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Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray, CHAPTER I. Chiswick Mall

CHAPTER I. Chiswick Mall

While the present century was in its teens, and on one sunshiny morning in June, there drove up to the great iron gate of Miss Pinkerton's academy for young ladies, on Chiswick Mall, a large family coach, with two fat horses in blazing harness, driven by a fat coachman in a three-cornered hat and wig, at the rate of four miles an hour.

A black servant, who reposed on the box beside the fat coachman, uncurled his bandy legs as soon as the equipage drew up opposite Miss Pinkerton's shining brass plate, and as he pulled the bell at least a score of young heads were seen peering out of the narrow windows of the stately old brick house. Nay, the acute observer might have recognized the little red nose of good-natured Miss Jemima Pinkerton herself, rising over some geranium pots in the window of that lady's own drawing-room. "It is Mrs. Sedley's coach, sister," said Miss Jemima.

"Sambo, the black servant, has just rung the bell; and the coachman has a new red waistcoat. "Have you completed all the necessary preparations incident to Miss Sedley's departure, Miss Jemima?

asked Miss Pinkerton herself, that majestic lady; the Semiramis of Hammersmith, the friend of Doctor Johnson, the correspondent of Mrs. Chapone herself. "The girls were up at four this morning, packing her trunks, sister," replied Miss Jemima; "we have made her a bow-pot.

"Say a bouquet, sister Jemima, 'tis more genteel.

"Well, a booky as big almost as a haystack; I have put up two bottles of the gillyflower water for Mrs. Sedley, and the receipt for making it, in Amelia's box.

"And I trust, Miss Jemima, you have made a copy of Miss Sedley's account.

This is it, is it? Very good—ninety-three pounds, four shillings. Be kind enough to address it to John Sedley, Esquire, and to seal this billet which I have written to his lady. In Miss Jemima's eyes an autograph letter of her sister, Miss Pinkerton, was an object of as deep veneration as would have been a letter from a sovereign.

Only when her pupils quitted the establishment, or when they were about to be married, and once, when poor Miss Birch died of the scarlet fever, was Miss Pinkerton known to write personally to the parents of her pupils; and it was Jemima's opinion that if anything could console Mrs. Birch for her daughter's loss, it would be that pious and eloquent composition in which Miss Pinkerton announced the event. In the present instance Miss Pinkerton's "billet" was to the following effect:—

The Mall, Chiswick, June 15, 18

MADAM,—After her six years' residence at the Mall, I have the honour and happiness of presenting Miss Amelia Sedley to her parents, as a young lady not unworthy to occupy a fitting position in their polished and refined circle.

Those virtues which characterize the young English gentlewoman, those accomplishments which become her birth and station, will not be found wanting in the amiable Miss Sedley, whose INDUSTRY and OBEDIENCE have endeared her to her instructors, and whose delightful sweetness of temper has charmed her AGED and her YOUTHFUL companions. In music, in dancing, in orthography, in every variety of embroidery and needlework, she will be found to have realized her friends' fondest wishes.

In geography there is still much to be desired; and a careful and undeviating use of the backboard, for four hours daily during the next three years, is recommended as necessary to the acquirement of that dignified DEPORTMENT AND CARRIAGE, so requisite for every young lady of FASHION. In the principles of religion and morality, Miss Sedley will be found worthy of an establishment which has been honoured by the presence of THE GREAT LEXICOGRAPHER, and the patronage of the admirable Mrs. Chapone.

In leaving the Mall, Miss Amelia carries with her the hearts of her companions, and the affectionate regards of her mistress, who has the honour to subscribe herself, Madam, Your most obliged humble servant, BARBARA PINKERTON

P.S.—Miss Sharp accompanies Miss Sedley.

It is particularly requested that Miss Sharp's stay in Russell Square may not exceed ten days. The family of distinction with whom she is engaged, desire to avail themselves of her services as soon as possible. This letter completed, Miss Pinkerton proceeded to write her own name, and Miss Sedley's, in the fly-leaf of a Johnson's Dictionary—the interesting work which she invariably presented to her scholars, on their departure from the Mall.

On the cover was inserted a copy of "Lines addressed to a young lady on quitting Miss Pinkerton's school, at the Mall; by the late revered Doctor Samuel Johnson." In fact, the Lexicographer's name was always on the lips of this majestic woman, and a visit he had paid to her was the cause of her reputation and her fortune. Being commanded by her elder sister to get "the Dictionary" from the cupboard, Miss Jemima had extracted two copies of the book from the receptacle in question.

When Miss Pinkerton had finished the inscription in the first, Jemima, with rather a dubious and timid air, handed her the second. "For whom is this, Miss Jemima?

said Miss Pinkerton, with awful coldness. "For Becky Sharp," answered Jemima, trembling very much, and blushing over her withered face and neck, as she turned her back on her sister.

"For Becky Sharp: she's going too. "MISS JEMIMA!

exclaimed Miss Pinkerton, in the largest capitals. "Are you in your senses? Replace the Dixonary in the closet, and never venture to take such a liberty in future. "Well, sister, it's only two-and-ninepence, and poor Becky will be miserable if she don't get one.

"Send Miss Sedley instantly to me," said Miss Pinkerton.

And so venturing not to say another word, poor Jemima trotted off, exceedingly flurried and nervous. Miss Sedley's papa was a merchant in London, and a man of some wealth; whereas Miss Sharp was an articled pupil, for whom Miss Pinkerton had done, as she thought, quite enough, without conferring upon her at parting the high honour of the Dixonary.

Although schoolmistresses' letters are to be trusted no more nor less than churchyard epitaphs; yet, as it sometimes happens that a person departs this life who is really deserving of all the praises the stone cutter carves over his bones; who IS a good Christian, a good parent, child, wife, or husband; who actually DOES leave a disconsolate family to mourn his loss; so in academies of the male and female sex it occurs every now and then that the pupil is fully worthy of the praises bestowed by the disinterested instructor.

Now, Miss Amelia Sedley was a young lady of this singular species; and deserved not only all that Miss Pinkerton said in her praise, but had many charming qualities which that pompous old Minerva of a woman could not see, from the differences of rank and age between her pupil and herself. For she could not only sing like a lark, or a Mrs. Billington, and dance like Hillisberg or Parisot; and embroider beautifully; and spell as well as a Dixonary itself; but she had such a kindly, smiling, tender, gentle, generous heart of her own, as won the love of everybody who came near her, from Minerva herself down to the poor girl in the scullery, and the one-eyed tart-woman's daughter, who was permitted to vend her wares once a week to the young ladies in the Mall.

She had twelve intimate and bosom friends out of the twenty-four young ladies. Even envious Miss Briggs never spoke ill of her; high and mighty Miss Saltire (Lord Dexter's granddaughter) allowed that her figure was genteel; and as for Miss Swartz, the rich woolly-haired mulatto from St. Kitt's, on the day Amelia went away, she was in such a passion of tears that they were obliged to send for Dr. Floss, and half tipsify her with salvolatile. Miss Pinkerton's attachment was, as may be supposed from the high position and eminent virtues of that lady, calm and dignified; but Miss Jemima had already whimpered several times at the idea of Amelia's departure; and, but for fear of her sister, would have gone off in downright hysterics, like the heiress (who paid double) of St. Kitt's. Such luxury of grief, however, is only allowed to parlour-boarders. Honest Jemima had all the bills, and the washing, and the mending, and the puddings, and the plate and crockery, and the servants to superintend. But why speak about her? It is probable that we shall not hear of her again from this moment to the end of time, and that when the great filigree iron gates are once closed on her, she and her awful sister will never issue therefrom into this little world of history. But as we are to see a great deal of Amelia, there is no harm in saying, at the outset of our acquaintance, that she was a dear little creature; and a great mercy it is, both in life and in novels, which (and the latter especially) abound in villains of the most sombre sort, that we are to have for a constant companion so guileless and good-natured a person.

As she is not a heroine, there is no need to describe her person; indeed I am afraid that her nose was rather short than otherwise, and her cheeks a great deal too round and red for a heroine; but her face blushed with rosy health, and her lips with the freshest of smiles, and she had a pair of eyes which sparkled with the brightest and honestest good-humour, except indeed when they filled with tears, and that was a great deal too often; for the silly thing would cry over a dead canary-bird; or over a mouse, that the cat haply had seized upon; or over the end of a novel, were it ever so stupid; and as for saying an unkind word to her, were any persons hard-hearted enough to do so—why, so much the worse for them. Even Miss Pinkerton, that austere and godlike woman, ceased scolding her after the first time, and though she no more comprehended sensibility than she did Algebra, gave all masters and teachers particular orders to treat Miss Sedley with the utmost gentleness, as harsh treatment was injurious to her. So that when the day of departure came, between her two customs of laughing and crying, Miss Sedley was greatly puzzled how to act.

She was glad to go home, and yet most woefully sad at leaving school. For three days before, little Laura Martin, the orphan, followed her about like a little dog. She had to make and receive at least fourteen presents—to make fourteen solemn promises of writing every week: "Send my letters under cover to my grandpapa, the Earl of Dexter," said Miss Saltire (who, by the way, was rather shabby). "Never mind the postage, but write every day, you dear darling," said the impetuous and woolly-headed, but generous and affectionate Miss Swartz; and the orphan little Laura Martin (who was just in round-hand), took her friend's hand and said, looking up in her face wistfully, "Amelia, when I write to you I shall call you Mamma." All which details, I have no doubt, JONES, who reads this book at his Club, will pronounce to be excessively foolish, trivial, twaddling, and ultra-sentimental. Yes; I can see Jones at this minute (rather flushed with his joint of mutton and half pint of wine), taking out his pencil and scoring under the words "foolish, twaddling," &c., and adding to them his own remark of "QUITE TRUE." Well, he is a lofty man of genius, and admires the great and heroic in life and novels; and so had better take warning and go elsewhere. Well, then.

The flowers, and the presents, and the trunks, and bonnet-boxes of Miss Sedley having been arranged by Mr. Sambo in the carriage, together with a very small and weather-beaten old cow's-skin trunk with Miss Sharp's card neatly nailed upon it, which was delivered by Sambo with a grin, and packed by the coachman with a corresponding sneer—the hour for parting came; and the grief of that moment was considerably lessened by the admirable discourse which Miss Pinkerton addressed to her pupil. Not that the parting speech caused Amelia to philosophise, or that it armed her in any way with a calmness, the result of argument; but it was intolerably dull, pompous, and tedious; and having the fear of her schoolmistress greatly before her eyes, Miss Sedley did not venture, in her presence, to give way to any ebullitions of private grief. A seed-cake and a bottle of wine were produced in the drawing-room, as on the solemn occasions of the visits of parents, and these refreshments being partaken of, Miss Sedley was at liberty to depart. "You'll go in and say good-by to Miss Pinkerton, Becky!

said Miss Jemima to a young lady of whom nobody took any notice, and who was coming downstairs with her own bandbox. "I suppose I must," said Miss Sharp calmly, and much to the wonder of Miss Jemima; and the latter having knocked at the door, and receiving permission to come in, Miss Sharp advanced in a very unconcerned manner, and said in French, and with a perfect accent, "Mademoiselle, je viens vous faire mes adieux.

Miss Pinkerton did not understand French; she only directed those who did: but biting her lips and throwing up her venerable and Roman-nosed head (on the top of which figured a large and solemn turban), she said, "Miss Sharp, I wish you a good morning.

As the Hammersmith Semiramis spoke, she waved one hand, both by way of adieu, and to give Miss Sharp an opportunity of shaking one of the fingers of the hand which was left out for that purpose. Miss Sharp only folded her own hands with a very frigid smile and bow, and quite declined to accept the proffered honour; on which Semiramis tossed up her turban more indignantly than ever.

In fact, it was a little battle between the young lady and the old one, and the latter was worsted. "Heaven bless you, my child," said she, embracing Amelia, and scowling the while over the girl's shoulder at Miss Sharp. "Come away, Becky," said Miss Jemima, pulling the young woman away in great alarm, and the drawing-room door closed upon them for ever. Then came the struggle and parting below.

Words refuse to tell it. All the servants were there in the hall—all the dear friend—all the young ladies—the dancing-master who had just arrived; and there was such a scuffling, and hugging, and kissing, and crying, with the hysterical YOOPS of Miss Swartz, the parlour-boarder, from her room, as no pen can depict, and as the tender heart would fain pass over. The embracing was over; they parted—that is, Miss Sedley parted from her friends. Miss Sharp had demurely entered the carriage some minutes before. Nobody cried for leaving HER. Sambo of the bandy legs slammed the carriage door on his young weeping mistress.

He sprang up behind the carriage. "Stop!" cried Miss Jemima, rushing to the gate with a parcel. "It's some sandwiches, my dear," said she to Amelia.

"You may be hungry, you know; and Becky, Becky Sharp, here's a book for you that my sister—that is, I—Johnson's Dixonary, you know; you mustn't leave us without that. Good-by. Drive on, coachman. God bless you! And the kind creature retreated into the garden, overcome with emotion.

But, lo!

and just as the coach drove off, Miss Sharp put her pale face out of the window and actually flung the book back into the garden. This almost caused Jemima to faint with terror.

"Well, I never"—said she—"what an audacious"—Emotion prevented her from completing either sentence. The carriage rolled away; the great gates were closed; the bell rang for the dancing lesson. The world is before the two young ladies; and so, farewell to Chiswick Mall.

CHAPTER I. Chiswick Mall chapter||Chiswick Mall|Μάλλ KAPITEL I. Chiswick Mall ΚΕΦΑΛΑΙΟ I. Chiswick Mall CHAPTER I. Chiswick Mall I SKYRIUS. Čisviko prekybos centras CAPÍTULO I. Chiswick Mall BÖLÜM I. Chiswick Alışveriş Merkezi

While the present century was in its teens, and on one sunshiny morning in June, there drove up to the great iron gate of Miss Pinkerton’s academy for young ladies, on Chiswick Mall, a large family coach, with two fat horses in blazing harness, driven by a fat coachman in a three-cornered hat and wig, at the rate of four miles an hour. ||||||||||||||||||||||||Δεσποινίς|Πινκέρτον|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||llameante|arnés brillante|||||||||||||||||||| While the present century was in its teens, and on one sunshiny morning in June, there drove up to the great iron gate of Miss Pinkerton's academy for young ladies, on Chiswick Mall, a large family coach, with two fat horses in blazing harness, driven by a fat coachman in a three-cornered hat and wig, at the rate of four miles an hour. В то время, когда нынешний век был в подростковом возрасте, и одним солнечным июньским утром к огромным железным воротам академии мисс Пинкертон для юных девиц по улице Чизвик-Молл подъехала большая семейная карета с двумя толстыми лошадьми в сверкающей упряжи, везет толстый кучер в треуголке и парике со скоростью четыре мили в час.

A black servant, who reposed on the box beside the fat coachman, uncurled his bandy legs as soon as the equipage drew up opposite Miss Pinkerton’s shining brass plate, and as he pulled the bell at least a score of young heads were seen peering out of the narrow windows of the stately old brick house. ||||||||||||||||||||carriage||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| Un criado negro, que descansaba en la caja junto al gordo cochero, desenroscó sus piernas arqueadas en cuanto el carruaje se detuvo frente a la brillante placa de latón de la señorita Pinkerton, y cuando tocó el timbre se vieron al menos una veintena de jóvenes cabezas asomadas a las estrechas ventanas de la majestuosa y vieja casa de ladrillo. Nay, the acute observer might have recognized the little red nose of good-natured Miss Jemima Pinkerton herself, rising over some geranium pots in the window of that lady’s own drawing-room. No|||||||||||||||Τζεμίμα|Pinkerton||||||||||||||| "It is Mrs. Sedley’s coach, sister," said Miss Jemima. ||Mrs|Sedley's|||||

"Sambo, the black servant, has just rung the bell; and the coachman has a new red waistcoat. Sambo|||||||||||||||| "Have you completed all the necessary preparations incident to Miss Sedley’s departure, Miss Jemima?

asked Miss Pinkerton herself, that majestic lady; the Semiramis of Hammersmith, the friend of Doctor Johnson, the correspondent of Mrs. Chapone herself. ||||||||||Χάμερσμιθ||||Doctor Johnson|Τζόνσον|||||Mrs Chapone| "The girls were up at four this morning, packing her trunks, sister," replied Miss Jemima; "we have made her a bow-pot.

"Say a bouquet, sister Jemima, 'tis more genteel.

"Well, a booky as big almost as a haystack; I have put up two bottles of the gillyflower water for Mrs. Sedley, and the receipt for making it, in Amelia’s box. |||||||||||||||||gillyflower water||||Sedley||||||||Amelia|

"And I trust, Miss Jemima, you have made a copy of Miss Sedley’s account. "И я надеюсь, мисс Джемайма, вы сделали копию счета мисс Седли.

This is it, is it? Very good—ninety-three pounds, four shillings. Be kind enough to address it to John Sedley, Esquire, and to seal this billet which I have written to his lady. |||||||Ιωάννης||Mr|||||||||||| Будьте добры адресовать его Джону Седли, эсквайру, и запечатать эту записку, которую я написал его госпоже. In Miss Jemima’s eyes an autograph letter of her sister, Miss Pinkerton, was an object of as deep veneration as would have been a letter from a sovereign. ||Jemima||||||||||||||||||||||||| В глазах мисс Джемаймы письмо с автографом ее сестры, мисс Пинкертон, было предметом столь же глубокого почитания, как и письмо от государя.

Only when her pupils quitted the establishment, or when they were about to be married, and once, when poor Miss Birch died of the scarlet fever, was Miss Pinkerton known to write personally to the parents of her pupils; and it was Jemima’s opinion that if anything could console Mrs. Birch for her daughter’s loss, it would be that pious and eloquent composition in which Miss Pinkerton announced the event. ||||||||||||||||||||Miss Birch||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| In the present instance Miss Pinkerton’s "billet" was to the following effect:— В данном случае "заготовка" мисс Пинкертон была следующего содержания:...

The Mall, Chiswick, June 15, 18

MADAM,—After her six years' residence at the Mall, I have the honour and happiness of presenting Miss Amelia Sedley to her parents, as a young lady not unworthy to occupy a fitting position in their polished and refined circle. Мадам, - После шести лет проживания в Молле я имею честь и счастье представить мисс Амелию Седли ее родителям как молодую леди, достойную занять подобающее место в их изысканном и утонченном кругу.

Those virtues which characterize the young English gentlewoman, those accomplishments which become her birth and station, will not be found wanting in the amiable Miss Sedley, whose INDUSTRY and OBEDIENCE have endeared her to her instructors, and whose delightful sweetness of temper has charmed her AGED and her YOUTHFUL companions. Те добродетели, которые характеризуют молодую английскую джентльменку, те достижения, которые соответствуют ее рождению и положению, не будут найдены лишними в приветливой мисс Седли, чья НАСТОЙЧИВОСТЬ и ПОКЛОННОСТЬ приглянулись ее наставникам, а восхитительная миловидность нрава очаровала ее пожилых и молодых спутниц. In music, in dancing, in orthography, in every variety of embroidery and needlework, she will be found to have realized her friends' fondest wishes.

In geography there is still much to be desired; and a careful and undeviating use of the backboard, for four hours daily during the next three years, is recommended as necessary to the acquirement of that dignified DEPORTMENT AND CARRIAGE, so requisite for every young lady of FASHION. В географии все еще есть к чему стремиться, и тщательное и неуклонное использование доски для спины в течение четырех часов ежедневно в течение следующих трех лет рекомендуется как необходимое условие для приобретения достойной ДЕПОРТАЦИИ И КАРЬЕРЫ, столь необходимых для каждой молодой леди моды. In the principles of religion and morality, Miss Sedley will be found worthy of an establishment which has been honoured by the presence of THE GREAT LEXICOGRAPHER, and the patronage of the admirable Mrs. Chapone. В вопросах религии и морали мисс Седли будет достойна заведения, которое удостоилось присутствия Великого лексикографа и покровительства восхитительной миссис Чапоне.

In leaving the Mall, Miss Amelia carries with her the hearts of her companions, and the affectionate regards of her mistress, who has the honour to subscribe herself, Madam, Your most obliged humble servant, BARBARA PINKERTON

P.S.—Miss Sharp accompanies Miss Sedley.

It is particularly requested that Miss Sharp’s stay in Russell Square may not exceed ten days. Особо просим, чтобы пребывание мисс Шарп на Рассел-сквер не превышало десяти дней. The family of distinction with whom she is engaged, desire to avail themselves of her services as soon as possible. Знатная семья, с которой она работает, желает воспользоваться ее услугами как можно скорее. This letter completed, Miss Pinkerton proceeded to write her own name, and Miss Sedley’s, in the fly-leaf of a Johnson’s Dictionary—the interesting work which she invariably presented to her scholars, on their departure from the Mall. Закончив это письмо, мисс Пинкертон принялась записывать свое имя и имя мисс Седли на форзаце словаря Джонсона — интересную работу, которую она неизменно представляла своим ученикам, когда они уезжали из Молла.

On the cover was inserted a copy of "Lines addressed to a young lady on quitting Miss Pinkerton’s school, at the Mall; by the late revered Doctor Samuel Johnson." В обложку была вложена копия "Строк, обращенных к молодой леди при выходе из школы мисс Пинкертон на Молл, написанных покойным уважаемым доктором Сэмюэлем Джонсоном". In fact, the Lexicographer’s name was always on the lips of this majestic woman, and a visit he had paid to her was the cause of her reputation and her fortune. Being commanded by her elder sister to get "the Dictionary" from the cupboard, Miss Jemima had extracted two copies of the book from the receptacle in question. Получив от старшей сестры указание достать из шкафа "Словарь", мисс Джемайма извлекла из него два экземпляра книги.

When Miss Pinkerton had finished the inscription in the first, Jemima, with rather a dubious and timid air, handed her the second. Когда мисс Пинкертон закончила надписывать первую, Джемайма с несколько сомнительным и робким видом протянула ей вторую. "For whom is this, Miss Jemima?

said Miss Pinkerton, with awful coldness. "For Becky Sharp," answered Jemima, trembling very much, and blushing over her withered face and neck, as she turned her back on her sister. «Для Бекки Шарп», — ответила Джемайма, сильно дрожа и краснея на своем иссохшем лице и шее, когда повернулась к сестре спиной.

"For Becky Sharp: she’s going too. "MISS JEMIMA!

exclaimed Miss Pinkerton, in the largest capitals. — восклицала мисс Пинкертон в крупнейших столицах. "Are you in your senses? "Ты в своем уме? Replace the Dixonary in the closet, and never venture to take such a liberty in future. "Well, sister, it’s only two-and-ninepence, and poor Becky will be miserable if she don’t get one.

"Send Miss Sedley instantly to me," said Miss Pinkerton.

And so venturing not to say another word, poor Jemima trotted off, exceedingly flurried and nervous. Miss Sedley’s papa was a merchant in London, and a man of some wealth; whereas Miss Sharp was an articled pupil, for whom Miss Pinkerton had done, as she thought, quite enough, without conferring upon her at parting the high honour of the Dixonary. Папа мисс Седли был лондонским купцом и довольно состоятельным человеком; тогда как мисс Шарп была дипломированной ученицей, для которой мисс Пинкертон, как ей казалось, сделала вполне достаточно, не удостоив ее на прощание высокой чести словаря.

Although schoolmistresses' letters are to be trusted no more nor less than churchyard epitaphs; yet, as it sometimes happens that a person departs this life who is really deserving of all the praises the stone cutter carves over his bones; who IS a good Christian, a good parent, child, wife, or husband; who actually DOES leave a disconsolate family to mourn his loss; so in academies of the male and female sex it occurs every now and then that the pupil is fully worthy of the praises bestowed by the disinterested instructor. Хотя письмам школьных учительниц можно доверять не больше и не меньше, чем эпитафиям на церковном дворе, но, как иногда случается, что из этой жизни уходит человек, действительно заслуживающий всех тех похвал, которые камнерез высекает на его костях; он хороший христианин, хороший родитель, ребенок, жена или муж; он действительно ДОЛЖЕН оставить скорбящую о своей утрате семью; так и в академиях для мужчин и женщин время от времени случается, что ученик полностью заслуживает похвал, воздаваемых бескорыстным преподавателем.

Now, Miss Amelia Sedley was a young lady of this singular species; and deserved not only all that Miss Pinkerton said in her praise, but had many charming qualities which that pompous old Minerva of a woman could not see, from the differences of rank and age between her pupil and herself. For she could not only sing like a lark, or a Mrs. Billington, and dance like Hillisberg or Parisot; and embroider beautifully; and spell as well as a Dixonary itself; but she had such a kindly, smiling, tender, gentle, generous heart of her own, as won the love of everybody who came near her, from Minerva herself down to the poor girl in the scullery, and the one-eyed tart-woman’s daughter, who was permitted to vend her wares once a week to the young ladies in the Mall.

She had twelve intimate and bosom friends out of the twenty-four young ladies. Even envious Miss Briggs never spoke ill of her; high and mighty Miss Saltire (Lord Dexter’s granddaughter) allowed that her figure was genteel; and as for Miss Swartz, the rich woolly-haired mulatto from St. Даже завистливая мисс Бриггс никогда не отзывалась о ней плохо; высокопоставленная и могущественная мисс Солтайр (внучка лорда Декстера) признавала, что ее фигура отличается благородством; а что касается мисс Шварц, богатой шерстистой мулатки из Сент. Kitt’s, on the day Amelia went away, she was in such a passion of tears that they were obliged to send for Dr. Floss, and half tipsify her with salvolatile. Miss Pinkerton’s attachment was, as may be supposed from the high position and eminent virtues of that lady, calm and dignified; but Miss Jemima had already whimpered several times at the idea of Amelia’s departure; and, but for fear of her sister, would have gone off in downright hysterics, like the heiress (who paid double) of St. Привязанность мисс Пинкертон, как можно предположить, исходя из высокого положения и выдающихся достоинств этой дамы, была спокойной и достойной; но мисс Джемайма уже несколько раз хныкала при мысли об отъезде Амелии и, если бы не страх за сестру, впала бы в настоящую истерику, как наследница (которая платила вдвое больше) Сент. Kitt’s. Such luxury of grief, however, is only allowed to parlour-boarders. Однако такая роскошь печали позволительна только постояльцам салона. Honest Jemima had all the bills, and the washing, and the mending, and the puddings, and the plate and crockery, and the servants to superintend. У честной Джемаймы были все счета, и стирка, и починка, и пудинги, и тарелки, и посуда, и слуги, за которыми нужно было присматривать. But why speak about her? It is probable that we shall not hear of her again from this moment to the end of time, and that when the great filigree iron gates are once closed on her, she and her awful sister will never issue therefrom into this little world of history. But as we are to see a great deal of Amelia, there is no harm in saying, at the outset of our acquaintance, that she was a dear little creature; and a great mercy it is, both in life and in novels, which (and the latter especially) abound in villains of the most sombre sort, that we are to have for a constant companion so guileless and good-natured a person. Но так как мы часто видим Амелию, не будет лишним сказать в самом начале нашего знакомства, что она была милым маленьким созданием; и великая милость, как в жизни, так и в романах, которые (и последние особенно) изобилуют самыми мрачными злодеями, иметь таким бесхитростным и добродушным человеком постоянным спутником.

As she is not a heroine, there is no need to describe her person; indeed I am afraid that her nose was rather short than otherwise, and her cheeks a great deal too round and red for a heroine; but her face blushed with rosy health, and her lips with the freshest of smiles, and she had a pair of eyes which sparkled with the brightest and honestest good-humour, except indeed when they filled with tears, and that was a great deal too often; for the silly thing would cry over a dead canary-bird; or over a mouse, that the cat haply had seized upon; or over the end of a novel, were it ever so stupid; and as for saying an unkind word to her, were any persons hard-hearted enough to do so—why, so much the worse for them. Поскольку она не героиня, нет нужды описывать ее личность; в самом деле, я боюсь, что ее нос был скорее коротким, чем иначе, и ее щеки слишком круглые и красные для героини; но лицо ее румянилось от румянца, а на губах была самая свежая улыбка, и у нее была пара глаз, которые искрились самым ярким и искренним добродушием, за исключением тех случаев, когда они наполнялись слезами, и это было слишком много. довольно часто; ибо глупое существо плакало бы над мертвой канарейкой; или над мышью, которую, возможно, схватила кошка; или по поводу конца романа, будь это так глупо; а что касается того, чтобы сказать ей недоброе слово, если бы кто-нибудь был достаточно жестокосерден, чтобы сделать это, что ж, тем хуже для них. Even Miss Pinkerton, that austere and godlike woman, ceased scolding her after the first time, and though she no more comprehended sensibility than she did Algebra, gave all masters and teachers particular orders to treat Miss Sedley with the utmost gentleness, as harsh treatment was injurious to her. Даже мисс Пинкертон, эта строгая и богоподобная женщина, после первого раза перестала бранить ее и, хотя она разбиралась в чувствах не больше, чем в алгебре, давала всем учителям и учителям особый приказ обращаться с мисс Седли с величайшей нежностью, так как суровое обращение было травмоопасно для нее. So that when the day of departure came, between her two customs of laughing and crying, Miss Sedley was greatly puzzled how to act. Поэтому, когда наступил день отъезда, мисс Седли между двумя своими обычаями - смеяться и плакать - была в большом недоумении, как поступить.

She was glad to go home, and yet most woefully sad at leaving school. For three days before, little Laura Martin, the orphan, followed her about like a little dog. She had to make and receive at least fourteen presents—to make fourteen solemn promises of writing every week: "Send my letters under cover to my grandpapa, the Earl of Dexter," said Miss Saltire (who, by the way, was rather shabby). Она должна была сделать и получить не менее четырнадцати подарков — дать четырнадцать торжественных обещаний писать каждую неделю. ). "Never mind the postage, but write every day, you dear darling," said the impetuous and woolly-headed, but generous and affectionate Miss Swartz; and the orphan little Laura Martin (who was just in round-hand), took her friend’s hand and said, looking up in her face wistfully, "Amelia, when I write to you I shall call you Mamma." "Не обращайте внимания на почтовые расходы, но пишите каждый день, дорогая, дорогая", - сказала порывистая и взбалмошная, но великодушная и нежная мисс Шварц; а маленькая сирота Лаура Мартин (у которой как раз была круглая рука) взяла свою подругу за руку и сказала, задумчиво глядя ей в лицо: «Амелия, когда я буду писать тебе, я буду называть тебя мамой». All which details, I have no doubt, JONES, who reads this book at his Club, will pronounce to be excessively foolish, trivial, twaddling, and ultra-sentimental. Yes; I can see Jones at this minute (rather flushed with his joint of mutton and half pint of wine), taking out his pencil and scoring under the words "foolish, twaddling," &c., and adding to them his own remark of "QUITE TRUE." Да; Я вижу, как в эту минуту Джонс (весьма раскрасневшийся от своего куска баранины и полпинты вина) вынимает карандаш и чертит под словами «глупость, вздор» и т. д. и добавляет к ним свое собственное замечание: ПРАВДА." Well, he is a lofty man of genius, and admires the great and heroic in life and novels; and so had better take warning and go elsewhere. Что ж, он высокий гениальный человек и восхищается великим и героическим в жизни и романах; так что лучше принять предупреждение и пойти в другом месте. Well, then.

The flowers, and the presents, and the trunks, and bonnet-boxes of Miss Sedley having been arranged by Mr. Sambo in the carriage, together with a very small and weather-beaten old cow’s-skin trunk with Miss Sharp’s card neatly nailed upon it, which was delivered by Sambo with a grin, and packed by the coachman with a corresponding sneer—the hour for parting came; and the grief of that moment was considerably lessened by the admirable discourse which Miss Pinkerton addressed to her pupil. Цветы, и подарки, и сундуки, и шляпные коробки мисс Седли были расставлены мистером Самбо в карете вместе с очень маленьким и обветренным старым сундучком из коровьей кожи с аккуратно прибитой карточкой мисс Шарп. то, что с ухмылкой доставил Самбо и с соответствующей насмешкой упаковал кучер, — настал час расставания; и печаль этого момента была значительно уменьшена замечательными речами, которые мисс Пинкертон обратилась к своей ученице. Not that the parting speech caused Amelia to philosophise, or that it armed her in any way with a calmness, the result of argument; but it was intolerably dull, pompous, and tedious; and having the fear of her schoolmistress greatly before her eyes, Miss Sedley did not venture, in her presence, to give way to any ebullitions of private grief. A seed-cake and a bottle of wine were produced in the drawing-room, as on the solemn occasions of the visits of parents, and these refreshments being partaken of, Miss Sedley was at liberty to depart. В гостиной были приготовлены торт с семенами и бутылка вина, так как в торжественных случаях посещения родителей и принятия этих закусок мисс Седли могла уйти. "You’ll go in and say good-by to Miss Pinkerton, Becky!

said Miss Jemima to a young lady of whom nobody took any notice, and who was coming downstairs with her own bandbox. "I suppose I must," said Miss Sharp calmly, and much to the wonder of Miss Jemima; and the latter having knocked at the door, and receiving permission to come in, Miss Sharp advanced in a very unconcerned manner, and said in French, and with a perfect accent, "Mademoiselle, je viens vous faire mes adieux. "Я полагаю , что я должен," сказала мисс Шарп спокойно, и к большому удивлению мисс Джемайма; а когда последняя постучала в дверь и получила разрешение войти, мисс Шарп совершенно равнодушно подошла и сказала по-французски с прекрасным акцентом: «Мадемуазель, je viens vous faire mes adieux.

Miss Pinkerton did not understand French; she only directed those who did: but biting her lips and throwing up her venerable and Roman-nosed head (on the top of which figured a large and solemn turban), she said, "Miss Sharp, I wish you a good morning. Мисс Пинкертон не понимала по-французски; она только направляла тех, кто это делал, но, кусая губы и вскинув свою почтенную голову с римским носом (на вершине которой был большой и торжественный тюрбан), она сказала: «Мисс Шарп, желаю вам доброго утра.

As the Hammersmith Semiramis spoke, she waved one hand, both by way of adieu, and to give Miss Sharp an opportunity of shaking one of the fingers of the hand which was left out for that purpose. Miss Sharp only folded her own hands with a very frigid smile and bow, and quite declined to accept the proffered honour; on which Semiramis tossed up her turban more indignantly than ever. Мисс Шарп только сложила руки с очень холодной улыбкой и поклоном и совершенно отказалась принять предложенную честь; на что Семирамида бросила свой тюрбан еще более негодуя, чем когда-либо.

In fact, it was a little battle between the young lady and the old one, and the latter was worsted. "Heaven bless you, my child," said she, embracing Amelia, and scowling the while over the girl’s shoulder at Miss Sharp. "Come away, Becky," said Miss Jemima, pulling the young woman away in great alarm, and the drawing-room door closed upon them for ever. Then came the struggle and parting below.

Words refuse to tell it. All the servants were there in the hall—all the dear friend—all the young ladies—the dancing-master who had just arrived; and there was such a scuffling, and hugging, and kissing, and crying, with the hysterical YOOPS of Miss Swartz, the parlour-boarder, from her room, as no pen can depict, and as the tender heart would fain pass over. Все слуги были в передней, вся дорогая подруга, все барышни, только что прибывший учитель танцев; и была такая драка, и объятия, и поцелуи, и плач, с истерическим ОЙ мисс Шварц, жильца гостиной, из ее комнаты, что никакое перо не может изобразить, и как нежное сердце охотно прошло бы мимо. The embracing was over; they parted—that is, Miss Sedley parted from her friends. Miss Sharp had demurely entered the carriage some minutes before. Nobody cried for leaving HER. Sambo of the bandy legs slammed the carriage door on his young weeping mistress.

He sprang up behind the carriage. "Stop!" cried Miss Jemima, rushing to the gate with a parcel. "It’s some sandwiches, my dear," said she to Amelia.

"You may be hungry, you know; and Becky, Becky Sharp, here’s a book for you that my sister—that is, I—Johnson’s Dixonary, you know; you mustn’t leave us without that. ||||||||Becky Sharp|Sharp||||||||||||Johnson's|Dictionary|||||||| Good-by. Drive on, coachman. God bless you! And the kind creature retreated into the garden, overcome with emotion.

But, lo!

and just as the coach drove off, Miss Sharp put her pale face out of the window and actually flung the book back into the garden. This almost caused Jemima to faint with terror.

"Well, I never"—said she—"what an audacious"—Emotion prevented her from completing either sentence. -- Ну, я никогда, -- сказала она, -- какая дерзость, -- Эмоции не мешали ей закончить ни то, ни другое предложение. The carriage rolled away; the great gates were closed; the bell rang for the dancing lesson. The world is before the two young ladies; and so, farewell to Chiswick Mall.