father said I was too young,’ began Meg, bending over her work, with a queer little smile, which suggested that she did not quite agree with her father on that point.
这话如果他说了，你也不会知道该说什么，而会哭或脸红，或听任他的意愿，而不是坚决说“不”。

If he did speak, you wouldn’t know what to say, but would cry or blush, or let him have his own way, instead of giving a good, decided No.’
如果他说了，你也不知道该说什么，只会哭或脸红，或者听任他的意愿，而不是坚决说不。

I’m not so silly and weak as you think. —
我并不像你想的那样傻和软弱。 —

I know just what I should say, for I’ve planned it all, so I needn’t be taken unawares; —
我知道该说些什么，因为我已经策划好了，所以不会被措手不及。 —

there’s no knowing what may happen, and I wish to be prepared.’
谁也说不准会发生什么事情，我希望能有所准备。

Jo couldn’t help smiling at the important air which Meg had unconsciously assumed, and which was as becoming as the pretty colour varying in her cheeks.
乔不禁笑了起来，梅格无意间展示出的认真态度非常好看，脸上也泛起了可爱的红晕。

Would you mind telling me what you’d say?’ asked Jo, more respectfully.
你介意告诉我你会说什么吗？乔更加恭敬地问道。

Not at all; you are sixteen now, quite old enough to be my confidante, and my experience will be useful to you by-and-by, perhaps, in your own affairs of this sort.’
一点也不介意；你已经十六岁了，完全足够成为我的知己，我的经验将来或许对你自己的类似事情会有帮助。

Don’t mean to have any; it’s fun to watch other people philander, but I should feel like a fool doing it myself,’ said Jo, looking alarmed at the thought.
我不打算去谈恋爱；看别人谈恋爱挺有意思的，但是自己去做的话我会觉得像个傻瓜，乔说，听到这个想法她满脸戒备。

I think not, if you liked anyone very much, and he liked you.’ Meg spoke as if to herself, and glanced out at the lane, where she had often seen lovers walking together in the summer twilight.
我认为不会，如果你很喜欢某个人，而他也喜欢你。梅格仿佛对自己说了一句话，抬头看着小巷，她常常在那里看到恋人们在夏日黄昏一起散步。

I thought you were going to tell your speech to that man,’ said Jo, rudely shortening her sister’s little reverie.
“我以为你要把你的演讲告诉那个男人，”乔粗鲁地打断她姐姐的小幻想。

Oh, I should merely say, quite calmly and decidedly, ‘Thank you, Mr. Brooke, you are very kind, but I agree with Father that I am too young to enter into any engagement at present; —
“哦，我应该只是很平静而坚决地说，‘谢谢你，布鲁克先生，你很好心，但是我同意父亲的观点，目前我还太年轻，无法订婚；所以请不要再说了，让我们还是像以前一样做朋友吧。’” —

so please say no more, but let us be friends as we were.“’
“嗯！那听起来很拗口、冷漠。我不相信你会这么说，而且我知道如果你这么说，他也不会满意。”

Hum! that’s stiff and cool enough. —
“如果他像书中被拒绝的恋人那样继续追求， —

I don’t believe you’ll ever say it, and I know he won’t be satisfied if you do. —
你会屈服的，只是为了不伤害他的感情。” —

If he goes on like the rejected lovers in books, you’ll give in, rather than hurt his feelings.’
“不，我不会。我会告诉他我已经下定决心了，然后端正地走出房间。”

No, I won’t. I shall tell him I’ve made up my mind, and shall walk out of the room with dignity.’
梅格说着站起身，正准备排练那高傲的离去，但走廊里的一阵脚步声让她匆忙坐回座位，开始缝制，仿佛她的生命取决于在规定时间内完成那条特定的缝线。

Meg rose as she spoke, and was just going to rehearse the dignified exit, when a step in the hall made her fly into her seat and begin to sew as if her life depended on finishing that particular seam in a given time. —
—

Jo smothered a laugh at the sudden change, and, when someone gave a modest tap, opened the door with a grim aspect, which was anything but hospitable.
看到突然的变化，乔压住了笑声，当有人轻轻敲门时，她带着一种严肃的表情打开了门，一点也不友好。

Good afternoon. I came to get my umbrella - that is, to see how your father finds himself today,’ said Mr. Brooke, getting a trifle confused as his eye went from one tell-tale face to the other.
下午好，我过来取我的雨伞 - 意思是，看看你爸爸今天怎么样，”布鲁克先生说着，他的目光从一个泄露底细的脸上移到另一个。

It’s very well, he’s in the rack, I’ll get him, and tell it you are here,’ and having jumbled her father and the umbrella well together in her reply, Jo slipped out of the room to give Meg a chance to make her speech and air her dignity. —
“很好，他在外面，我去把他找回来，告诉他你在这里。”在回答中将她的父亲和雨伞搞混了一起，乔走出房间给梅格机会发表讲话和展示庄严。 —

But the instant she vanished, Meg began to sidle towards the door, murmuring, ‘Mother will like to see you. —
但她刚一消失，梅格就开始朝门口挪动，嘀咕着“母亲会很高兴见到你。” —

Pray sit down, I’ll call her.’
请坐，我去叫她。

Don’t go; are you afraid of me, Margaret?’ and Mr. Brooke looked so hurt that Meg thought she must have done something very rude. —
别走，你害怕我吗，玛格丽特？”布鲁克先生看起来很受伤，梅格觉得自己一定做了什么很粗鲁的事情。 —

She blushed up to the little curls on her forehead, for he had never called her Margaret before, and she was surprised to find how natural and sweet it seemed to hear him say it. —
她脸红到了额头上的小卷发，因为他从未称她为玛格丽特，她很惊讶地发现听他说这个名字有多自然和甜蜜。 —

Anxious to appear friendly and at her ease, she put out her hand with a confiding gesture, and said gratefully: —
为了显得友好和轻松，她伸出手做了一个信任的手势，并感激地说道：“您对父亲这么好，我怎么会害怕呢？我只希望我能感谢您。” —

‘How can I be afraid when you have been so kind to Father? —
“我该怎么告诉你呢？”布鲁克先生问道，用双手牢牢地握住了她的小手，目光注视着梅格，那双棕色眼睛里充满了爱， —

I only wish I could thank you for it.’
令她的心开始跳动，她既想逃跑又想停下来听他说。

Shall I tell you how?’ asked Mr. Brooke, holding the small hand fast in both his own, and looking down at Meg with so much love in the brown eyes, that her heart began to flutter, and she both longed to run away and to stop and listen.
“哦不，拜托不要——我宁愿不知道。”她试图抽回手，看起来很害怕，尽管她否认这一点。

Oh no, please don’t - I’d rather not,’ she said, trying to withdraw her hand, and looking frightened in spite of her denial.
“我不会让你为难的，我只想知道你是否稍微喜欢我一点，梅格。我如此爱你，亲爱的，”布鲁克先生温柔地补充道。

I won’t trouble you, I only want to know if you care for me a little, Meg. I love you so much, dear,’ added Mr. Brooke tenderly.
这是一个适合冷静、得体的说话的时刻，但梅格没有说出来。

This was the moment for the calm, proper speech, but Meg didn’t make it; —
-。 —

she forgot every word of it, hung her head, and answered, ‘I don’t know,’ so softly, that John had to stoop down to catch the foolish little reply.
她忘记了这些话的每一个字，低着头回答道：“我不知道。”声音很轻，约翰不得不弯腰才能听清这愚蠢的回答。

He seemed to think it was worth the trouble, for he smiled to himself as if quite satisfied, pressed the plump hand gratefully, and said, in his most persuasive tone, ‘Will you try and find out? —
他似乎觉得这样做是值得的，因为他满意地对自己微笑着，感激地握住那只丰满的手，以他最有说服力的口吻说道：“你会试着去找出答案吗？ —

I want to know so much; for I can’t go to work with any heart until I learn whether I am to have my reward in the end or not.’
我很想知道；因为在得知最终是否能得到回报之前，我无法全心全意地工作。

I’m too young,’ faltered Meg, wondering why she was so fluttered, yet rather enjoying it.
我太年轻了，”梅格结巴地说，想知道为什么她如此激动，却有些享受这种感觉。

I’ll wait; and in the meantime, you could be learning to like me. —
我会等待的；而且在这期间，你可以学着喜欢我。亲爱的， —

Would it be a very hard lesson, dear?’
这会是一个很难的课程吗？

Not if I chose to learn it, but–’
只要我选择学，就不难，不过……

Please choose to learn, Meg. I love to teach, and this is easier than German,’ broke in John, getting possession of the other hand, so that she had no way of hiding her face, as he bent to look into it.
请选择去学吧，梅格。我喜欢教学，这比学德语容易，”约翰打断她，掌握住她的另一只手，这样她无法遮住脸，他低下身子凝视着她的脸。

His tone was properly beseeching; but, stealing a shy look at him, Meg saw that his eyes were merry as well as tender, and that he wore the satisfied smile of one who had no doubt of his success. —
他的语气恳求而得体；然而，梅格看了他一眼，发现他的眼神不只是温柔，而是欢快的，脸上还挂着满意的微笑，像是对自己的成功毫不怀疑。 —

This nettled her; Annie Moffat’s foolish lessons in coquetry came into her mind, and the love of power, which sleeps in the bosoms of the best of little women, woke up all of a sudden and took possession of her. —
这让她有些生气；安妮·莫菲特愚蠢的调情教训涌上她的脑海，而对权力的追求，即使在最好的小女人心中也沉睡着，突然醒了过来并占据了她的心。 —

She felt excited and strange, and, not knowing what to do, followed a capricious impulse, and, withdrawing her hands, said petulantly, ‘I don’t choose. —
她感到兴奋又陌生，不知道该怎么办，心血来潮地抽回自己的手，撒娇地说道，“我不要。” —

Please go away and let me be!’
请你离开，让我一个人呆着！

Poor Mr. Brooke looked as if his lovely castle in the air was tumbling about his ears, for he had never seen Meg in such a mood before, and it rather bewildered him.
可怜的布鲁克先生看起来他空中美丽的梦想要崩塌了，因为他从未见过梅格有如此情绪，这让他有些困惑。

Do you really mean that?’ he asked anxiously, following her as she walked away.
你是认真的吗？他焦虑地问道，跟在她走开的背后。

Yes, I do; I don’t want to be worried about such things. —
是的，我认真的；我不想为这些事情烦恼。 —

Father says I needn’t; it’s too soon and I’d rather not.’
爸爸说我不需要，现在是为时过早，我宁愿不要。

Mayn’t I hope you’ll change your mind by-and-by? I’ll wait, and say nothing till you have had more time. —
希望你能改变主意，我会等待，并且什么都不说，直到你有更多时间。 —

Don’t play with me, Meg. I didn’t think that of you.’
别跟我耍心机，梅格。我没想到你会那样。

Don’t think of me at all. I’d rather you wouldn’t,’ said Meg, taking a naughty satisfaction in trying her lover’s patience and her own power. —
根本不要考虑我。我宁愿你不要考虑，梅格说着，享受着试探爱人耐心和自己力量的邪恶满足感。 —

He was grave and silent now; —
他现在看起来庄重而沉默， —

and looked decidedly more like the novel heroes whom she admired; —
明显更像她崇拜的小说男主角； —

but he neither slapped his forehead nor tramped about the room, as they did; —
但他既不拍额头，也没有在房间里踱步，就只是站在那里这样眼巴巴地看着她，她的心不禁软化起来。 —

he just stood looking at her so wistfully, so tenderly, that she found her heart relenting in spite of her. —
接下来会发生什么，我说不准。如果此刻马奇姨婆没一瘸一拐地进来，情况会怎样？ —

What would have happened next I cannot say, if Aunt March had not come hobbling in at this interesting minute.
老太太忍不住渴望见到她的侄子，因为她在散步时遇到了劳里，听说马奇先生到来，直奔那里而来。

The old lady couldn’t resist her longing to see her nephew; —
老太太怀着迫不及待的心情来看望他的侄子， —

for she had met Laurie as she took her airing, and, hearing of Mr. March’s arrival, drove straight out to see him. —
因为在散步时她遇到了劳里，并听说了马奇先生到来，她直接驱车前来拜访。 —

The family were all busy in the back part of the house, and she had made her way quietly in, hoping to surprise them. —
整个家庭都忙着在屋子后面，她悄悄地走进来，希望能够给他们一个惊喜。 —

She did surprise two of them so much that Meg started as if she had seen a ghost, and Mr. Brooke vanished into the study.
她确实让其中两个人吓了一跳，以至于梅格仿佛见到了鬼一样，而布鲁克先生则消失在书房里。

Bless me, what’s all this?’ cried the old lady, with a rap of her cane, as she glanced from the pale young gentleman to the scarlet young lady.
天哪，发生了什么事？老太太用手杖敲了一下，一边看着苍白的年轻绅士，一边看着红扑扑的年轻女士。

It’s Father’s friend. I’m so surprised to see you!’ stammered Meg, feeling that she was in for a lecture now.
他是爸爸的朋友。见到你真让我感到惊讶！梅格结结巴巴地说，感觉自己现在要被教训了。

That’s evident,’ returned Aunt March, sitting down. —
那很明显，’安妮姨妈坐下来说道。 —

‘But what is Father’s friend saying to make you look like a peony? —
‘但是爸爸的朋友说了什么让你脸红如红花？ —

There’s mischief going on, and I insist upon knowing what it is,’ with another rap.
肯定是有些淘气的事情发生了，我坚决要求知道是什么。安妮姨妈又敲了一下手杖。

We were merely talking. Mr. Brooke came for his umbrella,’ began Meg, wishing that Mr. Brooke and the umbrella were safely out of the house.
我们只是在聊天。布鲁克先生来取他的雨伞，’梅格开始后悔布鲁克先生和雨伞为什么不能安全地离开这个房子。

Brooke? That boy’s tutor? Ah! —
布鲁克？那个男孩的家庭教师？ —

I understand now. I know all about it. —
啊！我明白了。我全都知道了。 —

Jo blundered into a wrong message in one of your father’s letters, and I made her tell me. —
乔在你父亲的信中错误地发现了一条信息，我让她告诉了我。 —

You haven’t gone and accepted him, child?’ cried Aunt March, looking scandalized.
“孩子，你没有去接受他吧？”阿姨马奇大声说道，看起来很惊讶。

Hush! he’ll hear. Shan’t I call Mother?’ said Meg, much troubled.
“嘘！他会听到的。我应该叫妈妈吗？”梅格说道，感到非常困扰。

Not yet. I’ve something to say to you, and I must free my mind at once. Tell me, do you mean to marry this Cook? —
“还没有。我有些话要对你说，我必须立刻表达我的想法。告诉我，你打算嫁给这个库克吗？” —

If you do, not one penny of my money ever goes to you. —
“如果你这样做，我绝对不会给你一分钱。 —

Remember that, and be a sensible girl,’ said the old lady, impressively.
记住这一点，做个明智的女孩。”老太太语重心长地说道。

Now Aunt March possessed in perfection the art of rousing the spirit of opposition in the gentlest people, and enjoyed doing it. —
玛奇阿姨完全掌握了在温柔的人中激起反对意识的艺术，并享受这样做。 —

The best of us have a spice of perversity in us, especially when we are young and in love. —
我们中的最好的人都有一点固执己见，特别是当我们年轻并陷入爱河时。 —

If Aunt March had begged Meg to accept John Brooke, she would probably have declared she couldn’t think of it; —
如果阿姨马奇恳求梅格接受约翰·布鲁克，她可能会宣称无法考虑。 —

but as she was peremptorily ordered not to like him, she immediately made up her mind that she would. —
但是既然阿姨命令她不要喜欢他，她立刻下定决心要喜欢他。 —

Inclination as well as perversity made the decision easy, and, being already much excited, Meg opposed the old lady with unusual spirit.
倾向和倔强心态使决定变得容易，而且由于已经非常激动，梅格以往非同寻常的勇气反对了老太太。

I shall marry whom I please, Aunt March, and you can leave your money to anyone you like,’ she said, nodding her head with a resolute air.
“我会嫁给我喜欢的人，奥叔，你可以把你的钱留给任何你喜欢的人，” 她坚定地点点头说。

Highty tighty! Is that the way you take my advice, miss? —
“喧宾夺主！你就听不进我的建议， —

You’ll be sorry for it, by and by, when you’ve tried love in a cottage, and found it a failure.’
小姐吗？等你在农舍里尝试过爱情，发现它的失败后你会后悔的。”

It can’t be a worse one than some people find in big houses,’ retorted Meg.
“在豪宅里遇到的困难不会比有些人遇到的更糟糕，” 梅格反驳道。

Aunt March put on her glasses and took a look at the girl, for she did not know her in this new mood. —
奥叔戴上眼镜，仔细看着这个女孩，因为她在这种新的情绪中认不出她。 —

Meg hardly knew herself, she felt so brave and independent - so glad to defend John, and assert her right to love him, if she liked. —
梅格自己也几乎认不出自己，她感到如此勇敢和独立 - 如此高兴地为约翰辩护，并坚决主张自己有权去爱他。 —

Aunt March saw that she had begun wrong, and, after a little pause, made a fresh start, saying, as mildly as she could, ‘Now, Meg, my dear, be reasonable, and take my advice. —
奥叔意识到她开始错了，稍事停顿后，温和地重新开口说道：“现在，亲爱的梅格，要理性点，听取我的建议。” —

I mean it kindly, and don’t want you to spoil your whole life by making a mistake at the beginning. —
我的意思是善意的，我不希望你因为一开始的错误而毁掉整个生活。 —

You ought to marry well, and help your family; —
你应该找一个好婚姻并帮助你的家人； —

it’s your duty to make a rich match, and it ought to be impressed upon you.’
你有义务找一个富有的对象，这一点应该给你留下深刻印象。

Father and Mother don’t think so; —
父母并不这么认为； —

they like John, though he is poor.’
他们喜欢约翰，尽管他很穷。

Your parents, my dear, have no more worldly wisdom than two babies.’
亲爱的，你的父母没有世俗智慧，就像两个婴儿一样。

I’m glad of it,’ cried Meg, stoutly.
我为此感到高兴，”梅格大声说道。

Aunt March took no notice, but went on with her lecture, ‘This Rook is poor, and hasn’t got any rich relations, has he?’
马奇阿姨没有注意到，继续她的训诫，“这个笨蛋很穷，没有任何富裕的亲戚，对吗？

No, but he has many warm friends.’
没有，但是他有很多热心的朋友。

You can’t live on friends; try it, and see how cool they’ll grow. —
你不能靠朋友生活；试试看，你会看到他们会变得多么冷漠。 —

He hasn’t any business, has he?’
他没有什么事业，对吗？

Not yet; Mr. Laurence is going to help him.’
还没有；劳伦斯先生将帮助他。

That won’t last long. James Laurence is a crotchety old fellow, and not to be depended upon. —
那不会持续很久。詹姆斯·劳伦斯是个怪癖的老家伙，不能信赖。 —

So you intend to marry a man without money, position, or business, and go on working harder than you do now, when you might be comfortable all your days by minding me and doing better? —
所以你打算嫁给一个没有钱、没有地位、没有事业的人，还要比现在更加努力工作，当你本可以通过听我的话并做得更好来过上舒适的生活时？ —

I thought you had more sense, Meg.’
我原以为你更有分寸，梅格。

I couldn’t do better if I waited half my life! —
就算我等上一辈子也比不上他！ —

John is good and wise; he’s got heaps of talent; —
约翰很优秀聪明，他才华横溢； —

he’s willing to work, and sure to get on, he’s so energetic and brave. —
他愿意努力工作，而且有能力取得成功，他是如此有活力和勇敢。 —

Everyone likes and respects him, and I’m proud to think he cares for me, though I’m so poor and young and silly,’ said Meg, looking prettier than ever in her earnestness.
每个人都喜欢并尊重他，我为他关心我而感到骄傲，尽管我如此贫穷、年轻和愚蠢，”梅格说道，怀着真诚的心情，更显得漂亮。

He knows you have got rich relations, child; —
他知道你有富有的亲戚，孩子； —

that’s the secret of his liking, I suspect.’
这就是他喜欢你的原因的秘密，我怀疑。

Aunt March, how dare you say such a thing? —
玛奇阿姨，你怎么敢这样说？ —

John is above such meanness, and I won’t listen to you a minute if you talk so,’ cried Meg, indignantly, forgetting everything but the injustice of the old lady’s suspicions. —
约翰不会有这种卑劣的行为，如果你这样说话的话，我一分钟都不会听你说，”梅格愤怒地喊道，忘记了除了老太太的怀疑之外的一切。 —

‘My John wouldn’t marry for money, any more than I would. —
“我的约翰不会为了钱而结婚，就像我一样。 —

We are willing to work, and we mean to wait. —
我们愿意努力工作，我们会等待。 —

I’m not afraid of being poor, for I’ve been happy so far and I know I shall be with him, because he loves me, and I–’
我不害怕贫穷，因为到目前为止我一直很幸福，我知道和他在一起我也会幸福，因为他爱我，而我……

Meg stopped there, remembering all of a sudden that she hadn’t made up her mind; —
梅格在那儿停住了，突然想起自己还没有下定决心。 —

that she had told “her John” to go away, and that he might be overhearing her inconsistent remarks.
她告诉”她的约翰”走开了，并且担心他可能会听到她前后矛盾的话。

Aunt March was very angry, for she had set her heart on having her pretty niece make a fine match, and something in the girl’s happy young face made the lonely old woman feel both sad and sour.
阿姨玛奇非常生气，因为她希望自己漂亮的侄女能嫁入豪门，而那个女孩脸上的开心神情让这个孤独的老太太感到伤感又恶心。

Well, I wash my hands of the whole affair. —
唉，我对这整件事情洗手不管了。 —

You are a willful child, and you’ve lost more than you know by this piece of folly. —
你真是个任性的孩子，这次愚蠢的行为让你失去了更多你不知道的东西。不， —

No, I won’t stop; —
我不会停下来。 —

I’m disappointed in you, and haven’t spirits to see your father now. —
我对你很失望，没心情现在见你父亲了。 —

Don’t expect anything from me when you are married; —
当你结婚后不要指望我有任何帮助， —

your Mr. Book’s friends must take care of you. —
你的书先生的朋友们必须照顾你。 —

I’ve done with you for ever.’
我与你永远断绝关系了。

And, slamming the door in Meg’s face, Aunt March drove off in high dudgeon. —
然后，阿姨玛奇砰地关上门，生气地开车离去。 —

She seemed to take all the girl’s courage with her; —
她似乎把女孩所有的勇气都带走了。 —

for, when left alone, Meg stood a moment, undecided whether to laugh or cry. —
因此，当留下一个人的时候，梅格站了一会儿，不知道是该笑还是哭。 —

Before she could make up her mind, she was taken possession of by Mr. Brooke, who said, all in one breath, ‘I couldn’t help hearing, Meg. Thank you for defending me and Aunt March for proving that you do care for me a little bit.’
在她还没有作出决定之前，布鲁克先生就占据了她的心思。一口气说道：“梅格，我听不住你的话。谢谢你替我辩护，还有替我证明你确实对我有一点点关心的见证。”

I didn’t know how much till she abused you,’ began Meg.
“我不知道她有多讨厌你，”梅格开始说道。

And I needn’t go away, but may stay and be happy, may I, dear?’
“而且我不需要离开，我可以留下来，过上幸福的生活，对吗，亲爱的？”

Here was another fine chance to make the crushing speech and the stately exit, but Meg never thought of doing either, and disgraced herself for ever in Jo’s eyes by meekly whispering, ‘Yes, John,’ and hiding her face on Mr. Brooke’s waistcoat.
这里又是一个将人痛击到底并且高傲地离开的好机会，但是梅格从未想过去做任何一个，她低声地说：“是的，约翰。”然后把脸埋在布鲁克先生的胸前，永远地在乔的眼中失去了体面。

Fifteen minutes after Aunt March’s departure, Jo came softly downstairs, paused an instant at the parlor door, and, hearing no sound within, nodded and smiled, with a satisfied expression, saying to herself, ‘She has sent him away as we planned, and that affair is settled. —
小玛奇离开十五分钟后，乔悄悄地下了楼，在客厅的门口停了一下，听不到里面有任何声音，他满意地点了点头，微笑着说道：“她按照我们的计划把他送走了，那桩事情解决了。” —

I’ll go and hear the fun, and have a good laugh over it.’
“我要去听一听这个有趣的事情，然后好好笑一场。”

But poor Jo never got her laugh, for she was transfixed upon the threshold by a spectacle which held her there, staring with her mouth nearly as wide open as her eyes. —
但是可怜的乔从来没有笑出来，因为她被一幅奇景所吸引，让她呆呆地站在门槛上，眼睁睁地看着，嘴巴几乎和眼睛一样大。 —

Going to exult over a fallen enemy, and to praise a strong-minded sister for the banishment of an objectionable lover, it certainly was a shock to behold the aforesaid enemy serenely sitting on the sofa, with the strong-minded sister enthroned upon his knee, and wearing an expression of the most abject submission. —
原本想要嘲笑一个倒下的敌人，并夸赞一个坚强的姐姐放逐了一个令人讨厌的情人，然而看到上述敌人静静地坐在沙发上，坚强的妹妹居然坐在他的膝盖上，表情极度屈服，真是个震惊。 —

Jo gave a sort of gasp as if a cold shower-bath had suddenly fallen upon her - for such an unexpected turning of the tables actually took her breath away. —
乔听到这样意想不到的局面，感觉像是被冷水淋了一样，差点喘不过气来。这样意想不到的反转真的让她大吃一惊。 —

At the odd sound the lovers turned and saw her. —
在奇怪的声音传来时，情侣们回头看到了她。 —

Meg jumped up, looking both proud and shy; —
梅格跳起来，既骄傲又害羞； —

but “that man”, as Jo called him, actually laughed, and said coolly, as he kissed the astonished newcomer, ‘Sister Jo, congratulate us!’ That was adding insult to injury - it was altogether too much - and making some wild demonstration with her hands, Jo vanished without a word. —
但是”那个男人”，就像乔叫他的那样，居然笑了，冷静地说着，一边亲吻这个惊讶的新来者，一边说道：” 乔妹妹，祝贺我们吧！” 那简直是雪上加霜，太过分了，乔用她的手做出一些疯狂的举动，然后一句话也没有就消失了。 —

Rushing upstairs, she startled the invalids by exclaiming tragically, as she burst into the room:
她冲上楼，惊呆了病人们，她悲伤地大喊着闯入房间说道：

Oh, do somebody go down quick; —
哎呀，有人快下去看看， —

John Brooke is acting dreadfully, and Meg likes it!’
约翰·布鲁克表现得可糟糕了，而梅格还喜欢他！

Mr. and Mrs. March left the room with speed; and, casting herself upon the bed, Jo cried and scolded tempestuously, as she told the awful news to Beth and Amy. The little girls, however, considered it a most agreeable and interesting event, and Jo got little comfort from them; —
三月先生和三月夫人迅速离开房间；乔抛身到床上，狂怒地哭叫着，告诉贝丝和艾米这可怕的消息。然而，两个小姑娘觉得这是一个非常令人愉快和有趣的事件，乔从她们那里得不到任何安慰； —

so she went up to her refuge in the garret, and confided her troubles to the rats.
于是她来到阁楼的避难所，向老鼠们倾诉她的烦恼。

Nobody ever knew what went on in the parlor that afternoon, but a great deal of talking was done, and quiet Mr. Brooke astonished his friends by the eloquence and spirit with which he pleaded his suit, told his plans, and persuaded them to arrange everything just as he wanted it.
那天下午没有人知道客厅里发生了什么事，但是发生了很多谈话，文静的布鲁克先生以其辩才和热情动人的态度使他的朋友们大吃一惊，他说服他们按照他的计划安排一切。

The tea-bell rang before he had finished describing the paradise which he meant to earn for Meg, and he proudly took her in to supper, both looking so happy that Jo hadn’t the heart to be jealous or dismal. —
在他还没描述完他打算为梅格赢得的天堂时，茶铃响了，他自豪地把她带进去吃晚餐，两个人看起来那么幸福，以至于乔都没有心情嫉妒或沮丧。 —

Amy was very much impressed by John’s devotion and Meg’s dignity, Beth beamed at them from a distance, while Mr. and Mrs. March surveyed the young couple with such tender satisfaction that it was perfectly evident Aunt March was right in calling them as “unworldly as a pair of babies”. —
艾米非常受到约翰的奉献和梅格的威严的感动，贝丝在远处对他们微笑，而马奇夫妇则满怀幸福地注视着这对年轻的情侣，可以明显地看出奥叔叔在称呼他们为“一对婴儿般天真无邪”的时候是正确的。 —

No one ate much, but everyone looked very happy, and the old room seemed to brighten up amazingly when the first romance of the family began there.
没有人多吃，但每个人看起来非常幸福，当家庭中的第一段浪漫在那里开始时，旧房间似乎惊人地变亮了起来。

You can’t say nothing pleasant ever happens now, can you, Meg?’ said Amy, trying to decide how she would group the lovers in the sketch she was planning to make.
你不能说现在从来没有什么愉快的事情发生，对吗，梅格？ 艾米说着，试图决定她在计划中要把恋人们分组成什么样的素描。

No, I’m sure I can’t. Flow much has happened since I said that! —
不，我肯定说不出来。自从我说那句话以来发生了这么多事情！ —

It seems a year ago,’ answered Meg, who was in a blissful dream, lifted far above such common things as bread and butter.
嗯，感觉好像是一年前的事情了，’ 梅格回答道，她陶醉在一个幸福的梦中，远离了平凡的事情，比如面包和黄油。

The joys come close upon the sorrows this time, and I rather think the changes have begun,’ said Mrs. March. ‘In most families there comes, now and then, a year full of events; —
这次欢乐和悲伤几乎同时来临，我倒觉得变化已经开始了，’ 玛奇夫人说道。’在大多数家庭中，偶尔会有一个充满事件的年份； —

this has been such a one, but it ends well after all.’
这就是这样一个年份，但最后结果还是好的。

Hope the next will end better,’ muttered Jo, who found it very hard to see Meg absorbed in a stranger before her face; —
希望下一年会更好，’乔喃喃自语道。看到梅格在她面前全神贯注于一个陌生人，乔觉得很难接受； —

for Jo loved a few persons very dearly, and dreaded to have their affection lost or lessened in any way.
因为乔非常深爱几个人，并且担心他们的情感会在任何方面丧失或减少。

I hope the third year from this will end better; —
我希望从现在起的第三年会结束得更好； —

I mean it shall, if I live to work out my plans,’ said Mr. Brooke, smiling at Meg, as if everything had become possible to him now.
如果我活着能够实现我的计划，那就一定会了，’布鲁克先生笑着看着梅格，仿佛现在一切都变得可能。

Doesn’t it seem very long to wait?’ asked Amy, who was in a hurry for the wedding.
还要等很久吗？’艾米着急地问道，她迫不及待地想要参加婚礼。

I’ve got so much to learn before I shall be ready, it seems a short time to me,’ answered Meg, with a sweet gravity in her face, never seen there before.
我觉得我在结婚之前还有很多要学习的，对我来说，时间很短，’梅格回答道，她脸上带着一种以前从未见过的甜蜜严肃。

You have only to wait; I have to do the work,’ said John, beginning his labors by picking up Meg’s napkin, with an expression which caused Jo to shake her head, and then say to herself, with an air of relief, as the front door banged, ‘Here comes Laurie. —
“你只需要等待；我必须去做这个工作，” 约翰说道，他开始工作，拿起梅格的餐巾，表情让乔摇了摇头，然后自言自语地松了口气，随着前门的关上声：“劳瑞来了。” —

Now we shall have a little sensible conversation.’ But Jo was mistaken; —
“现在我们可以有一点有意义的对话了。” 但是乔错了； —

for Laurie came prancing in flowing with spirits, bearing a great bridal-looking bouquet for “Mrs. John Brooke”, and evidently laboring under the delusion that the whole affair had been brought about by his excellent management. —
因为劳瑞蹦蹦跳跳地进来，满脸喜气洋洋，手里拿着一大束像新娘捧花一样的花束，明显是认为整个事情都是由他的出色策划实现的。 —

‘I knew Brooke would have it all his own way, he always does; —
“我知道布鲁克会按照他自己的方式办事，他总是这样； —

for when he makes up his mind to accomplish anything, it’s done, though the sky falls,’ said Laurie, when he had presented his offering and his congratulations.
因为他一旦下定决心要完成某件事，哪怕天塌下来，他也能做到。” 劳瑞在赠送祝福和礼物后说道。

Much obliged for that recommendation. —
“非常感谢你的推荐。 —

I take it as a good omen for the future, and invite you to my wedding on the spot,’ answered Mr. Brooke, who felt at peace with all mankind, even his mischievous pupil.
我把它当作对未来的一个好兆头，并邀请你立刻参加我的婚礼，” 布鲁克先生回答道，他对全人类感到和平，甚至对他这个淘气的学生也是如此。

I’ll come if I’m at the ends of the earth; —
如果我在世界的尽头，我也会来； —

for the sight of Jo’s face alone on that occasion would be worth a long journey. —
因为在那个场合上看到乔的脸，就值得长途旅行了。 —

You don’t look festive, ma’am; what’s the matter?’ asked Laurie, following her into a corner of the parlor, whither all had adjourned to greet Mr. Laurence.
“你看起来不快乐，夫人；怎么了？”劳里问道，跟随她走进客厅的一隅，众人都到那里迎接劳伦斯先生。

I don’t approve of the match, but I’ve made up my mind to bear it, and shall not say a word against it,’ said Jo, solemnly. —
“我不赞同这个婚事，但我决定忍受，并且对此不再提及。”乔庄重地说道。 —

‘You can’t know how hard it is for me to give up Meg,’ she continued, with a little quiver in her voice.
“你并没有放弃她。你只是分了一半。”劳里安慰地说道，“但永远不会再一样了。我失去了我最亲爱的朋友。”乔叹息道。

You don’t give her up. You only go halves,’ said Laurie, consolingly. It never can be the same again. —
“你还有我，无论如何。我知道我没什么大用，但我会一生和你在一起，我发誓！ —

I’ve lost my dearest friend,’ sighed Jo.
”劳里说道，他对此表示真心。

You’ve got me, anyhow. I’m not good for much, I know; —
“我知道你会的，我非常感激。 —

but I’ll stand by you, Jo, all the days of my life; —
你对我来说一直是个很大的安慰，泰迪。”乔感激地握手道。 —

upon my word I will!’ and Laurie meant what he said.
“不用谢，我永远会支持你的。”劳里回应道。

I know you will, and I’m ever so much obliged; —
“我知道，我也会一直陪伴着你， —

you are always a great comfort to me, Teddy,’ returned Jo, gratefully shaking hands.
泰迪。”乔心怀感激地回答道。

Well, now, don’t be dismal, there’s a good fellow. —
喂，别郁闷了，好哥们儿。一切都很好， —

It’s all right, you see. Meg is happy; —
你看。梅格很开心； —

Brooke will fly round and get settled immediately; —
布鲁克会马上找个地方定居下来； —

grandpa will attend to him, and it will be very jolly to see Meg in her own little house. —
爷爷会照顾他，看到梅格有了自己的小屋会很开心的。 —

We’ll have capital times after she is gone, for I shall be through college before long, and then we’ll go abroad, or some nice trip or other. —
据说她走后我们的日子会过得很精彩，因为我快要大学毕业了，然后我们会出国旅行，或者去些其他好地方。 —

Wouldn’t that console you?’
那样会让你心情舒畅的吧？

I rather think it would; but there’s no knowing what may happen in three years,’ said Jo, thoughtfully.
我倒是想一下要是三年后可能会发生什么。” 乔思考着说。

That’s true. Don’t you wish you could take a look forward and see where we shall all be then? —
说得对。你希望能先看看我们都会是什么样子吗？我希望。 —

I do,’ returned Laurie. —
”劳瑞回答道。 —

I think not, for I might see something sad; —
我想不要了，因为那样我可能会看到一些伤心的事情； —

and everyone looks so happy now, I don’t believe they could be much improved’; —
而且现在每个人看起来都那么开心，我觉得他们没什么好提高的。 —

and Jo’s eyes went slowly round the room, brightening as they looked, for the prospect was a pleasant one.
乔的眼睛慢慢地在房间里转动，看着明亮，因为前景是愉快的。

Father and Mother sat together, quietly re-living the first chapter of the romance which for them began some twenty years ago. —
父亲和母亲静静地坐在一起，慢慢回味着他们二十年前开始的浪漫篇章。 —

Amy was drawing the lovers, who sat apart in a beautiful world of their own, the light of which touched their faces with a grace the little artist could not copy. —
艾米正在画那两位相爱却分隔的情侣，他们身处一个美丽的世界，这世界的光线轻触他们的脸庞，展现出小画家无法模仿的优雅。 —

Beth lay on her sofa, talking cheerily with her old friend, who held her little hand as if he felt that it possessed the power to lead him along the peaceful way she walked. —
贝丝躺在沙发上，与老朋友愉快地交谈，他握着她的小手，仿佛它能够引领他走上她所走过的宁静之路。 —

Jo lounged in her favorite low seat, with the grave, quiet look which best became her; —
乔斜靠在她最喜欢的低座位上，带着庄重而安静的神情，这种神情最适合她； —

and Laurie, leaning on the back of her chair, his chin on a level with her curly head, smiled with his friendliest aspect, and nodded at her in the long glass which reflected them both.
劳瑞则靠在她椅子的靠背上，下巴与她的卷发齐平，以他最友好的样子微笑着，向着能够反射他们两人的全身镜点点头。

So grouped, the curtain falls upon Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy.
这样分组，帷幕降下，舞台上出现梅格、乔、贝丝和艾米。

Whether it ever rises again, depends upon the reception given to the first act of the domestic drama called “Little Women”
帷幕是否再度升起，取决于对名为《小妇人》的家庭戏剧第一幕的接受程度。