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Джек Лондон. Мартин Иден

Учим английский, читая мировую классику

Шрифты предоставлены компанией «ПараТайп»

Составитель Елизавета Хундаева

Учебное пособие содержит фрагмент (семь глав) из текста классического романа американского писателя Джека Лондона «Мартин Иден» на английском языке. Действие романа происходит в начале XX века в Окленде (Калифорния, США). Приведены переводы некоторых слов и выражений на русском языке. Предназначено школьникам, студентам, аспирантам и лицам, интересующимся классической литературой и изучающим английский язык.

12+

Хундаева Елизавета Очировна, доктор филологических наук. Область научных интересов — лингвистика, фольклористика, перевод и переводоведение, преподавание английского языка, межкультурная коммуникация.

Учебное пособие содержит фрагмент (семь глав) из текста классического романа американского писателя Джека Лондона «Мартин Иден» на английском языке, который впервые был напечатан в журнале «Пасифик Мансли» в 1908—1909 годах и уже в 1909 году вышел отдельной книгой в издательстве «Макмиллан Компани» (Macmillan Company). Действие романа происходит в начале XX века в Окленде (Калифорния, США).

Приведены переводы некоторых слов и выражений на русском языке. Предназначено школьникам, студентам, аспирантам и лицам, интересующимся классической литературой и изучающим английский язык.

Chapter I

The one opened the door with a latch-key (ключ от входной двери; ключ от американского замка; отмычка) and went in, followed (следовать, идти за) by a young fellow who awkwardly (неуклюже, неловко; нескладно) removed (снимать) his cap. He wore (носить) rough (грубый) clothes that smacked of (пахнуть, отдавать) the sea, and he was manifestly (явно) out of place (не в своей тарелке) in the spacious (просторный) hall in which he found himself. He did not know what to do with his cap, and was stuffing (заталкивать) it into his coat pocket when the other (другой, второй) took it from him. The act was done quietly (спокойно) and naturally (естественно), and the awkward (неловкий) young fellow appreciated (оценивать) it. «He understands,» was his thought. «He’ll see me through (поддерживать) all right.»

He walked at the other’s heels (по пятам другого) with a swing (качание; колебание) to his shoulders, and his legs spread (расходиться) unwittingly (невольно, непреднамеренно; нечаянно), as if the level floors were tilting up (наклоняться; опрокидываться) and sinking down (опускаться, снижаться, падать) to the heave (подъём, поднятие) and lunge (ныряние, погружение) of the sea. The wide rooms seemed too narrow for his rolling (покачающийся) gait (походка), and to himself he was in terror (ужас) lest (чтобы не) his broad shoulders should collide (сталкиваться) with the doorways or sweep (сметать, смахивать) the bric-a-brac (безделушки; старинные вещи) from the low mantel (каминная полка). He recoiled (отскочить, отпрянуть, отшатнуться) from side to side between the various objects and multiplied (увеличивать) the hazards (опасность) that in reality lodged (засесть, застрять) only in his mind (ум, голова). Between a grand (большой, величественный) piano and a centre-table piled (заставлять) high with books was space (место, пространство) for a half a dozen (дюжина, десяток) to walk abreast (впереди), yet he essayed (пытаться, пробовать) it with trepidation (трепет, дрожь). His heavy arms hung (висеть) loosely (широко; неточно, неопределённо) at his sides. He did not know what to do with those arms and hands, and when, to his excited (взволнованный) vision (видение, образ, представление), one arm seemed liable (склонный) to brush against (слегка коснуться, задеть) the books on the table, he lurched (кренить (ся) away like a frightened (испуганный) horse, barely (едва) missing (промахнуться) the piano stool. He watched the easy walk (лёгкая походка) of the other in front of him, and for the first time realized (осознавать) that his walk was different from that of other men. He experienced (испытывать) a momentary (кратковременный, преходящий) pang (приступ) of shame (стыд) that he should walk so uncouthly (неуклюжий, неловкий, неотесанный). The sweat (пот) burst (выступить) through the skin of his forehead (лоб) in tiny (крошечный) beads (бусинка), and he paused (остановиться, помедлить) and mopped (вытирать) his bronzed face with his handkerchief (носовой платок).

«Hold on (Подожди минутку), Arthur, my boy,» he said, attempting (пытаться) to mask his anxiety (скрыть волнение) with facetious (шутливый; комический) utterance (высказывание). «This is too much all at once for yours (для Вашего покорного слуги) truly. Give me a chance to get my nerve. You know I didn’t want to come, an’ I guess your fam’ly ain’t hankerin’ (страстно желать, очень хотеть, жаждать) to see me neither.»

«That’s all right,» was the reassuring (ободряющий) answer. «You mustn’t be frightened (пугаться) at us. We’re just homely (простой) people — Hello, there’s a letter for me.»

He stepped (шагнуть) back to the table, tore open (открыть) the envelope, and began to read, giving the stranger (незнакомец) an opportunity to recover himself (придти в себя). And the stranger understood and appreciated (оценивать). His was the gift (дар, подарок) of sympathy (сочувствие), understanding; and beneath (под) his alarmed (встревоженный) exterior (внешнее проявление) that sympathetic (сочувствующий) process went on. He mopped (вытирать) his forehead dry and glanced (бросить взгляд) about him with a controlled (контролируемый, управляемый) face, though in the eyes there was an expression such as wild (дикий) animals betray (предавать) when they fear (бояться) the trap (капкан). He was surrounded (окруженный) by the unknown (неизвестный), apprehensive (встревоженный; предчувствующий недоброе) of what might happen (произойти, случиться), ignorant of (не знать, не ведать) what he should do, aware (осознающий) that he walked and bore himself (вести себя) awkwardly (неловно), fearful (полный страха) that every attribute (признак) and power (сила) of him was similarly (подобным образом) afflicted (поражать; беспокоить). He was keenly sensitive (чувствительный), hopelessly (безнадежно) self-conscious (стеснительный, легко смущающийся), and the amused glance (взгляд) that the other stole (бросить украдкой) privily (незаметно, тайно) at him over the top of the letter burned into him (врезаться в память) like a dagger-thrust (удар ножа). He saw the glance, but he gave no sign (не показать виду), for (так как) among the things he had learned (среди того, чему он научился) was discipline. Also, that dagger-thrust went to his pride. He cursed (ругать, проклинать) himself for having come, and at the same time resolved (решить) that, happen what would (что бы ни случилось), having come (поскольку он пришел), he would carry it through (он должен пройти через это). The lines of his face hardened (стать тверже), and into his eyes came a fighting light (в его взгляде появился свет борьбы). He looked about more unconcernedly (с меньшим волнением), sharply observant (наблюдательный), every detail of the pretty interior registering itself on his brain (при этом каждая деталь красивого убранства отпечатывалась у него в мозгу). His eyes were wide apart (широко раскрытый); nothing in their field of vision (поле зрения) escaped (ускользать); and as they drank in (впитывать в себя) the beauty before them the fighting light (свет борьбы) died out (угасать, умирать) and a warm glow (блеск, свет) took its place (занять место).

He was responsive (восприимчивый, чувствительный) to beauty, and here was cause (причина) to respond.

An oil painting (картина) caught (захватывать; зацеплять) and held (держать, удерживать) him. A heavy surf (прибой) thundered (греметь) and burst over an outjutting (выпирающийся) rock (скала); lowering storm-clouds (грозовое облако) covered the sky; and, outside the line of surf (прибой), a pilot-schooner (шхуна, судно), close-hauled (идущий в крутой бейдевинд), heeled (крениться) over till every detail of her deck (палуба) was visible (видимый), was surging (вибрировать, вздыматься) along against (на фоне) a stormy (бурный, штормовый) sunset (закат солнца) sky. There was beauty, and it drew (притягивать) him irresistibly (недержимо). He forgot his awkward (неуклюжий) walk (походка) and came closer to the painting (картина), very close. The beauty faded out (постепенно исчезать) of the canvas (полотно). His face expressed his bepuzzlement (замешательство; смущение). He stared at (уставиться; пытливо всматриваться) what seemed a careless (небрежный, беспечный) daub (мазок) of paint (краска), then stepped away (отступить, сделать шаг назад). Immediately (немедленно, внезапно) all the beauty flashed back (вернуться) into the canvas (полотно). «A trick (трюк, проделка) picture,» was his thought, as he dismissed (выбрасывать из головы, прогонять от себя) it, though in the midst (среди) of the multitudinous (многочисленный) impressions he was receiving he found time to feel a prod [тычок; толчок] of indignation [возмущение] that so much beauty should be sacrificed (пожертвовать) to make a trick (трюк). He did not know painting (живопись). He had been brought up (быть воспитанным на) on chromos (хромолитография) and lithographs that were always definite (определенный) and sharp (определённый, отчётливый), near or far. He had seen oil paintings, it was true, in the show windows (витрина) of shops, but the glass of the windows had prevented (мешать, препятствовать) his eager (жаждущий) eyes from approaching (приближаться) too near.

He glanced (бросить взгляд; взглянуть мельком) around at his friend reading the letter and saw the books on the table. Into his eyes leaped (прыгать) a wistfulness (тоска) and a yearning (сильное желание; острая тоска) as promptly (быстро) as the yearning (сильное желание) leaps into the eyes of a starving (голодный) man at sight (при виде) of food (пища). An impulsive (импульсивный, вспыльчивый, легко возбудимый) stride (шаг), with one lurch (крен) to right and left of the shoulders, brought him to the table, where he began affectionately (нежно, с любовью) handling (перебирать) the books. He glanced at the titles and the authors’ names, read fragments (отрывок) of text, caressing (гладить) the volumes with his eyes and hands, and, once (однажды), recognized (узнать) a book he had read. For the rest (что касается остальных), they were strange books and strange authors. He chanced (случайно наткнуться) upon a volume (том) of Swinburne and began reading steadily, forgetful of (забыв о) where he was, his face glowing (при этом лицо его светилось, было озарено неким светом). Twice (дважды) he closed the book on his forefinger (указательный палец) to look at the name of the author. Swinburne (Суинберн)! he would (непременно) remember that name. That fellow (парень) had eyes, and he had certainly seen color and flashing (вспыхивающий, светящийся) light. But who was Swinburne? Was he dead (умерший) a hundred years or so (примерно), like (как) most (большинство) of the poets? Or was he alive (живой) still (ещё), and writing? He turned to the title-page (заглавный лист) … yes, he had written other books; well, he would go to the free library the first thing in the morning (первым делом утром) and try to get hold of (найти) some of Swinburne’s stuff. He went back to the text and lost himself. He did not notice that a young woman had entered the room. The first he knew was when he heard Arthur’s voice saying: — «Ruth, this is Mr. Eden.»

The book was closed on his forefinger (указательный палец), and before he turned he was thrilling (испытывать трепет; сильно волноваться) to the first new impression (впечатление), which was not of the girl, but of her brother’s words. Under that muscled (мускулистый) body of his he was a mass of quivering (дрожащий, трепещущий) sensibilities (чуткость, душевная чувствительность). At the slightest (малейший) impact (влияние) of the outside world (внешний мир) upon his consciousness (сознание), his thoughts, sympathies, and emotions leapt and played like lambent (сверкающий) flame (пламя). He was extraordinarily (чрезвычайно) receptive (восприимчивый) and responsive (отзывчивый), while his imagination, pitched (вознёсшееся) high, was ever at work establishing (устанавливать) relations of likeness (сходство) and difference (отличие). «Mr. Eden,» was what he had thrilled to (испытывать восторг) — he who had been called «Eden,» or «Martin Eden,» or just «Martin,» all his life. And «MISTER!» It was certainly going some (было неплохо), was his internal (внутренний) comment (замечание). His mind seemed to turn, on the instant, into a vast camera obscura (камера обскура), and he saw arrayed (расставлять) around his consciousness (сознание) endless pictures from his life, of stoke-holes (устье топки) and forecastles (бак; полубак; носовой кубрик), camps (лагерь, стан) and beaches, jails (тюрьма) and boozing (выпивка, попойка) — kens (круг знаний), fever (лихорадка) — hospitals and slum (трущобы) streets, wherein the thread (нить) of association was the fashion in which he had been addressed in those various (разный) situations.

And then he turned and saw the girl. The phantasmagoria (фантасмагория) of his brain vanished (исчезать) at sight of her (при видеп её). She was a pale (бледный), ethereal creature (эфирное существо), with wide, spiritual (божественный) blue eyes and a wealth (богатство) of golden hair. He did not know how she was dressed, except (за исключеним того, что) that the dress was as wonderful as she. He likened (сравнить) her to a pale (бледный) gold flower upon a slender (стройный) stem (стебель). No, she was a spirit (дух), a divinity (божество), a goddess (богиня); such sublimated (сублимированный) beauty was not of the earth (земля). Or perhaps the books were right, and there were many such as she in the upper walks (верхние слои) of life.

She might well be sung (воспевать) by that chap (парень), Swinburne. Perhaps he had had somebody like her (как она) in mind (голова, разум, воображение) when he painted (писать, рисовать) that girl, Iseult ([i’zult] Изулт, Изольда), in the book there on the table. All this plethora (изобилие, избыток) of sight (зрение), and feeling, and thought occurred (приходить на ум) on the instant (тотчас, немедленно). There was no pause of the realities wherein he moved. He saw her hand coming out to his (он увидел, как её рука потянулась к его руке), and she looked him straight (прямо) in the eyes as she shook (пожать) hands, frankly (откровенно говоря), like (как) a man. The women he had known did not shake hands that way (так, таким образом).

For that matter (по правде говоря), most of them did not shake hands at all. A flood (поток) of associations, visions (видение) of various ways (способ; то, как) he had made the acquaintance of (знакомиться с) women, rushed (проноситься) into his mind and threatened (грозить, угрожать) to swamp (наводнять) it. But he shook them aside and looked at her. Never had he seen such a woman. The women he had known! Immediately, beside her, on

either hand (по обе стороны от неё), ranged (выстраивать в ряд) the women he had known. For an eternal (вечный) second he stood in the midst (посреди) of a portrait gallery, wherein she occupied the central place, while about her were limned (изображать; описывать) many women, all to be weighed (взвешивать) and measured (измерять) by a fleeting (скорый; стремительный) glance (взгляд), herself the unit of weight and measure. He saw the weak (слабый) and sickly (болезненный) faces of the girls of the factories, and the simpering (жеманная), boisterous (громкоголосый, шумный) girls from the south of Market. There were women of the cattle camps, and swarthy (смуглый; тёмный) cigarette-smoking women of Old Mexico. These, in turn, were crowded out (вытеснять) by Japanese women, doll-like (куклоподобный), stepping mincingly (жеманно, манерно, чопорно) on wooden clogs (сабо); by Eurasians, delicate featured (с тонкими чертами лица), stamped with degeneracy (отмеченный печатью вырождение, дегенерации); by full-bodied (пышнотелый) South-Sea-Island women, flower-crowned (с короной из цветов на голове) and brown-skinned (тёмнокожий). All these were blotted out (вытеснять) by a grotesque and terrible nightmare (ночной кошмар) brood — frowsy (затхлый выводок), shuffling (шаркающий) creatures from the pavements (мостовой) of Whitechapel, gin-bloated (обрюзгший; оплывший; раздувшийся) hags (ведьма, карга) of the stews (бордель), and all the vast hell’s following of harpies (гарпия), vile-mouthed (с ужасной речью) and filthy (отвратительный), that under the guise (под видом) of monstrous (чудовищный) female form (в хенском обличьи) prey (хищник) upon sailors, the scrapings (оскрёбка) of the ports, the scum (тина) and slime (липкий ил; тина; муть) of the human pit (дно).

«Won’t you sit down, Mr. Eden?» the girl was saying. «I have been looking forward to meeting (предвкушать встречу; хотеть встретиться) you ever since Arthur told us. It was brave (смелый) of you (с вашей стороны)».

He waved (помахать) his hand deprecatingly (пренебрежительно) and muttered (бормотать) that it was nothing at all, what he had done, and that any fellow would have done it. She noticed that the hand he waved was covered with fresh abrasions (ссадина), in the process of healing (заживание), and a glance at the other loose-hanging (безвольно висящий) hand showed it to be in the same condition. Also, with quick, critical eye, she noted a scar (шрам) on his cheek, another that peeped out from under (выглядывать из-под) the hair of the forehead (лоб), and a third that ran down and disappeared (исчезать) under the starched (накрахмаленный) collar (воротник). She repressed (подавить) a smile at sight (при виде) of the red line that marked the chafe (истирание) of the collar (воротник) against the bronzed (покрытый бронзой) neck. He was evidently (явно, очевидно) unused to (непривычный к) stiff (жёсткий) collars (воротник). Likewise (подобным образом, так же) her feminine (женский) eye (взгляд) took in the clothes he wore (которую он носил), the cheap (дешёвый) and unaesthetic (неэстетический) cut (покрой), the wrinkling (морщинистость) of the coat across the shoulders, and the series (ряд) of wrinkles (морщина) in the sleeves (рукав) that (морщинистость) advertised (показывать, демонстрировать) bulging (выпяченный, оттопыривающийся) biceps (бицепс) muscles (мышца, мускул).

While he waved (помахать) his hand and muttered (бормотать) that he had done nothing at all, he was obeying (повиноваться, покоряться) her behest (повеление) by trying to get into a chair. He found time to admire (восхититься) the ease (лёгкость) with which she sat down, then lurched (идти шатаясь, пошатываться) toward a chair facing her (напротив неё), overwhelmed (переполненный) with consciousness (сознание) of the awkward (неловкий) figure he was cutting (представлять, выкроить). This was a new experience for him.

All his life, up to then, he had been unaware of being either graceful (изящный, ловкий) or awkward (неловкий). Such thoughts of self (самость) had never entered his mind. He sat down gingerly (осмотрительно, робко) on the edge (край) of the chair, greatly worried (озабоченный) by his hands. They were in the way wherever he put them (куда-бы он ни положил их).

Arthur was leaving the room (выходил из комнаты), and Martin Eden followed his exit (следовать за ним к выходу) with longing (тоскующий) eyes. He felt lost (чувствовать себя потерянным), alone (один) there in the room with that pale (бледный) spirit (бестелесным духом) of a woman. There was no bar-keeper (бармен) upon whom to call for drinks, no small boy to send around the corner for a can (банка) of beer and by means of (с помощью) that social fluid (жидкость) start the amenities (блага, удобства) of friendship flowing (течь, струиться).

«You have such a scar (шрам) on your neck, Mr. Eden,» the girl was saying.

«How did it happen? I am sure it must have been some adventure.»

«A Mexican with a knife, miss,» he answered, moistening (увлажнять) his parched (пересохший) lips and clearing his throat. «It was just a fight (драка). After I got the knife away, he tried to bite off (откусить) my nose.»

Baldly (открыто) as he had stated it, in his eyes was a rich vision (видение) of that hot, starry (звездный) night at Salina Cruz, the white strip (полоса) of beach (пляж), the lights of the sugar steamers in the harbor (гавань), the voices of the drunken sailors in the distance, the jostling (толкающийся) stevedores (стивидор, занимающийся погрузкой и разгрузкой судов), the flaming (пламенный, пылкий) passion (страсть) in the Mexican’s face, the glint (блеск, сверкание) of the beast-eyes in the starlight, the sting (жало) of the steel (сталь) in his neck, and the rush (прилив, приток крови) of blood, the crowd and the cries, the two bodies, his and the Mexican’s, locked together, rolling over and over and tearing up (взрывать) the sand, and from away off somewhere the mellow (спокойный, неторопливый; расслабленный) tinkling (звяканье) of a guitar. Such was the picture, and he thrilled (испытывать трепет; волноваться) to the memory of it, wondering if the man could paint it who had painted the pilot-schooner (штурман шхуны) on the wall. The white beach, the stars, and the lights of the sugar steamers (пароход) would look great, he thought, and midway on the sand the dark group of figures that surrounded the fighters.

The knife occupied a place in the picture, he decided, and would show well, with a sort (некий; что-то вроде) of gleam (отблеск), in the light of the stars. But of all this no hint (никакой намёк) had crept (вкрасться) into his speech. «He tried to bite off (откусить) my nose,» he concluded (заключить).

«Oh,» the girl said, in a faint (слабый), far (далёкий) voice, and he noticed the shock (потрясение; шок) in her sensitive (чувствительный) face. He felt a shock himself, and a blush (румянец; краска стыда) of embarrassment (замешательство, смущение) shone (сиять, сверкать) faintly (бледно; слабо; едва, еле-еле) on his sunburned (загорелый) cheeks, though to him it burned as hotly as when his cheeks had been exposed (выставлять, подвергать действию) to the open furnace-door (заслонка) in the fire-room (котельное отделение). Such sordid (убогий, отвратительный) things as stabbing (колоть, ранить кинжалом, ножом) affrays (драка в общественном месте) were evidently not fit (подходить, соответствовать) subjects (тема) for conversation with a lady. People in the books, in her walk (общественное положение, сфера деятельности) of life, did not talk about such things — perhaps they did not know about them, either (тоже, также).

There was a brief pause in the conversation they were trying to get started. Then she asked tentatively (неуверенно, осторожно, с сомнением) about the scar (шрам) on his cheek. Even as she asked, he realized that she was making an effort (делать усилие) to talk his talk, and he resolved (решить) to get away from (отойти от) it and talk hers.

«It was just an accident (несчастный случай),» he said, putting his hand (прижимать руку) to his cheek (щека).

«One night, in a calm, with a heavy sea running, the main-boom-lift carried away, an’ next the tackle. The lift was wire, an’ it was threshin’ around like a snake. The whole watch (команда, караул) was tryin’ to grab (схватить) it, an’ I rushed in (бросаться вперед) an’ got swatted (меня ударило).»

«Oh,» she said, this time with an accent of comprehension (понимание), though secretly his speech had been so much Greek to her and she was wondering what a LIFT was and what SWATTED meant (означать).

«This man Swineburne,» he began, attempting to put his plan into execution (осуществить свой план) and pronouncing (произнести) the I long (протяжно). «Who?» «Swineburne,» he repeated, with the same mispronunciation (с тем же самым неправильным произношением). «The poet.»

«Swinburne,» she corrected (исправить). «Yes, that’s the chap (парень),» he stammered (заикаться; запинаться), his cheeks hot again (при этом его щеки опять раскраснелись). «How long since he died (Сколько времени прошло с тех пор, как он умер)?»

«Why, I haven’t heard that he was dead.» She looked at him curiously. «Where did you make his acquaintance?»

«I never clapped eyes on him (Я этого парня и в глаза никогда не видела).» — was the reply. «But I read some of his poetry out of that book there on the table just before you come in. How do you like his poetry?»

And there at she began to talk quickly and easily upon the subject he had suggested. He felt better, and settled back slightly from the edge of the chair (слегка поддался назад от краешка стула), holding tightly to its arms with his hands (крепко вцепившись руками за его подлокотники), as if it might get away from him (как будто он мог улизнуть от него) and buck (взбрыкнув, уронить) him to the floor. He had succeeded (удаваться) in making her talk, and while she rattled on (пока она безостановочно болтать), he strove (стараться, пытаться) to follow her, marvelling at (удивляться) all the knowledge that was stowed (укладывать, складывать) away in that pretty head of hers, and drinking in the pale (бледный) beauty of her face. Follow her he did (он на самом деле внимательно следил за тем, что она говорила), though bothered (беспокоить, озадачивать) by unfamiliar (незнакомый) words that fell glibly (бойко) from her lips and by critical phrases and thought-processes (мыслительный процесс) that were foreign (чуждый) to his mind (ум), but that nevertheless (тем не менее) stimulated (стимулировать) his mind and set it tingling (нервировать; возбуждать). Here was intellectual life, he thought, and here was beauty, warm and wonderful as he had never dreamed it could be (о чём он и помыслить не мог в своих мечтах). He forgot himself and stared at (пытливо всматриваться) her with hungry eyes. Here was something to live for (здесь было нечто, ради чего стоило жить), to win to, to fight for — ay, and die for. The books were true (В книгах была правда). There were such women in the world. She was one of them.

She lent (давать, придавать) wings to his imagination, and great, luminous (светящийся) canvases (полотно) spread themselves (разворачиваться; расстилаться) before him whereon loomed (неясно вырисовываться) vague (неясный, туманный), gigantic figures of love and romance, and of heroic deeds (подвиг) for woman’s sake (ради) — for a pale (бледный) woman, a flower of gold. And through the swaying (покачивающийся), palpitant (трепещущий) vision (видение, образ), as through (как будто) a fairy (волшебный) mirage, he stared at the real woman, sitting there and talking of literature and art. He listened as well, but he stared, unconscious of (не осознавая) the fixity (сосредоточенность) of his gaze (пристальный взгляд) or of the fact that all that was essentially (по существу) masculine (маскулинный, мужской) in his nature was shining (блестеть, сверкать) in his eyes. But she, who knew little of the world of men, being a woman, was keenly (остро) aware of his burning (горящий) eyes. She had never had men look at her in such fashion, and it embarrassed (озадачивать, сбивать с толку) her. She stumbled (сбиваться) and halted (приостанавливаться) in her utterance (речь, высказывание). The thread (нить) of argument slipped (ускользать) from her. He frightened (пугать) her, and at the same time it was strangely pleasant to be so looked upon (было непривычно приятно, когда на неё так смотрели). Her training (воспитание) warned her of peril (опасность) and of wrong, subtle (тонкий), mysterious (таинственный), luring (манящий, приманивающий); while her instincts rang clarion-voiced (чистый голос) through her being (существо), impelling (побуждать, принуждать, стимулировать) her to hurdle (превозмочь, преодолеть) caste and place and gain to (осуществить свой замысел относительно) this traveller from another world, to this uncouth (грубый, неотёсанный) young fellow with lacerated (разодранный) hands and a line of raw red caused by the unaccustomed (непривычный) linen (бельё, одежда) at his throat (горло), who, all too evidently, was soiled (пачкаться, грязниться) and tainted (окрашивать) by ungracious (грубый) existence. She was clean, and her cleanness revolted (бунтовать); but she was woman, and she was just beginning to learn the paradox of woman.

«As I was saying — what was I saying?» She broke off (прерывать речь, замолкать) abruptly (резко) and laughed merrily (весело) at her predicament (неловкое положение).

«You was saying that this man Swinburne failed bein’ a great poet because — an’ that was as far as you got, miss,» he prompted (подсказывать), while to himself he seemed suddenly hungry, and delicious (восхитительный) little thrills (трепет) crawled (ползти; виться) up and down his spine (позвоночник) at the sound of her laughter. Like silver, he thought to himself, like tinkling (звон, звяканье) silver bells (колокольчик); and on the instant (тотчас, немедленно), and for an instant (на мгновение), he was transported to a far land, where under pink (розовый) cherry (вишня; черешня) blossoms (цвет, цветок), he smoked a cigarette and listened to the bells of the peaked (остроконечный) pagoda calling straw-sandalled (в соломенных сандалиях) devotees (верующий) to worship (на службу).

«Yes, thank you,» she said. «Swinburne fails, when all is said, because he is, well, indelicate (бестактный). There are many of his poems that should never be read. Every line of the really great poets is filled with beautiful truth, and calls to all that is high and noble in the human. Not a line of the great poets can be spared without impoverishing (обеднять) the world by that much (столько, так много).»

«I thought it was great,» he said hesitatingly (нерешительно, неуверенно), «the little I read.

I had no idea he was such a — a scoundrel (подлец; негодяй; мерзавец). I guess (я думаю) that crops out (выходить на поверхность; вызревать) in his other books.»

«There are many lines that could be spared from the book you were reading,» she said, her voice primly (чопорно) firm and dogmatic.

«I must ’a’ missed ’em,» he announced (объявлять, заявлять). «What I read was the real goods. It was all lighted up an’ shining, an’ it shun right into me an’ lighted me up inside, like the sun or a searchlight (прожектор). That’s the way it landed on (зацепить) me, but I guess (догадываться, думать) I ain’t up much on (не очень силен в) poetry, miss.»

He broke off (замолкать, прерываться) lamely (спотыкаясь, запинаясь, сбивчиво). He was confused (смущенный), painfully (болезненно) conscious of (ощущать, чувствовать) his inarticulateness (невнятность). He had felt the bigness and glow of life in what he had read, but his speech was inadequate (не адекватный). He could not express what he felt, and to himself he likened himself to a sailor, in a strange (незнакомый) ship, on a dark night, groping (идти ощупью) about in the unfamiliar (незнакомый) running rigging (оснастка; такелаж; оборудование). Well, he decided, it was up to him to get acquainted (познакомиться) in this new world. He had never seen anything that he couldn’t get the hang of (приобрести навык; освоиться с чем-л., набить себе руку) when he wanted to and it was about time for him to want to learn to talk the things that were inside of him so that she could understand. SHE was bulking (казаться большим, важным; принимать преувеличенные размеры) on his horizon (горизонт).

«Now Longfellow — «she was saying.

«Yes, I’ve read ’m,» he broke in impulsively (импульсивно), spurred on (подхлёстывать, подталкивать) to exhibit (показать, продемонстрировать) and make the most (показать наилучшим образом) of his little store (запас) of book knowledge, desirous (жаждущий) of showing her that he was not wholly a stupid clod (законченный тупица). «„The Psalm of Life,“ „Excelsior („Все выше“),“ an’ … I guess that’s all.»

She nodded (кивнуть) her head and smiled, and he felt, somehow (в какой-то степени), that her smile was tolerant (терпеливый), pitifully (жалостливо) tolerant. He was a fool (глупец) to attempt (пытаться) to make a pretence that way (притворяться так). That Longfellow chap (парень, молодчина) most likely (весьма вероятно) had written countless (бесчисленный) books of poetry.

«Excuse me, miss, for buttin’ in that way. I guess the real facts is that I don’t know nothin’ much about such things. It ain’t in my class. But I’m goin’ to make it in my class.»

It sounded (звучать) like (как) a threat (угроза). His voice was determined (полный решимости), his eyes were flashing (сверкать), the lines of his face had grown (становиться) harsh (жесткий). And to her it seemed that the angle (угол) of his jaw (челюсть) had changed; its pitch (угол наклона) had become unpleasantly (неприятно) aggressive. At the same time a wave (волна) of intense virility (возмужалость) seemed to surge (нахлынуть) out from him and impinge upon (налететь, сталкиваться с) her.

«I think you could make it in — in your class,» she finished with a laugh. «You are very strong.»

Her gaze (взгляд) rested (остановиться) for a moment on the muscular (мускулистый) neck, heavy corded (отделанный тесьмой), almost bull-like (почти как у быка), bronzed by the sun, spilling over (переливать через край) with rugged (крепкий) health and strength. And though he sat there, blushing (заливаться румянцем от смущения) and humble (застенчивый, робкий), again she felt drawn (как её тянет) to him. She was surprised by a wanton (несдержанный) thought that rushed into her mind (пронестись в мозгу). It seemed to her that if she could lay (положить) her two hands upon that neck that all its strength and vigor (жизненнвя энергия) would flow out (переливаться) to her. She was shocked by this thought. It seemed to reveal (открыть) to her an undreamed depravity (порочность; безнравственность) in her nature. Besides, strength (сила) to her (в е1ё понимании) was a gross (грубый, явный, бросающийся в глаза) and brutish (животный, грубый) thing. Her ideal of masculine (мужской) beauty had always been slender (тонкий) gracefulness (изящество). Yet the thought (эта мысль) still persisted (упорствовать, удерживаться). It bewildered (поразить) her that she should desire (желать) to place her hands on that sunburned neck. In truth, she was far from robust (крепкий, здоровый; сильный), and the need of her body and mind was for strength.

But she did not know it. She knew only that no man had ever affected (воздействовать) her before as this one had, who shocked her from moment to moment with his awful (ужасный) grammar.

«Yes, I ain’t no invalid,» he said. «When it comes down to hard-pan, I can digest (переварить) scrap-iron (железо, металлические обрезки). But just now I’ve got dyspepsia (диспепсия, расстройство пищеварения).

Most of what you was sayin’ I can’t digest. Never trained that way, you see. I like books and poetry, and what time I’ve had I’ve read ’em, but I’ve never thought about ’em the way you have.

That’s why I can’t talk about ’em. I’m like a navigator (мореплаватель, штурман, навигатор) adrift (плывущий по течению) on a strange (незнакомый, неизвестный) sea without chart (карта) or compass. Now I want to get my bearin’s (ориентироваться). Mebbe you can put me right (поправить меня). How did you learn all this you’ve ben talkin’?»

«By going to school (благодаря школе), I fancy (я думаю), and by studying,» she answered.

«I went to school when I was a kid (ребёнок),» he began to object (возражать).

«Yes; but I mean high school (высшее образование), and lectures, and the university.» «You’ve gone to the university?» he demanded in frank amazement (искренне изумление).

He felt that she had become remoter (удалиться, отдаляться) from him by at least (по крайней мере) a million miles. «I’m going there now. I’m taking special courses in English.»

He did not know what «English» meant, but he made a mental note (заметка в уме) of that item (вопрос) of ignorance (невежество) and passed on.

«How long would I have to study before I could go to the university?» he asked.

She beamed (излучать, испускать лучи; светить, сиять) encouragement (одобрение) upon his desire for knowledge, and said:

«That depends upon (зависеть от) how much studying you have already done. You have never attended (посещать, ходить) high school? Of course not. But did you finish grammar school?»

«I had two years to run, when I left (уходить),» he answered. «But I was always honorably (благородно, с уважением) promoted (продвигать) at school.»

The next moment, angry with himself for the boast (похвальба), he had gripped (схватить) the arms of the chair so savagely (дико) that every finger-end (кончик пальца) was stinging (жечь). At the same moment he became aware (узнать) that a woman was entering the room. He saw the girl leave her chair and trip swiftly (быстро) across the floor to the newcomer (новоприбывший, приезжий). They kissed each other, and, with arms around each other’s waists (талия), they advanced (приближаться) toward him. That must be her mother, he thought. She was a tall, blond woman, slender (стройный), and stately (полный достоинства), and beautiful. Her gown (платье, одежда) was what he might expect (тем, что он мог ожидать) in such a house. His eyes delighted (выражать восторг) in the graceful (изящный) lines of it. She and her dress together reminded him of women on the stage (на сцене). Then he remembered seeing similar (подобный, похожий) grand (величавый) ladies and gowns entering the London theatres while he stood and watched and the policemen shoved him back (отталкивать; отпихивать его) into the drizzle (моросящий дождь) beyond the awning (навес; тент).

Next his mind leaped (перескакивать) to the Grand Hotel at Yokohama, where, too, from the sidewalk (тротуар), he had seen grand (знатный, величественный) ladies. Then the city and the harbor (гавань) of Yokohama, in a thousand pictures, began flashing (проноситься) before (перед) his eyes. But he swiftly dismissed (отбросить) the kaleidoscope of memory, oppressed (подавлять) by the urgent need (срочная необходимость) of the present (настоящее). He knew that he must stand up to be introduced (подняться с места, когда тебя представляют), and he struggled painfully to his feet (неловко встал со своего места), where he stood with trousers bagging at the knees (отвисать как мешок; болтаться, свисать), his arms loose-hanging and ludicrous (а его руки свисали смешно, нелепо), his face set hard for the impending (неминуемый, предстоящий, надвигающийся) ordeal (испытание).

Chapter II

The process of getting into (переход) the dining room was a nightmare (кошмар) to him.

Between halts (остановка) and stumbles (спотыкание; запинка; задержка), jerks (резкое движение, толчок) and lurches (шаткая походка; пошатывание), locomotion (передвижение) had at times (временами) seemed impossible. But at last he had made it, and was seated (его посадили, был усажен) alongside of (бок о бок) Her. The array (расположение в определенном порядке) of knives and forks frightened (напугать) him. They bristled (изобиловать) with unknown perils (опасность), and he gazed (пристально смотреть) at them, fascinated (завораживать, гипнотизировать), till their dazzle (ослепляющее действие) became a background across which moved a succession (ряд, последовательность) of forecastle (бак; полубак; носовой кубрик) pictures, wherein (где) he and his mates (напарник, приятель) sat eating salt beef (говяжья солонина) with sheath-knives (нож в ножнах) and fingers, or scooping (черпать) thick (густой) pea-soup (гороховый) out of pannikins (мисочка) by means of (с помощью) battered (побитый) iron (железный) spoons.

The stench (вонь, зловоние) of bad beef was in his nostrils, while in his ears, to the accompaniment of creaking (скрепящий) timbers (древесина; лесоматериалы) and groaning (скрипеть, потрескивать; трещать) bulkheads (перегородка), echoed (вторить) the loud mouth-noises of the eaters (едок). He watched them eating, and decided that they ate like pigs (свинья). Well, he would be careful here. He would make no noise. He would keep his mind upon it all the time.

He glanced around the table. Opposite him was Arthur, and Arthur’s brother, Norman. They were her brothers, he reminded himself (напоминать себе) and his heart warmed (потеплеть) toward them. How they loved each other, the members of this family! There flashed into his mind (проноситься в уме) the picture of her mother, of the kiss of greeting, and of the pair of them walking toward him with arms entwined (сплетать; обвивать). Not in his world were such displays (проявление) of affection (любовь, привязанность) between parents and children made. It was a revelation (откровение) of the heights (высота) of existence (существование) that were attained (достигать) in the world above. It was the finest thing yet that he had seen in this small glimpse (мимолётное видение, беглый взгляд, проблеск) of that world. He was moved deeply by appreciation (оценка) of it, and his heart was melting (таять) with sympathetic (благожелательный) tenderness (нежность). He had starved (умирать, голодать) for love all his life. His nature craved (стремиться к, жаждать) love. It was an organic (органическое, сущностный) demand (требование) of his being (естество, существо). Yet he had gone without (обходиться без), and hardened himself (почерстветь, закалиться) in the process. He had not known that he needed love. Nor did he know it now. He merely (просто) saw it in operation (в действии), and thrilled to it (испытывать трепет, дрожь; сильно волноваться), and thought it fine, and high, and splendid.

He was glad that Mr. Morse was not there. It was difficult enough getting acquainted with her, and her mother, and her brother, Norman. Arthur he already knew somewhat (в какой-то степени). The father would have been too much for him, he felt sure. It seemed to him that he had never worked so hard in his life. The severest toil (самая тяжелая работа) was child’s play compared with this (по сравнению с этим). Tiny nodules (капля) of moisture (влага) stood out on his forehead (лоб), and his shirt was wet with sweat (пот) from the exertion (напряжение, усилие) of doing so many unaccustomed (непривычный) things at once. He had to eat as he had never eaten before, to handle (управляться) strange tools, to glance surreptitiously (исподтишка) about and learn how to accomplish (выполнить) each new thing, to receive the flood (поток, масса) of impressions that was pouring (литься) in upon him and being mentally (умственно, интеллектуально) annotated (комментировать, снабжать примечаниями, аннотировать) and classified (классифицировать); to be conscious of (осознавать) a yearning (стремление, влечение) for her that perturbed (приводить в смятение; волновать, смущать) him in the form of a dull (притуплённый, приглушённый), aching (причиняющий боль, болезненный) restlessness (беспокойство); to feel the prod (толчок, побуждение) of desire to win to (достичь, завоевать) the walk (слой, сфера) in life whereon she trod (идти, ступать, шагать), and to have his mind ever and again straying off (блуждать) in speculation (размышление, обдумывание) and vague (неясный, туманный) plans of how to reach to her. Also, when his secret glance (взгляд) went across to Norman opposite him (напротив него), or to any one else, to ascertain (убедиться) just what knife or fork was to be used (нужно было использовать) in any particular (конкретный) occasion (случай), that person’s features were seized (охватить) upon by his mind, which automatically strove to appraise (оценивать) them and to divine (гадать, строить догадки, предполагать) what they were — all in relation to her (всё в связи с ней). Then he had to talk, to hear what was said to him and what was said back and forth, and to answer, when it was necessary, with a tongue prone to (предрасположенный к) looseness (неточность) of speech that required (требовать) a constant curb (обуздание, сдерживание). And to add confusion (смущение, смятение, замешательство) to confusion, there was the servant, an unceasing (беспрерывный, беспрестанный) menace (угроза; опасность; опасный человек), that appeared (появляться) noiselessly (бесшумно) at his shoulder, a dire (ужасный) Sphinx (сфинкс) that propounded (предлагать) puzzles (задача, головоломка) and conundrums (загадка; головоломка) demanding (требовать) instantaneous (моментальный) solution (решение). He was oppressed (угнетать) throughout (на протяжении) the meal by the thought of finger-bowls (чаша для омывания пальцев).

Irrelevantly (некстати), insistently (настойчиво, упорно; настоятельно), scores of times (много раз, многократно), he wondered (интересовать) when they would come on and what they looked like (как они выглядели). He had heard (слышать) of such things, and now, sooner or later (рано или поздно), somewhere (где-то) in the next few minutes, he would see them, sit at table with exalted (экзальтированный, восторженный; возбуждённый,) beings who used them — ay, and he would use them himself. And most important of all, far down and yet always at the surface (поверхность) of his thought, was the problem of how he should comport (вести себя) himself toward these persons.

What should his attitude (отношение) be? He wrestled (бороться) continually (непрерывно) and anxiously (тревожно, с волнением, с беспокойством) with the problem. There were cowardly (трусливый; малодушный) suggestions (предложение, предположение, совет) that he should make believe, assume (принимать, брать на себя) a part; and there were still more cowardly (трусливый) suggestions (предположение) that warned (предупреждать) him he would fail (потерпеть неудачу, провалиться) in such course (дело, линия поведения, образ действия), that his nature was not fitted (соответствовать, быть пригодной) to live up to it, and that he would make a fool of himself (делать из себя дурака).

It was during the first part of the dinner, struggling (делать усилия; стараться изо всех сил) to decide upon his attitude (отношение, позиция, линия поведения), that he was very quiet (спокойный). He did not know that his quietness (спокойствие) was giving the lie (ложь) to Arthur’s words of the day before, when that brother of hers had announced (объявить) that he was going to bring a wild man (дикий человек) home to dinner and for them not to be alarmed, because they would find him an interesting wild (дикий) man. Martin Eden could not have found it in him, just then, to believe that her brother could be guilty of (быть виноватым) such treachery (предательство) — especially (особенно) when he had been the means (средство) of getting this particular brother out of an unpleasant row (скандал). So he sat at table, perturbed (приводить в смятение) by his own unfitness (несоответствие, непригодность) and at the same time charmed (очарованный) by all that went on about him (всем тем, что происходило вокруг него). For the first time he realized (осознать) that eating was something more than a utilitarian (утилитарный) function. He was unaware of (не знать, не осознавать) what he ate (есть). It was merely (просто) food. He was feasting (пировать) his love of beauty at this table where eating was an aesthetic (эстетический) function. It was an intellectual function, too. His mind was stirred (возбуждать). He heard words spoken that were meaningless (не иметь значения, быть бессмысленный) to him, and other words that he had seen only in books and that no man or woman he had known was of large enough mental (ментальный) caliber (достоинство) to pronounce. When he heard such words dropping (срываться) carelessly (беззаботно) from the lips of the members of this marvelous (удивительный, замечательный) family, her family, he thrilled with delight (дрожать от восторга). The romance (роман, любовная история), and beauty, and high vigor (сила; энергия) of the books were coming true (осуществляться). He was in that rare (редкий) and blissful (блаженный, счастливый) state wherein (в котором) a man sees his dreams stalk (подкрадываться) out from the crannies (трещина, щель) of fantasy and become fact.

Never had he been at such an altitude (высота) of living, and he kept himself in the background (на заднем фоне), listening, observing (наблюдать), and pleasuring, replying (отвечать) in reticent (сдержанный) monosyllables (односложное слово), saying, «Yes, miss,» and «No, miss,» to her, and «Yes, ma’am,» and «No, ma’am,» to her mother.

He curbed (обуздывать, сдерживать, укрощать, усмирять) the impulse, arising out of his sea-training, to say «Yes, sir,» and «No, sir,» to her brothers. He felt that it would be inappropriate (не подходящий) and a confession (признание) of inferiority (более низкое положение) on his part (с его стороны) — which would never do (соответствовать, подходить) if he was to (должен был, стремился) win to her. Also, it was a dictate (предписание, повеление) of his pride (гордость). «By God!» he cried to himself, once; «I’m just as good as them, and if they do know lots that I don’t, I could learn ’m a few myself, all the same (всё равно, несмотря ни на что)!» And the next moment, when she or her mother addressed him as «Mr. Eden,» his aggressive (наступательный) pride (гордость) was forgotten, and he was glowing (сиять) and warm (потеплевший) with delight (от восторга). He was a civilized man, that was what he was, shoulder to shoulder, at dinner, with people he had read about in books. He was in the books himself, adventuring through (пробиваться) the printed (напечатанный) pages of bound (переплетенный) volumes.

But while he belied (давать неверное представление, искажать) Arthur’s description, and appeared a gentle lamb (ягненок) rather than (а не) a wild man (дикарь), he was racking his brains (ломать голову) for a course of action (course of action). He was no gentle lamb (нежный ягненок), and the part of second fiddle (вторая скрипка) would never do (подходить, соответствовать) for the high-pitched (надменный, вычурный) dominance (доминирование, преобладание) of his nature. He talked only when he had to, and then his speech was like his walk to the table, filled with jerks (резкое движение) and halts (остановка) as he groped (пробираться на ощупь) in his polyglot (многоязычный) vocabulary for words, debating (обдумывать; размышлять) over words he knew were fit (подходить, соответствовать) but which he feared (бояться) he could not pronounce, rejecting (отвергать) other words he knew would not be understood or would be raw (недоработанный, несовершенный) and harsh (жёсткий, грубый, неприятный). But all the time he was oppressed (угнетать) by the consciousness (сознание) that this carefulness (тщательность; скрупулёзность) of diction (дикция, произношение) was making a booby (болван, дурак) of him, preventing him from expressing what he had in him. Also, his love of freedom chafed against (раздражаться, нервничать по поводу) the restriction (ограничение) in much the same way (в большой степени так, как) his neck chafed against the starched (накрахмаленный) fetter (оковы, узы) of a collar (воротник). Besides, he was confident (уверенный) that he could not keep it up (поднять его). He was by nature (по природе) powerful (мощный, могучий) of thought and sensibility (чувствительность), and the creative spirit (творческий дух) was restive (своенравный, нетерпеливый, упрямый) and urgent (настойчивый, добивающийся, упорный). He was swiftly mastered by the concept or sensation in him that struggled in birth-throes (родовые муки) to receive expression and form, and then he forgot himself and where he was, and the old words — the tools (инструмент, орудие) of speech he knew — slipped out (выскальзывать, исчезать).

Once (один раз), he declined (отклонить, отказаться) something from the servant (слуга) who interrupted (прерывать) and pestered at (докучать, донимать) his shoulder, and he said, shortly (коротко) and emphatically (выразительно), «Pew!»

On the instant those at the table were keyed up (волновать, бес покоить) and expectant (быть в ожидании), the servant was smugly (самодовольно) pleased (довольный), and he was wallowing (погрязнуть в) in mortification (унижение; досада). But he recovered himself (оправиться, придти в себя) quickly.

«It’s the Kanaka (канак, уроженец тихоокеанских островов, обычно Гавайских) for ’finish,»» he explained, «and it just come out (выскочить) naturally (само собой). It’s spelt (произносить по буквам) p-a-u.»

He caught her curious (любопытный) and speculative (изучающий) eyes fixed on his hands, and, being in explanatory (объясняющий, поясняющий) mood (настрой, настроение), he said:

— «I just come down the Coast (побережье) on one of the Pacific (тихоокеанский) mail (почтовый) steamers (пароход).

She was behind time (опаздывать), an’ around (в районе) the Puget Sound ports we worked like niggers (негр), storing (складирование) cargo-mixed (разнородный) freight (груз), if you know what that means. That’s how the skin (кожа) got knocked off.»

«Oh, it wasn’t that (я не это имела в виду),» she hastened (поспешить) to explain (объяснить), in turn (в свою очередь). «Your hands seemed too small for your body.»

His cheeks (щека) were hot (гореть). He took (воспринимать, относиться) it as an exposure (демонстрация, проявление, показ) of another of his deficiencies (недостаток).

«Yes,» he said depreciatingly (пренебрежительно). «They ain’t big enough to stand (выносить, выдерживать) the strain (напряжение). I can hit (ударить) like a mule (мул) with my arms (рука) and shoulders (плечо). They are too strong, an’ when I smash (ударять) a man on the jaw (челюсть) the hands get smashed, too.»

He was not happy (довольный) at what he had said (тем, что сказал). He was filled (быть переполненным) with disgust (отвращение, презрение) at himself. He had loosed (ослаблять) the guard (наблюдение, контроль) upon his tongue and talked about things that were not nice.

«It was brave of you (было смело с вашей стороны) to help Arthur the way you did — and you a stranger (незнакомый),» she said tactfully (тактично), aware of (осознавать) his discomfiture (замешательство, смущение) though not of the reason for it.

He, in turn (в свою очередь), realized (осознать) what she had done, and in the consequent (логичный, логически последовательный) warm surge (волна) of gratefulness (благодарность) that overwhelmed (переполнять) him forgot (забыть) his loose-worded (косный) tongue.

«It wasn’t nothin’ at all,» he said. «Any guy (парень) ’ud do it for another. That bunch of hoodlums (бандит; хулиган) was lookin’ for trouble (неприятность), an’ Arthur wasn’t botherin’ (беспокоить) ’em none. They butted (бодать) in on ’m, an’ then I butted in on them an’ poked (нанести удар, ударить; ударить кулаком) a few (несколько). That’s where some of the skin (кожа) off my hands went (сойти, слезать), along with some of the teeth (зуб) of the gang (банда, шайка, тусовка). I wouldn’t ’a’ missed (пропускать) it for anything. When I seen»

He paused (остановиться), open-mouthed (с открытым ртом), on the verge (на грани, на краю) of the pit (яма) of his own depravity (испорченность; безнравственный поступок) and utter (крайний) worthlessness (бесполезность) to breathe (дышать) the same air (тот же воздух) she did (которым дышала она).

And while Arthur took up the tale (рассказ), for the twentieth time, of his adventure (происшествие) with the drunken (пьяный) hoodlums (хулиган; бандит) on the ferry-boat (паром) and of how Martin Eden had rushed in (броситься) and rescued (спасать) him, that individual, with frowning brows (с нахмуренными бровями), meditated (думать) upon the fool he had made of himself (о том, какого дурака он свалял), and wrestled (драться) more determinedly (решительно) with the problem of how he should conduct himself (вести себя) toward these people. He certainly had not succeeded (преуспеть) so far. He wasn’t of their tribe (племя), and he couldn’t talk their lingo, was the way he put it to himself. He couldn’t fake (прикидываться, притворяться) being their kind (род, сословие). The masquerade (маскарад) would fail (провалиться, потерпеть неудачу), and besides, masquerade was foreign (чуждый, противный) to his nature (природа). There was no room in him (в нем не было места) for sham (притворство) or artifice (фальшь). Whatever happened (что бы ни случилось), he must be real (настоящий). He couldn’t talk their talk just yet (он пока еще не мог говорить на их языке), though in time (через некоторое время) he would. Upon that he was resolved (твердый, решительный). But in the meantime (пока), talk he must, and it must be his own talk, toned down (пониженный), of course, so as to be comprehensible (понятный) to them and so as not to shook them too much. And furthermore (к тому же, кроме того; более того), he wouldn’t claim (он бы не утверждал), not even by tacit (молчаливый) acceptance (признание, принятие; одобрение), to be familiar (знакомый) with anything that was unfamiliar. In pursuance of this decision (в соответствии с этим решением), when the two brothers, talking university shop (дело, работа), had used «trig (щеголеватый; нарядный, элегантный, изящный)» several times, Martin Eden demanded (требовать):

— «What is TRIG?»

«Trignometry (тригонометрия),» Norman said; «a higher form of math (математика).» «And what is math?» was the next question, which, somehow, brought the laugh (смех) on Norman.

«Mathematics, arithmetic,» was the answer.

Martin Eden nodded (кивнуть). He had caught a glimpse (проблеск) of the apparently (явно) illimitable (беспредельный) vistas (перспектива) of knowledge. What he saw took on tangibility (осязаемость).

His abnormal (необычный, отклоняющийся от нормы) power of vision (сила видения) made abstractions take on concrete form (сделать так, чтобы абстракции приняли конкретную форму). In the alchemy (алхимия) of his brain (мозг), trigonometry and mathematics and the whole field (область) of knowledge which they betokened (означать, олицетворять, символизировать) were transmuted (изменяться, превращаться, преобразовываться) into so much landscape (вид, пейзаж). The vistas (перспектива, вид) he saw were vistas of green foliage (листва) and forest glades (поляна, прогалина; просека), all softly (мягко) luminous (светящийся) or shot (пронизанный) through with flashing (вспыхивающий) lights. In the distance (на расстоянии, в отдалении), detail (деталь, подробность) was veiled (вуалировать) and blurred (размывать, смазывать) by a purple (фиолетовый, пурпурный) haze (туман, дымка), but behind (за, позади, на фоне) this purple haze, he knew, was the glamour (блеск) of the unknown (неизвестный), the lure (соблазн, притягательная сила) of romance (романтика, любовь). It was like wine to him. Here was adventure, something to do with head and hand, a world to conquer (мир, который можно (нужно) завоевать) — and straightway (сразу) from the back of his consciousness (из глубины его сознания) rushed (вырваться) the thought, CONQUERING (завоевание), TO WIN TO HER (завоевать её), THAT LILY-PALE (бледный как лилия) SPIRIT (дух, привидение) SITTING BESIDE HIM (сидящий рядом с ним).

The glimmering vision (мерцающее видение) was rent asunder (отдельно) and dissipated (рассеивать, разгонять) by Arthur, who, all evening, had been trying to draw his wild man out. Martin Eden remembered his decision. For the first time he became himself, consciously and deliberately (осторожно, осмотрительно) at first, but soon lost in the joy of creating in making life as he knew it appear before his listeners’ eyes. He had been a member of the crew (экипаж) of the smuggling (контрабандный) schooner Halcyon when she was captured (захваченный) by a revenue (доходные) cutter (тендер). He saw with wide eyes, and he could tell what he saw. He brought the pulsing (пульсирующий) sea before them, and the men and the ships upon the sea. He communicated (передавать, транслировать) his power of vision, till they saw with his eyes what he had seen. He selected from the vast mass of detail with an artist’s touch, drawing pictures of life that glowed (сверкать) and burned (гореть) with light and color, injecting (впрыскивать, вводить, впускать) movement so that his listeners surged (вздыматься) along with him on the flood (поток) of rough (грубый) eloquence (красноречие), enthusiasm, and power. At times (временами) he shocked them with the vividness (яркость) of the narrative (повествование, рассказ) and his terms of speech (оборот речи), but beauty always followed (следовать, идти по следам) fast (быстро) upon the heels (гнаться по пятам) of violence (ярость), and tragedy was relieved (облегчать) by humor, by interpretations of the strange twists (выверт, скручивание) and quirks (игра слов; каламбур) of sailors’ minds.

And while he talked, the girl looked at him with startled (удивленный, испуганный) eyes.

His fire warmed her. She wondered if she had been cold all her days. She wanted to lean (прислониться) toward this burning, blazing (пылающий) man that was like a volcano (вулкан) spouting forth (изливать, извергать) strength, robustness (энергия), and health.

She felt that she must lean (прислониться) toward him, and resisted (удерживаться) by an effort.

Then, too, there was the counter (противоположный) impulse to shrink away from him (отпрянуть от него).

She was repelled (отталкивать) by those lacerated (истерзанный) hands, grimed (глубоко въевшаяся грязь) by toil (тяжкий труд) so that the very (сама) dirt of life was ingrained (вьевшийся) in the flesh itself (в саму плоть), by that red chafe (трение) of the collar (воротник) and those bulging muscles. His roughness (грубость) frightened (пугать) her; each roughness of speech was an insult (оскорбление) to her ear (ухо), each rough (грубый) phase of his life an insult (оскорбление) to her soul. And ever and again would come the draw (тяга, притягивание) of him, till she thought he must be evil (зло, злодей) to have such power over her. All that was most firmly established in her mind (всё, что твердо установилось в её уме) was rocking (пошатываться). His romance and adventure were battering (ударять, разрушать) at the conventions (условности). Before his facile (легкий; покладистый) perils (опасность) and ready laugh, life was no longer an affair (дело) of serious effort and restraint (сдерживание), but a toy (игрушка), to be played with (с которой можно поиграть) and turned topsy-turvy (перевёртывать вверх дном; приводить в замешательство), carelessly (беззаботно) to be lived and pleasured in, and carelessly (беззаботно) to be flung aside (быть отброшенным в сторону). «Therefore, play!» was the cry that rang (звенеть) through her. «Lean toward him (прислонись к нему), if so you will (если хочешь), and place (положить) your two hands upon his neck!» She wanted to cry out at the recklessness (безрассудство, неосторожность) of the thought, and in vain (напрасно) she appraised (оценивать) her own cleanness and culture and balanced all that she was against what he was not. She glanced about her and saw the others gazing at him with rapt (восхищённый, восторженный) attention; and she would have despaired (впасть в отчаяние) had not she seen horror in her mother’s eyes (если бы она не увидела ужас в глазах матери) — fascinated horror (очарованный ужас), it was true, but none the less horror (но тем не менее ужас). This man from outer (внешний) darkness was evil (зло). Her mother saw it, and her mother was right.

She would trust (доверять) her mother’s judgment (суждение) in this as she had always trusted (доверять) it in all things. The fire of him was no longer (более не было) warm, and the fear (страх) of him was no longer poignant (берущий за душу).

Later, at the piano, she played for him, and at him, aggressively, with the vague intent (туманное намерение) of emphasizing (подчеркнуть) the impassableness (непроходимость) of the gulf (пропасть) that separated (разделять) them. Her music was a club (палка) that she swung (швырять, кидать) brutally (грубо) upon his head; and though it stunned (потрясти, ошеломить) him and crushed him down (сокрушить, уничтожить; подавить), it incited (подстрекать) him. He gazed upon her in awe (ужас). In his mind, as in her own, the gulf (пропасть) widened (расширяться); but faster than it widened, towered (возвышаться) his ambition (честолюбие) to win across it. But he was too complicated a plexus (сплетение) of sensibilities (чувствительность) to sit staring at a gulf (пропасть) a whole evening, especially when there was music. He was remarkably susceptible (чувствительный) to music. It was like strong drink (крепкий напиток), firing him to audacities (дерзость; смелость) of feeling, — a drug that laid hold of his imagination (воображение) and went cloud-soaring (парить) through the sky. It banished (изгонять) sordid (низменный) fact, flooded (наполнять) his mind with beauty, loosed (освобождать) romance and to its heels added (добавлять) wings. He did not understand the music she played. It was different from the dance-hall piano-banging (удар, игра) and blatant (вульгарный, крикливый) brass (медь) bands (группа) he had heard (которые он слышал раньше). But he had caught hints (намек) of such music from the books, and he accepted her playing largely (большей частью) on faith (на веру), patiently waiting, at first, for the lifting measures of pronounced (ярко выраженный) and simple rhythm, puzzled (озадаченный) because those measures were not long continued (непрерывный; беспрерывный). Just as he caught the swing (амплитуда) of them and started, his imagination attuned (настраиваться) in flight, always they vanished away (исчезать) in a chaotic scramble of sounds (мешанина звуков) that was meaningless (бессмысленный) to him, and that dropped (бросить, покинуть) his imagination, an inert weight back to earth (причем инертная масса возвращалась обратно на землю).

Once (однажды), it entered his mind (ему пришла на ум мысль) that there was a deliberate (неслучайный, взвешенный) rebuff (резкий отказ, отпор) in all this. He caught (уловить) her spirit of antagonism (дух враждебности; налёт неприязни) and strove (стараться, пытаться) to divine (2) предугадывать, предчувствовать) the message that her hands pronounced (произносить) upon the keys (клавиша). Then he dismissed (отказаться, отбросить) the thought as unworthy (недостойный) and impossible, and yielded himself (отдаваться) more freely to the music. The old delightful condition (состояние) began to be induced (вызывать;). His feet were no longer clay (больше не были глинянными), and his flesh (тело, плоть) became spirit (дух); before his eyes and behind his eyes shone (блестеть, сверкать) a great glory (слава); and then the scene before him vanished (исчезать) and he was away (в других местах), rocking over (раскачиваться) the world that was to him a very dear world. The known and the unknown were commingled (смешиваться, соединяться) in the dream-pageant (карнавальное шествие, пышная процессия) that thronged (заполнять) his vision (видение). He entered strange ports of sun-washed lands, and trod (ступать, ходить) market-places among barbaric (варварский; дикий) peoples that no man had ever seen.

The scent (запах) of the spice (специи) islands was in his nostrils (ноздри) as he had known it on warm, breathless (затаивший дыхание) nights at sea, or he beat up (лавировать) against the southeast trades through long tropic days, sinking (погружать, опускать) palm-tufted (пальмовые заросли) coral islets (островок, анклав) in the turquoise (бирюза) sea behind and lifting (поднимать) palm-tufted coral islets in the turquoise sea ahead (впереди). Swift as thought (быстрый как мысль) the pictures came and went. One instant (мгновение) he was a broncho ([’brɔŋkəu] — полудикая лошадь) and flying through the fairy-colored Painted Desert country; the next instant he was gazing down through shimmering (мерцающий) heat into the whited sepulcher ([’sep (ə) lkə] могила, гробница; склеп) of Death Valley, or pulling an oar (весло) on a freezing (замерзающий) ocean where great ice (лёд) islands towered (возвышаться) and glistened (сверкать) in the sun. He lay on a coral beach where the cocoanuts (кокосовый орех) grew down to the mellow-sounding (сочно и мягко звучащий) surf (прибой). The hulk (корпус судна) of an ancient (древний) wreck (кораблекрушение) burned (гореть) with blue fires (огонь), in the light of which danced the HULA (хула, национальный гавайский танец) dancers to the barbaric (варварский, грубый, дикий) love-calls of the singers, who chanted (петь речитативом) to tinkling (под звон, перезвон, звяканье) UKULELES [укулеле (популярный на Гаваях четырёхструнный музыкальный инструмент)] and rumbling (громыхание, грохот) tom-toms (тамтам). It was a sensuous (чувственный), tropic night.

In the background a volcano crater was silhouetted against the stars. Overhead drifted (плыть) a pale crescent (полумесяц) moon, and the Southern Cross (созвездие Южный Крест) burned low in the sky.

He was a harp (созвездие Лира); all life that he had known and that was his consciousness (сознание) was the strings (струна); and the flood (поток) of music was a wind that poured (литься) against those strings and set them vibrating (заставлять вибрировать) with memories and dreams. He did not merely (просто) feel. Sensation (ощущение; чувство) invested (выражаться, изливаться) itself in form and color and radiance (сияние), and what his imagination dared (отваживаться), it objectified (воплощать; изображать, олицетворять) in some sublimated (тонкий, сублимированный) and magic (волшебный, магический) way. Past, present, and future mingled (смешаться); and he went on oscillating (качаться, вибрировать, колебаться) across the broad, warm world, through high adventure and noble deeds (благородный подвиг) to Her — ay, and with her, winning (завоевать) her, his arm about her, and carrying her on in flight (полёт) through the empery (безраздельная власть) of his mind.

And she, glancing at him across her shoulder, saw something of all this in his face. It was a transfigured (преображенный) face, with great shining eyes that gazed beyond (сквозь) the veil (вуаль) of sound and saw behind it the leap (скачок, прыжок) and pulse of life and the gigantic phantoms (фантом) of the spirit (дух). She was startled (пораженный). The raw (сырой), stumbling (спотыкающийся, запинающийся) lout (нескладный, неотёсанный человек, деревенщина) was gone (исчезать). The ill-fitting (плохо сидящий) clothes, battered (израненный) hands, and sunburned (загорелый) face remained; but these seemed the prison-bars (тюремные решетки) through which she saw a great soul (душа) looking forth (устремленный вперед), inarticulate (невнятный) and dumb (глухой) because of those feeble (слабый) lips that would not give it speech. Only for a flashing moment did she see this, then she saw the lout (нескладный, неотёсанный человек) returned, and she laughed at the whim (каприз) of her fancy (воображение). But the impression (впечатление, след) of that fleeting (мимолётный, скоротечный) glimpse (мимолётное видение) lingered (сохраняться, не полностью исчезать), and when the time came for him to beat a stumbling (спотыкаться, запинаться) retreat (отступление) and go, she lent (давать на время) him the volume (том) of Swinburne, and another (и ещё один) of Browning — she was studying (она как раз проходила) Browning in one of her English courses. He seemed such a boy, as he stood blushing (краснеть) and stammering (заикаться, спотыкаться) his thanks, that a wave of pity (волна жалости), maternal (материнский) in its prompting (побуждение), welled (вскипать) up in her. She did not remember the lout (грубиян), nor the imprisoned soul (заточенную в темнице душу), nor the man who had stared at her in all masculineness (маскулинность, мужественность) and delighted and frightened her. She saw before her only a boy, who was shaking her hand with a hand so calloused (мозолистый) that it felt like a nutmeg-grater (тёрка) and rasped (скрести; тереть) her skin, and who was saying jerkily (судорожно; отрывисто):

— «The greatest time of my life. You see, I ain’t used to things…»

He looked about him helplessly (беспомощно). «To people and houses like this. It’s all new to me, and I like it.»

«I hope you’ll call (зайти, заглянуть) again,» she said, as he was saying good night to her brothers.

He pulled on his cap, lurched (идти, шатаясь) desperately through the doorway, and was gone.

«Well, what do you think of him?» Arthur demanded (спрашивать, задавать вопрос). «He is most interesting, a whiff (дуновение, струя) of ozone,» she answered. «How old is he?»

«Twenty — almost twenty-one. I asked him this afternoon. I didn’t think he was that young (такой молодой).»

And I am three years older, was the thought in her mind as she kissed her brothers goodnight.

Chapter III

As Martin Eden went down the steps, his hand dropped into his coat pocket. It came out with a brown rice paper (рисовая бумага) and a pinch (щепотка) of Mexican tobacco, which were deftly (ловко, искусно, умело) rolled together into (скручивать в) a cigarette. He drew the first whiff (затяжка) of smoke deep (глубоко) into his lungs (лёгкие) and expelled (выпускать, выталкивать) it in a long and lingering (продолжительный) exhalation (выдох). «By God!» he said aloud, in a voice of awe (ужас) and wonder (удивление, изумление). «By God!» he repeated. And yet again he murmured (бормотать), «By God!» Then his hand went to his collar, which he ripped out (вырвать) of the shirt and stuffed (засунуть) into his pocket. A cold drizzle (моросящий дождь) was falling, but he bared (обнажить) his head to it and unbuttoned (расстегнуть) his vest (жилет; безрукавка), swinging (идти мерным шагом) along in splendid unconcern (беззаботность). He was only dimly (туманно) aware (осознавать) that it was raining. He was in an ecstasy, dreaming dreams and reconstructing (вновь выстраивая) the scenes (эпизод, событие) just past (только что прошедший).

He had met the woman at last — the woman that he had thought little about, not being given to thinking about women, but whom he had expected (ожидать), in a remote (далёкий) way, he would sometime meet. He had sat next to her at table. He had felt her hand in his, he had looked into her eyes and caught a vision of a beautiful spirit; — but no more beautiful than the eyes through which it shone, nor than the flesh (плоть) that gave it expression and form. He did not think of her flesh as flesh, — which was new to him; for of the women he had known that was the only way he thought. Her flesh was somehow different (другой). He did not conceive (ощутить, почувствовать) of her body as a body, subject to (подверженный) the ills and frailties (хрупкость; непрочность; тленность) of bodies. Her body was more than the garb (одеяние) of her spirit. It was an emanation (эманация; истечение; излучение) of her spirit, a pure (чистый) and gracious (изящный) crystallization of her divine (божественный) essence (сущность). This feeling of the divine startled (поразить) him. It shocked him from his dreams to sober (трезвый, рассудительный; благоразумный) thought. No word, no clew («красная нить»), no hint (намёк), of the divine (блжественный) had ever reached him before.

He had never believed in the divine. He had always been irreligious, scoffing (насмехаться) good-naturedly (добродушно) at the sky-pilots and their immortality (бессмертность) of the soul. There was no life beyond, he had contended (спорить; полемизировать, утверждать); it was here and now (это было здесь и сейчас), then darkness everlasting (вечный). But what he had seen in her eyes was soul — immortal (бессмертный) soul that could never die. No man (ни один мужчина) he had known (которого он знал), nor any woman, had given him the message of immortality (послание бессмертности). But she had. She had whispered (шепнуть) it to him the first moment she looked at him (в первое мгновение, когда она взглянула на него). Her face shimmered (мерцать) before his eyes as he walked along, — pale and serious, sweet and sensitive, smiling with pity and tenderness as only a spirit could smile, and pure as he had never dreamed purity could be. Her purity smote (поразить, сразить) him like a blow (удар). It startled him (испугать; поразить). He had known good and bad; but purity, as an attribute (признак, свойство) of existence, had never entered his mind.

And now, in her, he conceived (ощущать) purity to be the superlative (превосходная степень) of goodness and of cleanness, the sum (сумма) of which constituted (представлять, составлять) eternal (вечная) life.

And promptly (сразу) urged (подстёгивать) his ambition (стремление) to grasp (схватить, ухватиться) at eternal life. He was not fit (не годиться) to carry water for her — he knew that; it was a miracle (чудо) of luck and a fantastic stroke (легкое прикосновение) that had enabled him (которое дало ему возможность) to see her and be with her and talk with her that night. It was accidental (случайно). There was no merit (заслуга) in it. He did not deserve (заслужить) such fortune (счастье). His mood was essentially (в значительной степени; существенно) religious. He was humble (простой, незнатный по происхождению) and meek (кроткий, мягкий; смиренный), filled with self-disparagement (самоумаление) and abasement (самоуничижение). In such frame of mind (расположение духа, настроение, состояние психики) sinners (грешник) come to the penitent (раскаивающийся) form. He was convicted of sin (грех). But as the meek (мягкий) and lowly (непритязательный) at the penitent (кающийся) form catch (ловить, хватать) splendid glimpses (проблеск) of their future lordly (богатый, роскошный) existence, so did he catch similar glimpses of the state (положение) he would gain to (достичь цели) by possessing her (посредством обладания ею). But this possession of her was dim (тусклый, неяркий; слабый) and nebulous (расплывчатый) and totally (совершенно, полностью) different from (отличным от) possession (обладание) as he had known it. Ambition (амбиция, честолюбие) soared (воспарять) on mad wings, and he saw himself climbing (карабкаться, взбираться) the heights (высота) with her, sharing (делить, разделять) thoughts with her, pleasuring (находить удовольствие, наслаждаться) in beautiful and noble (благородный) things with her. It was a soul-possession he dreamed, refined (облагораживать, делать более изящным, утончённым, изысканным) beyond any grossness (грубость), a free comradeship of spirit that he could not put into definite thought.

He did not think it. For that matter (что касается этого), he did not think at all.

Sensation (чувство) usurped (захватывать) reason (соображение, разум, рассудок), and he was quivering (подрагивать) and palpitant (трепещущий, пульсирующий) with emotions he had never known, drifting (смещаться, сдвигаться (по ветру, по течению) deliciously (восхитительно) on a sea of sensibility (чувствительность) where feeling itself was exalted (возвышенный, высокий; благородный) and spiritualized (одухотворять, возвышать) and carried beyond the summits (вершина) of life.

He staggered (идти, шатаясь) along like a drunken (пьяный) man, murmuring (бормотать) fervently (пылко, страстно) aloud (вслух):

«By God! By God!»

A policeman on a street corner eyed (смотреть) him suspiciously (подозрительно), then noted (заметить) his sailor (моряк, матрос) roll (идти покачиваясь, идти вразвалку).

«Where did you get it?» the policeman demanded (спрашивать, задавать вопрос).

Martin Eden came back to earth. His was a fluid (подвижный, изменчивый; нестабильный) organism, swiftly (быстро) adjustable (приспосабливающийся), capable of flowing into (переливаться) and filling (заполнять) all sorts of nooks (укромный уголок; глухое место) and crannies (трещина, щель). With the policeman’s hail (поток, град) he was immediately (немедленно, сразу же) his ordinary (обычный) self (самость, собственная личность, своё «я»), grasping (понимать) the situation clearly.

«It’s a beaut, ain’t it?» he laughed back. «I didn’t know I was talkin’ out loud.»

«You’ll be singing next,» was the policeman’s diagnosis (диагноз).

«No, I won’t. Gimme a match (Дай мне спички) an’ I’ll catch the next car home.»

He lighted his cigarette, said good night, and went on. «Now wouldn’t that rattle (волновать, пугать; смущать) you?» he ejaculated (восклицать) under his breath (тихо, шёпотом). «That copper (коп, фараон, полицейский) thought I was drunk (пьяный).» He smiled to himself and meditated (размышлять, обдумывать).

«I guess I was,» he added; «but I didn’t think a woman’s face’d do it.»

He caught a Telegraph Avenue car that was going to Berkeley. It was crowded (заполнен) with youths and young men who were singing songs and ever and again barking out (выкриковать, орать) college yells (клич колледжа). He studied them curiously (с любопытством). They were university boys. They went to the same (тот же самый) university that she did, were in her class socially, could know her, could see her every day if they wanted to. He wondered (удивился) that they did not want to, that they had been out having a good time instead of being with her that evening, talking with her, sitting around her in a worshipful (боготворящий, преклоняющийся) and adoring (преклоняющийся) circle (круг). His thoughts wandered on (бродить, странствовать). He noticed one with narrow-slitted (узкий разрез) eyes and a loose-lipped (с безвольными губами) mouth. That fellow was vicious (дурной), he decided. On shipboard he would be a sneak (ябеда), a whiner (нытик), a tattler (болтун; сплетник). He, Martin Eden, was a better man than that fellow. The thought cheered (ободрять) him. It seemed to draw (притягивать) him nearer to Her. He began comparing himself with the students. He grew conscious (осознать) of the muscled (мышечный) mechanism of his body and felt confident (чувствовать уверенность) that he was physically their master. But their heads were filled with knowledge that enabled them to talk her talk, — the thought depressed (угнетать) him. But what was a brain (мозг) for? he demanded passionately (с горячностью). What they had done, he could do. They had been studying about life from the books while he had been busy living life. His brain was just as full of knowledge as theirs (Его голова была так же полна знаний, как и их), though it was a different kind (другой вид) of knowledge. How many of them could tie (связать) a lanyard knot (стопорный кноп), or take a wheel (встать за руль) or a lookout (наблюдательный пост)? His life spread out before him in a series of pictures of danger and daring (отчаянный) hardship (тяготы) and toil (тяжёлый труд). He remembered his failures (неудача, провал) and scrapes (беда, затруднительное положение) in the process of learning. He was that much to the good (настолько больше в выигрыше), anyway (в любом случае). Later on (поднее) they would have to begin (им придется начать) living life and going through the mill (дробилка) as he had gone (как он прошёл). Very well. While they were busy with that, he could be learning the other side of life from the books.

As the car crossed the zone of scattered (разбросанный) dwellings (жилище) that separated (разделять) Oakland from Berkeley, he kept a lookout for (вести наблюдение) a familiar (знакомый), two-story building along (вдоль) the front (фасад) of which ran (бежать, располагался) the proud (гордый) sign (вывеска, знак), HIGGINBOTHAM’S CASH STORE. Martin Eden got off (сходить) at this corner. He stared up (смотреть пристально) for a moment at the sign (вывеска). It carried a message to him (он передавал ему смысл) beyond its mere wording (выходивший за пределы его словесного оформления). A personality (индивидуальность) of smallness and egotism (эготизм; самовлюблённость, большое самомнение) and petty (маленький, ничтожный) underhandedness (карликовость) seemed to emanate (исходить) from the letters themselves. Bernard Higginbotham had married his sister, and he knew him well. He let himself in with a latch-key (ключ от входной двери) and climbed (подняться) the stairs (ступеньки) to the second floor. Here lived his brother-in-law (зять). The grocery (бакалейная лавка) was below. There was a smell (запах) of stale (несвежий) vegetables in the air. As he groped his way (идти ощупью) across the hall he stumbled (споткнуться) over a toy-cart (игрушечная тележка), left (оставленный) there by one of his numerous (многочисленный) nephews (племянник) and nieces (племянница), and brought up against a door with a resounding (гулкий) bang (хлопок; удар). «The pincher (пресс, клещи),» was his thought; «too miserly (слишком скаредный) to burn (сжигать) two cents’ worth of gas (газ за два цента) and save (спасти) his boarders’ (жилец) necks (шея).»

He fumbled for (пошарить, чтобы найти) the knob (ручка) and entered a lighted (освещенный) room, where sat his sister and Bernard Higginbotham. She was patching (штопать) a pair (пара) of his trousers (брюки), while (в то время, как) his lean (тощее) body was distributed (было распределено) over two chairs, his feet dangling (а его ноги свисали) in dilapidated (развалившийся) carpet-slippers (тапочки) over the edge (край) of the second chair. He glanced across the top of the paper he was reading, showing a pair of dark, insincere (лицемерный, неискренний), sharp-staring eyes.

Martin Eden never looked at him without experiencing a sense of repulsion (отвращение). What his sister had seen in the man was beyond him (вне его понимания).

The other affected him as so much vermin (паразит), and always aroused (вызывать) in him an impulse (желание) to crush (раздавить) him under his foot. «Some day I’ll beat the face off of him,» was the way he often consoled (утешать) himself for enduring (выносить, терпеть) the man’s existence (существование). The eyes, weasel-like (как у ласки, горностая, проныры) and cruel (жестокий), were looking at him complainingly (с недовольством).

«Well,» Martin demanded. «Out with it.»

«I had that door painted (красить) only last week,» Mr. Higginbotham half whined (ныть), half bullied (грозить); «and you know what union wages (зарплата) are. You should be more careful.»

Martin had intended (намереваться) to reply, but he was struck (быть пораженным) by the hopelessness (безнадежность) of it. He gazed across the monstrous sordidness (убожество) of soul to a chromo (хромолитография) on the wall. It surprised him. He had always liked it, but it seemed that now he was seeing it for the first time. It was cheap (дешёвый), that was what it was, like everything else in this house.

His mind went back to the house he had just left, and he saw, first, the paintings (картина), and next, Her, looking at him with melting (таять) sweetness (нежность) as she shook his hand at leaving (при прощании). He forgot where he was and Bernard Higginbotham’s existence (существование), till that gentleman demanded (требовать):

— «Seen a ghost (Увидел привидение)?»

Martin came back (придти в себя) and looked at the beady (как бусинки) eyes, sneering (издевающийся, презрительный), truculent (грубый; язвительный), cowardly (трусливый), and there leaped (внезапно приходить) into his vision, as on a screen (экран), the same (тот же самый) eyes when their owner (владелец) was making a sale (продавать) in the store (магазин) below (внизу) — subservient (подобострастный, услужливый) eyes, smug (самодовольный и ограниченный), and oily (маслянистый), and flattering (льстивый, угодливый).

«Yes,» Martin answered. «I seen a ghost (дух, привидение). Good night. Good night, Gertrude.»

He started to leave (уйти) the room, tripping over (споткнуться) a loose (распустившийся) seam (шов) in the slatternly (неопрятный) carpet.

«Don’t bang (хлопать) the door,» Mr. Higginbotham cautioned (предостерегать) him.

He felt the blood (кровь) crawl (медленно, с трудом продвигаться) in his veins (вена), but controlled himself (взять себя в руки) and closed the door softly (мягко) behind him (за собой).

Mr. Higginbotham looked at his wife exultantly (ликующе, самозабвенно).

«He’s ben drinkin’,» he proclaimed (пррвозгласить) in a hoarse (хриплый) whisper (шёпот). «I told you he would.»

She nodded (кивать) her head resignedly (покорно, безропотно, послушно).

«His eyes was pretty shiny,» she confessed (признавать); «and he didn’t have no collar (воротник), though he went away with one. But mebbe he didn’t have more’n a couple (пара) of glasses (бокал, фужер, рюмка).»

«He couldn’t stand up straight (прямо),» asserted (уверять, заверить) her husband. «I watched him. He couldn’t walk across the floor without stumblin’. You heard ’m yourself almost fall down in the hall.»

«I think it was over Alice’s cart (тележка, тачка),» she said. «He couldn’t see it in the dark.»

Mr. Higginbotham’s voice and wrath (гнев, ярость; глубокое возмущение) began to rise. All day he effaced (стушеваться, держаться в тени) himself in the store, reserving (откладывать) for the evening, with his family, the privilege of being himself.

«I tell you that precious (драгоценный) brother of yours was drunk.»

His voice was cold, sharp, and final (решительный), his lips stamping the enunciation (произнесение, изложение) of each word like the die (замирание, заглушка) of a machine (механизм, машина). His wife sighed (вздыхать) and remained silent (промолчать). She was a large, stout (тучный) woman, always dressed slatternly (неопрятный, неаккуратный, неряшливый) and always tired (усталый) from the burdens (груз) of her flesh (плоть), her work, and her husband.

«He’s got (получить, унаследовать) it in him, I tell you, from his father,» Mr. Higginbotham went on accusingly (осуждающе). «An’ he’ll croak (кончить свою жизнь) in the gutter (канава) the same way (таким же образом).

You know that.»

She nodded (кивать), sighed (вздыхать), and went on (продолжать) stitching (шить, зашивать). They were agreed that Martin had come home drunk (пьяный). They did not have it in their souls (душа) to know beauty, or they would have known that those shining (блестящий) eyes and that glowing (светящееся) face betokened (выдавать, показывать) youth’s first vision (видение) of love.

«Settin’ (показывать) a fine example to the children,» Mr. Higginbotham snorted (фыркать), suddenly, in the silence for which his wife was responsible and which he resented (возмущаться, негодовать). Sometimes he almost wished she would oppose (быть против, возражать) him more. «If he does it again, he’s got to get out (убраться). Understand! I won’t put up with (мириться с) his shinanigan (возможно: shenanigan: махинация, интрига, кидалово) — debotchin’ innocent (невинный) children with his boozing (пьянствовать).» Mr. Higginbotham liked the word, which was a new one in his vocabulary, recently (недавно) gleaned (раздобывать) from a newspaper column (колонка). «That’s what it is, debotchin’ — there ain’t no other name for it.»

Still his wife sighed (вздыхать), shook (трясти) her head sorrowfully (печально), and stitched on (продолжать шить).

Mr. Higginbotham resumed (опять принялся за чтение) the newspaper.

«Has he paid last week’s board (стол)?» he shot across the top of the newspaper.

She nodded (кивать), then added (добавить), «He still has some money.»

«When is he goin’ to sea again?»

«When his pay-day (платежный день, день выдачи зарплаты) ’s spent, I guess (думать, догадываться),» she answered. «He was over to

San Francisco yesterday looking for (искать) a ship. But he’s got money, yet, an’ he’s particular (щепетильный, разборчивый) about (относительно, насчет) the kind of ship he signs for (заключать контракт, наниматься).»

«It’s not for a deck-swab (матрос, моряк) like him (как он) to put on airs (выпендриваться),» Mr.

Higginbotham snorted (фыркать). «Particular! Him!»

«He said something about a schooner (шхуна, судно) that’s gettin’ ready to go off to some outlandish (уединённый, глухой; дальний) place to look for (искать) buried (зарытый, захороненный) treasure (сокровище), that he’d sail on her if his money held out (хватать).»

«If he only wanted to steady down (остепеняться), I’d give him a job drivin’ (водить, быть водителем) the wagon (фургон, фура),» her husband said, but with no trace (без следа) of benevolence (благожелательность, доброжелательность) in his voice. «Tom’s quit (уходить).»

His wife looked alarm (выглядеть встревоженным) and interrogation (вопрошающий).

«Quit (уезжать) to-night (сегодня ночью). Is goin’ to work for Carruthers. They paid (платить) ’m more’n I could afford (мог позволить себе).»

«I told you you’d lose (потерять) ’m,» she cried out. «He was worth (заслуживать) more’n you was giving him.»

«Now look here, old woman,» Higginbotham bullied (запугивать, стращать), «for the thousandth time (тысячу раз) I’ve told you to keep your nose out of the business. I won’t tell you again.»

«I don’t care (мне все равно),» she sniffled (сопеть, говорить в нос). «Tom was a good boy.» Her husband glared (пристально или сердито смотреть) at her. This was unqualified (абсолютный, безоговорочный) defiance (вызов, неповиновение).

«If that brother of yours was worth (заслуживать) his salt, he could take the wagon,» he snorted (фыркать).

«He pays his board (платить за стол), just the same (все равно),» was the retort (ответ). «An’ he’s my brother, an’ so long as he don’t owe (должен) you money you’ve got no right to be jumping on him all the time. I’ve got some feelings, if I have been married to you for seven years.»

«Did you tell ’m you’d charge (взимать плату) him for gas if he goes on readin’ in bed?» he demanded.

Mrs. Higginbotham made no reply. Her revolt (протест, возмущение) faded away (постепенно исчезать), her spirit wilting (вянуть, увядать; поникать) down into her tired flesh. Her husband was triumphant (торжествовать). He had her. His eyes snapped (захлопывать) vindictively (мстительный, злопамятный, злонамеренный), while his ears joyed (радоваться) in the sniffles (сопение, хлюпанье) she emitted (испускать). He extracted (получать, извлекать) great happiness from squelching (заставить замолчать, оборвать, осадить) her, and she squelched (замолкать) easily these days, though it had been different (по-другому) in the first years of their married life, before the brood of (выводок) children and his incessant (непрестанный; постоянный) nagging (придирки, ворчание) had sapped (изматывать) her energy.

«Well, you tell ’m to-morrow, that’s all,» he said. «An’ I just want to tell you, before I forget it, that you’d better (тебе лучше послать) send for Marian to-morrow to take care of the children. With Tom quit (уехать), I’ll have to be out on the wagon (фургон), an’ you can make up your mind (решить, запланировать) to it to be down below waitin’ on (обслуживать) the counter (за прилавком).»

«But to-morrow’s wash (стирка) day,» she objected (возразить) weakly (слабо).

«Get up early, then, an’ do it first. I won’t start out till ten o’clock.»

He crinkled (смять) the paper viciously (злобно нападать) and resumed (возобновить) his reading.

Chapter IV

Martin Eden, with blood still crawling (ползать) from contact with his brother-in-law (зять), felt his way (ощупью прокладывать дорогу) along the unlighted (неосвещенный) back hall and entered his room, a tiny (крошечный) cubbyhole (уютное местечко или жилище) with space (пространство, место) for a bed, a wash-stand (умывальник), and one chair. Mr. Higginbotham was too thrifty (бережливый, расчётливый, экономный) to keep (держать) a servant (слуга) when his wife could do the work. Besides, the servant’s room enabled (давать возможность) them to take in two boarders (квартирант, жилец) instead of one. Martin placed the Swinburne and Browning on the chair, took off his coat, and sat down on the bed. A screeching (скрип, визг, скрежет) of asthmatic (астматический) springs (пружина) greeted (реагировать определённым образом) the weight (вес) of his body, but he did not notice them. He started (начать) to take off (снимать) his shoes, but fell to staring at (уставиться) the white plaster оштукатуренный) wall opposite him (напротив него), broken by (оборванный) long streaks (полоска, жилка) of dirty (грязный) brown where rain had leaked (просачиваться) through the roof. On this befouled (пачкать, марать) background visions (видение) began to flow (струиться, течь) and burn. He forgot his shoes and stared long, till his lips began to move and he murmured (пробормотать), «Ruth.»

«Ruth.» He had not thought a simple sound could be so beautiful.

It delighted his ear, and he grew intoxicated with the repetition of it. «Ruth.» It was a talisman, a magic word to conjure (молить, заклинать) with. Each time (каждый раз) he murmured (бормотать) it, her face shimmered (мерцать; блестеть) before him, suffusing (заливать) the foul (отвратительный) wall with a golden radiance (свет). This radiance did not stop at the wall. It extended on into infinity (простираться дальше в бесконечность), and through its golden depths his soul went questing (искать) after hers. The best that was in him was out in splendid (великолепный) flood (поток). The very thought of her ennobled (облагораживать) and purified (очищать) him, made him better, and made him want to be better.

This was new to him. He had never known women who had made him better. They had always had the counter (противоположный) effect of making him beastly (грубый). He did not know that many of them had done their best, bad as it was. Never having been conscious of himself, he did not know that he had that in his being that drew (притягивать) love from women and which had been the cause (причина) of their reaching out for (тянуться) his youth.

Though they had often bothered (волновать) him, he had never bothered about them; and he would never have dreamed (мечтать) that there were women who had been better because of him. Always in sublime (возвышенный, чистый) carelessness (беспечность) had he lived, till now, and now it seemed to him that they had always reached out and dragged at him with vile (отвратительный) hands. This was not just to them, nor to himself. But he, who for the first time was becoming conscious (осознавать) of himself, was in no condition to judge (судить), and he burned with shame (сгорать от стыда) as he stared at (уставиться) the vision (видение) of his infamy (дурная слава, скандальная репутация).

He got up (встать) abruptly (резко) and tried to see himself in the dirty (грязный) looking-glass (зеркало) over the wash-stand (умывальник). He passed a towel over it and looked again, long and carefully. It was the first time he had ever really seen himself. His eyes were made for seeing, but up to that moment they had been filled (наполнять) with the ever changing (меняющийся) panorama of the world, at which he had been too busy gazing (пристально всматриваться), ever to gaze at himself. He saw the head and face of a young fellow of twenty, but, being unused (непривычный) to such appraisement (оценка), he did not know how to value (оценивать) it. Above a square-domed (квадратный купол) forehead (лоб) he saw a mop (копна волос) of brown hair, nut-brown (орехово-коричневый), with a wave (волна) to it and hints (намёк) of curls (волна, кудри) that were a delight (восторг) to any woman, making hands tingle (дрожать, трепетать) to stroke (гладить) it and fingers tingle to pass caresses (ласка; ласкать; гладить) through it. But he passed it by as without merit (достоинство, заслуга), in Her eyes, and dwelt long and thoughtfully on the high, square forehead, — striving (пытаться, стремиться) to penetrate (проникнуть) it and learn the quality of its content. What kind of a brain lay behind there? was his insistent (настойчивый) interrogation (вопрос). What was it capable of? How far would it take him? Would it take him to her?

He wondered if there was soul (душа) in those steel-gray (серо-стальной) eyes that were often quite blue of color and that were strong with the briny (солёный) airs (налёт) of the sun-washed deep. He wondered, also, how his eyes looked to her. He tried to imagine himself she, gazing into those eyes of his, but failed (не удаваться; провалиться) in the jugglery (жонглирование; показывание фокусов; ловкость рук, плутовство; извращение фактов, слов). He could successfully put himself inside other men’s minds, but they had to be men whose ways of life he knew. He did not know her way of life. She was wonder (чудо) and mystery (тайна), and how could he guess (догадаться) one thought of hers? Well, they were honest eyes, he concluded, and in them was neither smallness nor meanness (низость; подлость). The brown sunburn of his face surprised him. He had not dreamed he was so black. He rolled up his shirt-sleeve (рукав сорочки) and compared the white underside (нижняя часть (предмета); оборотная сторона) if the arm with his face. Yes, he was a white man, after all. But the arms were sunburned (загорелый), too. He twisted (согнуть) his arm, rolled the biceps over with his other hand, and gazed underneath where he was least (меньше всего) touched by the sun. It was very white. He laughed at his bronzed face in the glass at the thought that it was once as white as the underside (внутренняя сторона) of his arm; nor did he dream that in the world there were few pale spirits of women who could boast fairer (светлее) or smoother (более гладкий) skins than he — fairer (бледнее, более светлый) than where he had escaped (уклоняться, защищаться, избегать) the ravages (разрушительное действие) of the sun.

His might have been a cherub’s (херувимы) mouth, had not the full, sensuous (чувственный) lips a trick, under stress, of drawing (втягивать) firmly (твердо) across the teeth. At times (иногда, временами), so tightly (жестко) did they draw, the mouth became stern (решительный, твёрдый) and harsh (жёсткий, суровый), even ascetic. They were the lips of a fighter and of a lover.

They could taste the sweetness of life with relish (след; привкус, налёт), and they could put the sweetness (беспечальное житьё; безмятежность) aside (в сторону) and command (управлять) life. The chin (подбородок) and jaw (челюсть), strong and just (объективный, безошибочный) hinting (намёк) of square (прямой) aggressiveness, helped the lips to command life. Strength balanced (уравновешивать) sensuousness (чувственность) and had upon it a tonic (тонизирующий, укрепляющий) effect, compelling (заставалять) him to love beauty that was healthy and making him vibrate to sensations (ощущение; чувство) that were wholesome (здоровый, полезный). And between the lips were teeth that had never known nor needed the dentist’s care. They were white and strong and regular (правильной формы), he decided, as he looked at them. But as he looked, he began to be troubled.

Somewhere, stored away in the recesses (уединённое, укромное место) of his mind and vaguely (туманно, неясно) remembered, was the impression (впечатление) that there were people who washed (чистить) their teeth every day. They were the people from up above — people in her class. She must wash her teeth every day, too. What would she think if she learned that he had never washed his teeth in all the days of his life? He resolved (решить) to get a tooth-brush and form the habit. He would begin at once, to-morrow. It was not by mere (простой) achievement that he could hope to win to her. He must make a personal reform in all things, even to tooth-washing and neck-gear (приспособление) though a starched (накрахмаленный) collar (воротник) affected (действовать) him as a renunciation (отречение) of freedom.

He held up (поднять) his hand, rubbing the ball (подушечка) of the thumb (большой палец) over the calloused ([’kæləst] мозолистый) palm (ладонь) and gazing at the dirt that was ingrained ([ɪn’greɪn] впитаться) in the flesh itself (сама плоть) and which no brush (щетка) could scrub [скрести, оттирать] away. How different (насколько другой была; насколько отличалась) was her palm! He thrilled (испытывать трепет, дрожь; сильно волноваться) deliciously (с восхищением; восхитительно) at the remembrance (при воспоминании). Like a rose-petal (лепесток розы), he thought; cool (прохладный) and soft as a snowflake (снежинка). He had never thought that a mere (простой) woman’s hand could be so sweetly (восхитительно, очаровательно) soft (мягкий). He caught himself (он поймал себя на том, что) imagining (представлять себе) the wonder (чудо, нечто удивительное) of a caress (ласка) from such a hand, and flushed (покраснеть) guiltily (виновато). It was too gross (вульгарный, пошлый; неприличный) a thought for her. In ways it seemed to impugn (ставить под сомнение) her high spirituality (духовность; одухотворенность). She was a pale, slender (стройный) spirit (натура, личность, индивидуальность), exalted (возвышенный; восторженный; экзальтированный) far beyond the flesh (плоть); but nevertheless (тем не менее) the softness of her palm persisted (удерживаться, сохраняться, продолжать существовать) in his thoughts. He was used to (привыкнуть к) the harsh (грубый) callousness (бессердечие, грубость, чёрствость) of factory girls and working women. Well he knew why their hands were rough; but this hand of hers… It was soft because she had never used it to work with. The gulf (пропасть) yawned (зиять, разверзаться) between her and him at the awesome (внушающий страх, приводящий в трепет, ужасающий) thought of a person who did not have to work for a living. He suddenly saw the aristocracy of the people who did not labor. It towered (возвышаться) before him on the wall, a figure in brass (латунь, жёлтая медь), arrogant (высокомерный, надменный) and powerful (могущественный). He had worked himself; his first memories seemed connected with work, and all his family had worked. There was Gertrude. When her hands were not hard (жёсткий, негнущийся) from the endless housework, they were swollen (припухший) and red like boiled beef, what of the washing. And there was his sister Marian. She had worked in the cannery (консервный завод) the preceding (предыдущий; предшествующий) summer, and her slim (тонкий, худой), pretty (смлый, хорошенький) hands were all scarred (рубцеватый) with the tomato-knives. Besides, the tips (кончик) of two of her fingers had been left in the cutting machine (станок) at the paper-box factory (тарный завод) the preceding (предыдущий) winter. He remembered the hard palms (ладонь) of his mother as she lay (положить) in her coffin (гром). And his father had worked to the last fading (постепенно исчезать, расплываться, растворяться) gasp (затруднённое дыхание; удушье); the horned growth (вырост) on his hands must have been half an inch thick (полдюйма толщиной) when he died (умирать). But Her hands were soft, and her mother’s hands, and her brothers’. This last came to him as a surprise; it was tremendously (очень, крайне, чрезвычайно) indicative (указывающий, свидетельствующий) of the highness of their caste, of the enormous (огромный) distance that stretched (тянуться, простираться) between her and him.

He sat back on the bed with a bitter (горький) laugh, and finished taking off his shoes. He was a fool; he had been made drunken by a woman’s face and by a woman’s soft, white hands. And then, suddenly, before his eyes, on the foul (грязный) plaster-wall appeared a vision. He stood in front of a gloomy tenement (арендуемое помещение) house. It was night-time, in the East End of London, and before him stood Margey, a little factory girl of fifteen. He had seen her home after the bean-feast. She lived in that gloomy tenement, a place not fit for swine. His hand was going out to hers as he said good night. She had put her lips up to be kissed, but he wasn’t going to kiss her.

Somehow he was afraid of her. And then her hand closed on his and pressed feverishly (лихорадочно; возбуждённо, взволнованно). He felt her callouses (каллюс, наплыв) grind (тереться) and grate (скрести) on his, and a great wave (волна) of pity (жалость) welled over (вскипать, хлынуть) him. He saw her yearning (), hungry eyes, and her ill-fed (плохо питающийся, недоедающий) female form which had been rushed (нестись, мчаться) from childhood into a frightened (испуганный) and ferocious (дикий; жестокий, беспощадный) maturity (зрелость); then he put his arms about her in large tolerance (терпение) and stooped (наклониться) and kissed her on the lips. Her glad little cry rang in his ears, and he felt her clinging (цепляться; прилипать) to him like a cat. Poor little starveling (заморыш)! He continued to stare at the vision of what had happened in the long ago. His flesh was crawling as it had crawled that night when she clung to him, and his heart was warm with pity (от жалости). It was a gray scene, greasy (скользкий, грязный) gray, and the rain drizzled (моросить) greasily (вкрадчиво) on the pavement (тротуар) stones. And then a radiant (радужный) glory (расцвет, величие) shone on the wall, and up through the other vision, displacing (замещать) it, glimmered (мерцать; брезжить) Her pale (бледный) face under its crown (корона) of golden hair, remote (далёкий) and inaccessible (недоступный) as a star.

He took the Browning and the Swinburne from the chair and kissed them. Just the same, she told me to call again, he thought. He took another look at himself in the glass, and said aloud, with great solemnity (торжественность):

— «Martin Eden, the first thing to-morrow you go to the free library an’ read up on etiquette. Understand!»

He turned off (отключить) the gas, and the springs (пружина) shrieked (скрипнуть) under his body.

«But you’ve got to quit cussin’ (сквернословить, ругаться), Martin, old boy; you’ve got to quit cussin’ (сквернословить, ругаться),» he said aloud (вслух).

Then he dozed off (задремать) to sleep and to dream dreams that for madness (безумие) and audacity (дерзость; смелость) rivalled (соперничать) those of poppy (мак опийный) eaters.

Chapter V

He awoke (проснуться) next morning from rosy scenes of dream to a steamy (насыщенный парами) atmosphere that smelled (пахнуть) of soapsuds (мыльная пена) and dirty (грязный) clothes, and that was vibrant (вибрировать) with the jar (дребезжание, скрипение; какофония) and jangle (гул, гам, слитный шум голосов) of tormented (мучительный) life. As he came out of his room he heard the slosh (хлюпанье) of water, a sharp (резкий) exclamation (восклицание), and a resounding (гулкий) smack as his sister visited her irritation upon one of her numerous progeny (отпрыск, потомок). The squall (вопль, резкий крик; пронзительный визг) of the child went through (пронзить) him like a knife. He was aware (знать) that the whole thing, the very air (сам воздух) he breathed (дышать), was repulsive (омерзительный, отталкивающий) and mean (низкий). How different (отличный, отличаться), he thought, from the atmosphere of beauty and repose (покой) of the house wherein (где, в котором) Ruth dwelt (жить). There it was all spiritual (духовный). Here it was all material, and meanly (скудно, бедно) material (материальный).

«Come here, Alfred,» he called to the crying child, at the same time thrusting (засовывать, совать) his hand into his trousers pocket, where he carried his money loose (не пересчитывая) in the same (тот же) large (широкий, благодушный) way that he lived life in general. He put a quarter (четвертак, четверть доллара; разменная монета достоинством в 25 центов) in the youngster’s (мальчик, юнец) hand and held him in his arms a moment, soothing (утешать, успокаивать) his sobs (рыдание). «Now run along and get some candy (леденец), and don’t forget to give some to your brothers and sisters.

Be sure and get the kind that lasts (держаться во рту) longest (дольше всех).»

His sister lifted (поднять) a flushed (раскрасневшееся) face from the wash-tub (лохань) and looked at him.

«A nickel’d ha’ ben enough (5 центов хватило бы) _,» she said. «It’s just like you (это так похоже на тебя), no idea of the value of money (никакого представления о цене денег). The child’ll eat himself sick (заболеть).»

«That’s all right, sis,» he answered jovially (весело; живо). «My money’ll take care of itself. If you weren’t so busy, I’d kiss you good morning.»

He wanted to be affectionate (нежный, ласковый, любящий) to this sister, who was good, and who, in her way (по-своему), he knew, loved him. But, somehow (как-то; так или иначе), she grew less herself (она стала меньше походить сама на себя) as the years went by (по мере того, как проходили годы), and more and more baffling (непонятный). It was the hard work, the many children, and the nagging (придирки, ворчание) of her husband, he decided, that had changed her. It came to him (ему пришло на ум), in a flash of fancy (в один миг, в мгновение ока), that her nature seemed taking on (её природа, казалось, вбирала в себя) the attributes (признак, свойство) of stale (несвежий) vegetables, smelly (пахучий) soapsuds (мыльная пена), and of the greasy (засаленный; сальный) dimes (десятицентовая монета), nickels (монета в 5 центов), and quarters (25 центов; четвёртая часть американского или канадского доллара) she took in over (через) the counter (прилавок) of the store.

«Go along an’ get your breakfast (Иди позавтракай),» she said roughly (грубовато), though secretly (втайне) pleased (довольный). Of all her wandering brood (куча) of brothers he had always been her favorite (любимчик). «I declare I WILL kiss you,» she said, with a sudden stir (движение души) at her heart.

With thumb (большой палец) and forefinger (указательный палец) she swept (смахивать) the dripping suds (пена, стекающий каплями) first from one arm and then from the other. He put his arms round her massive waist and kissed her wet steamy (запотевший от пара) lips. The tears welled (увлажнять) into her eyes — not so much from (не столько от) strength of feeling as from (сколько от) the weakness (слабость) of chronic (постоянный, хронический) overwork (переутоиление). She shoved (отстранять) him away from her, but not before he caught a glimpse (поймать взгляд) of her moist (увлажненный) eyes.

«You’ll find breakfast in the oven (печь; духовка),» she said hurriedly (поспешно). «Jim ought to be up now. I had to get up early for the washing. Now get along with you and get out of the house early. It won’t be nice to-day, what of Tom quittin’ an’ nobody but Bernard to drive the wagon.»

Martin went into the kitchen with a sinking (тяжелый) heart, the image of her red face and slatternly (неопрятный) form eating its way (пробивать себе дорогу) like acid (подобно кислоте) into his brain. She might love him if she only had some time, he concluded.

But she was worked to death (до смерти). Bernard Higginbotham was a brute (животное; зверь) to work her so hard. But he could not help but feel (он не мог не чувствовать), on the other hand (с другой стороны), that there had not been anything beautiful in that kiss. It was true, it was an unusual kiss. For years she had kissed him only when he returned from voyages or departed (уезжать) on voyages. But this kiss had tasted soapsuds, and the lips, he had noticed, were flabby (слабый, вялый). There had been no quick, vigorous (энергичный) lip-pressure such as should accompany any kiss. Hers was the kiss of a tired woman who had been tired so long that she had forgotten how to kiss. He remembered her as a girl, before her marriage (свадьба), when she would dance with the best, all night, after a hard day’s work at the laundry (прачечная), and think nothing of leaving the dance to go to another day’s hard work. And then he thought of Ruth and the cool sweetness that must reside in her lips as it resided in all about her. Her kiss would be like her hand-shake or the way she looked at one, firm (твердый) and frank (искренний). In imagination (в своём воображении) he dared (осмеливаться) to think of her lips on his, and so vividly (ясно, ярко) did he imagine (представлять себе) that he went dizzy (испытывать / чувствовать головокружение) at the thought (при этой мысли) and seemed to rift (пробираться) through clouds (облако) of rose-petals (лепесток розы), filling his brain with their perfume (аромат, запах).

In the kitchen he found Jim, the other boarder (пансионер; квартирант, жилец), eating mush (густая каша из кукурузной муки, маисовая каша) very languidly (вяло, апатично), with a sick (больной), far-away (далёкий) look (взгляд) in his eyes. Jim was a plumber’s (водопроводчик) apprentice (ученик) whose weak (слабый) chin (подбородок) and hedonistic (гедонистический, жизнелюбивый; жаждущий наслаждений) temperament (темперамент, характер), coupled with (сочетаться с) a certain nervous stupidity (тупость), promised (обещать) to take him nowhere (никуда, нигде) in the race (в беге) for bread and butter.

«Why don’t you eat?» he demanded, as Martin dipped (макать, окунать) dolefully (печально; уныло) into the cold, half-cooked (плохо проваренный) oatmeal (овсяная мука, толокно) mush (каша из кукурузной муки). «Was you drunk again last night?»

Martin shook his head. He was oppressed (удручать, действовать угнетающе) by the utter (крайний) squalidness (убогость) of it all. Ruth Morse seemed farther (дальше) removed (отодвигаться) than ever (чем когда-либо).

«I was,» Jim went on with a boastful (хвастливый), nervous (нервный) giggle (смешок). «I was loaded (нагрузиться) right to the neck (прямо по шею). Oh, she was a daisy (маргаритка). Billy brought me home.»

Martin nodded (кивать) that he heard (слышать), — it was a habit (привычка) of nature with him to pay heed (уделять внимание) to whoever talked to him (тот, кто разговаривал с ним), — and poured (наливать) a cup of lukewarm (тепловатый) coffee.

«Goin’ to the Lotus Club dance to-night?» Jim demanded (спрашивать, задавать вопрос). «They’re goin’ to have beer, an’ if that Temescal bunch (группа, компания) comes, there’ll be a rough-house (шум, драка). I don’t care (мне всё расно), though (однако). I’m takin’ my lady friend just the same. Cripes (вот те на! вот так штука!), but I’ve got a taste in my mouth (но это произвело на меня ужасное впечатление)!»

He made a wry (перекошенный) face and attempted (пытаться) to wash the taste (вкус) away with coffee (с помощью кофе).

«D’ye know Julia?»

Martin shook (покачать) his head.

«She’s my lady friend,» Jim explained, «and she’s a peach (персик). I’d introduce (представлять) you to her, only you’d win (завоевать) her. I don’t see what the girls see in you, honest I don’t; but the way you win them away from the fellers (парень) is sickenin (отвратительный)».»

«I never got any away from you,» Martin answered uninterestedly (не выказывая интереса).

The breakfast had to be got through somehow (каким-то образом; как-то).

«Yes, you did, too,» the other asserted (уверять) warmly (тепло). «There was Maggie.»

«Never had anything to do with her (никогда ничего с ней не было). Never danced with her except (кроме) that one night.»

«Yes, an’ that’s just what did it,» Jim cried out. «You just danced with her an’ looked at her, an’ it was all off. Of course you didn’t mean nothin’ by it, but it settled me for keeps (подхваты).

Wouldn’t look at me again. Always askin’ about you. She’d have made fast dates (свидание) enough with you if you’d wanted to.»

«But I didn’t want to.»

«Wasn’t necessary. I was left at the pole.» Jim looked at him admiringly (с восхищением). «How d’ye do it, anyway, Mart?»

«By not carin’ about ’em,» was the answer.

«You mean makin’ b’lieve you don’t care about them?» Jim queried (cпросить) eagerly (горячо).

Martin considered (задуматься) for a moment, then answered, «Perhaps that will do, but with me I guess (я думаю) it’s different (это иначе; по-другому). I never have cared (заботить) — much (сильно, очень).

If you can put it on, it’s all right, most likely.»

«You should ’a’ ben up at Riley’s barn last night,» Jim announced inconsequently (неуместно). «A lot of the fellers (парень) put on the gloves. There was a peach (ябеда) from West Oakland. They called ’m „The Rat (крыса, предатель; доносчик).“ Slick (скользкий) as silk. No one could touch ’m. We was all wishin’ you was there. Where was you anyway?» «Down in Oakland,» Martin replied.

«To the show?»

Martin shoved (отталкивать; отпихивать) his plate away and got up.

«Comin’ to the dance to-night?» the other called (кричать; окликать) after him.

«No, I think not,» he answered.

He went downstairs and out into the street, breathing great breaths of air. He had been suffocating (задыхаться) in that atmosphere, while the apprentice’s (ученик; подмастерье) chatter had driven (доводить) him frantic (безумный, неистовый, яростный). There had been times when it was all he could do to refrain from (удерживаться) reaching over and mopping (мыть, протирать (шваброй) Jim’s face in the mush-plate. The more he had chattered, the more remote had Ruth seemed to him. How could he, herding (быть вместе, подружиться; примкнуть) with such cattle (скот), ever become (становиться) worthy of her? He was appalled at (ужаснуться, впасть в уныние) the problem confronting (стоять перед, сталкиваться) him, weighted down by the incubus (гнёт, бремя, кошмар; дурной сон) of his working-class station (общественное положение; социальный статус). Everything reached out to hold him down (удерживать внизу) — his sister, his sister’s house and family, Jim the apprentice (подмастерье, ученик новичок), everybody he knew, every tie (ограничение, тягота) of life. Existence did not taste (производить впечатление, оставлять ощущение) good in his mouth. Up to then (до того момента) he had accepted (принимать) existence (существование), as he had lived it with all about him, as a good thing. He had never questioned (ставить вопросы) it, except (за исключением, кроме) when he read books; but then, they were only books, fairy stories (небылица, фантастическая история, сказка) of a fairer (справедливый, привлекательный, прекрасный) and impossible world. But now he had seen that world, possible and real, with a flower of a woman called Ruth in the midmost (ближайший к центру, центральный, находящийся в самой середине) centre of it; and thenceforth (с этого времени, впредь) he must know bitter (горький) tastes, and longings (тоска, жажда, стремление) sharp as pain, and hopelessness (безнадёжность) that tantalized (манить, мучить; подвергать танталовым мукам) because it fed (питать; питаться) on hope.

He had debated (обдумывать; рассматривать; размышлять) between the Berkeley Free Library and the Oakland

Free Library, and decided upon the latter (последний; второй из двух, ранее упомянутых) because Ruth lived in Oakland. Who could tell? — a library was a most likely (наиболее вероятный) place for her, and he might see her there. He did not know the way of libraries, and he wandered (бродить, скитаться) through endless rows of fiction (художественная литература), till the delicate-featured (с тонкими чертами лица) French-looking girl who seemed in charge (дежурный), told him that the reference department (отдел справок) was upstairs (наверху). He did not know enough to ask the man at the desk, and began his adventures in the philosophy alcove (ниша). He had heard of book philosophy, but had not imagined (воображать, представлять себе) there had been so much written about it. The high, bulging (разбухший, выпяченный, выпуклый) shelves of heavy tomes humbled (унижать; заставлять склонить голову) him and at the same time stimulated (возбуждать, побуждать, стимулировать) him. Here was work for the vigor (сила, мощь, энергия) of his brain. He found books on trigonometry in the mathematics section, and ran (пробежать (ся), полистать) the pages, and stared at (уставиться на) the meaningless (бессмысленный, ничего не значащий) formulas and figures (цифра). He could read English, but he saw there an alien (чуждый) speech. Norman and Arthur knew that speech. He had heard them talking it. And they were her brothers. He left the alcove in despair (в отчаянии). From every side the books seemed to press upon him and crush (раздавить, сокрушить) him.

He had never dreamed (помышлять) that the fund of human knowledge bulked (складывать в кипы; сваливать в кучу; принимать преувеличенные размеры) so big. He was frightened (испуганный). How could his brain ever master (усваивать, овладевать) it all?

Later, he remembered that there were other men, many men, who had mastered it; and he breathed (выдохнуть) a great oath (клятва), passionately (страстно), under his breath (тихо, шёпотом), swearing (клясться, давать клятву) that his brain could do what theirs had done.

And so he wandered (бродить; блуждать) on, alternating (переходить, чередовать) between depression (уныние) and elation (приподнятое настроение, восторг, эйфория) as he stared (пристально глядеть) at the shelves packed (заполнять, набивать, переполнять) with wisdom. In one miscellaneous (смешанный, разнообразный) section he came upon a «Norrie’s Epitome (краткое изложение).» He turned the pages reverently (благоговейно). In a way (в некоторой степени; в некотором смысле), it spoke a kindred (родственный, близкий) speech. Both he and it were of the sea. Then he found a «Bowditch» and books by Lecky and Marshall. There it was; he would teach himself navigation. He would quit (бросить) drinking, work up, and become a captain.

Ruth seemed very near to him in that moment. As a captain, he could marry her (if she would have him). And if she wouldn’t, well — he would live a good life among men, because of Her, and he would quit drinking anyway. Then he remembered the underwriters (страховщик, спонсор, гарант) and the owners (владелец), the two masters a captain must serve, either of which (любой из них) could and would break him and whose interests were diametrically opposed (диаметрально противоположный).

He cast his eyes about the room and closed the lids (веко) down on a vision (видение) of ten thousand books. No; no more of the sea for him.

There was power in all that wealth of books, and if he would do great things, he must do them on the land. Besides, captains were not allowed to take their wives to sea with them.

Noon came, and afternoon. He forgot to eat, and sought on for the books on etiquette ([’etɪket] этикет); for, in addition to career, his mind was vexed (беспокоить) by a simple and very concrete problem: WHEN YOU MEET A YOUNG LADY AND SHE ASKS YOU TO CALL, HOW SOON CAN YOU CALL? was the way he worded (формулировать, выражать словами; подбирать выражения) it to himself. But when he found the right shelf, he sought (искать) vainly (тщетно, напрасно) for the answer. He was appalled (поражать) at the vast edifice (явление, система взглядов, доктрина) of etiquette (этикет), and lost himself in the mazes (лабиринт, беспорядок, неразбериха, путаница) of visiting-card conduct between persons in polite society. He abandoned (бросать, покидать) his search (поиск). He had not found what he wanted, though he had found that it would take (требовать, понадобиться) all of a man’s time to be polite, and that he would have to live a preliminary (предварительный; черновой; прелиминарный) life in which to learn how to be polite.

«Did you find what you wanted?» the man at the desk asked him as he was leaving (уходить, покидать, оставлять).

«Yes, sir,» he answered. «You have a fine library here.»

The man nodded (кивать). «We should be glad to see you here often. Are you a sailor?»

«Yes, sir,» he answered. «And I’ll come again.»

Now, how did he know that? he asked himself as he went down the stairs (ступень).

And for the first block along the street he walked very stiff (одеревенелый) and straight and awkwardly (неловко), until he forgot himself in his thoughts, whereupon (после чего) his rolling (покачивающийся) gait (походка) gracefully (вежливо, прилично, живописно) returned to him.

Chapter VI

A terrible restlessness (беспокойство, тревога) that was akin (родственный) to hunger afflicted (поражать; беспокоить) Martin Eden. He was famished (страдать) for a sight of the girl whose slender (изящный, стройный) hands had gripped (хватать) his life with a giant’s grasp (хватка). He could not steel (ожесточать; придавать силу, решимость) himself to call upon her (заходить). He was afraid that he might call too soon, and so be guilty of an awful breach (нарушение) of that awful thing called etiquette. He spent long hours in the Oakland and Berkeley libraries, and made out application blanks (бланк заявления) for membership (членство) for himself, his sisters Gertrude and Marian, and Jim, the latter’s consent being obtained at the expense of several glasses of beer (причем согласие последнего было получено за счет нескольких бокалов пива).

With four cards permitting him to draw (получать, заказывать) books, he burned (сжигать) the gas late in the servant’s room, and was charged (назначать, запрашивать цену) fifty cents a week for it by Mr. Higginbotham.

The many books he read but served to whet (разжигать, раззадоривать; возбуждать) his unrest (беспокойство, волнение, смятение). Every page of every book was a peep-hole (глазок; смотровое окно) into the realm (царство) of knowledge. His hunger fed upon (подпитываться) what (тем, что) he read, and increased (увеличиваться). Also, he did not know where to begin, and continually (непрерывно, всё время) suffered from lack (недостаток) of preparation.

The commonest (обычный, общий) references (справка; справочная информация), that he could see plainly (понятно, очевидно, ясно) every reader was expected to know (каждый читатель, как предполагалось, знал), he did not know. And the same was true of (то же самое касалось) the poetry he read which maddened (сводить с ума) him with delight (от восторга). He read more of Swinburne than was contained (содержать) in the volume Ruth had lent him; and «Dolores» he understood thoroughly (внимательно, тщательно). But surely (конечно, естественно) Ruth did not understand it, he concluded. How could she, living the refined (утонченный) life she did? Then he chanced upon (случайно наткнуться на) Kipling’s poems, and was swept away by the lilt (мелодия, напев, ритм) and swing (ритм, амплитуда) and glamour (очарование, блеск, шик) with which familiar (знакомый) things had been invested (окутывать, окружать; покрывать). He was amazed (поражаться) at the man’s sympathy with life and at his incisive (острый, резкий, колкий) psychology (психология). PSYCHOLOGY was a new word in Martin’s vocabulary. He had bought a dictionary, which deed (поступок) had decreased (уменьшать) his supply (запас, накопление) of money and brought nearer the day on which he must sail (плыть) in search (поиск) of more. Also, it incensed (разгневать, привести в ярость) Mr.

Higginbotham, who would have preferred the money taking the form of board (питание, стол).

He dared not go (не осмеливаться) near Ruth’s neighborhood (район, соседство) in the daytime, but night found him lurking (скрываться в засаде; оставаться незамеченным) like a thief (как вор) around the Morse home, stealing (бросать украдкой) glimpses (взгляд) at the windows and loving the very walls that sheltered (укрывать) her. Several times he barely (едва) escaped (избежать) being caught (пойманный врасплох) by her brothers, and once (один раз) he trailed (следовать за, идти по следу) Mr. Morse down town and studied his face in the lighted streets, longing (желать) all the while (всё время) for some quick danger of death to threaten (угрожать) so that (так, чтобы) he might spring (прыгать) in and save (спасать) her father.

On another night, his vigil (бодрствование; дежурство) was rewarded (вознаграждать) by a glimpse (мимолётное видение) of Ruth through a second-story (второй этаж) window. He saw only her head and shoulders, and her arms (рука) raised as she fixed (поправлять, укладывать) her hair before a mirror. It was only for a moment, but it was a long moment to him, during which his blood turned to (превратиться в) wine and sang through his veins. Then she pulled down the shade (штора). But it was her room — he had learned that; and thereafter (после этого) he strayed (блуждать; бродить) there often, hiding (прятаться) under a dark tree on the opposite (противоположный) side of the street and smoking countless (бесчисленный) cigarettes.

One afternoon he saw her mother coming out of a bank, and received another proof (доказательство) of the enormous (огромный) distance that separated Ruth from him. She was of the class that dealt (иметь дело с) with banks. He had never been inside a bank in his life, and he had an idea that such institutions (учреждение) were frequented (часто посещать) only by the very rich and the very powerful (могущественный, властный).

In one way (так или иначе), he had undergone a moral revolution. Her cleanness and purity had reacted upon him, and he felt in his being (существо) a crying need to be clean. He must be that if he were ever to be worthy (быть достойным, заслуживать) of breathing (дышать) the same (один и тот же) air with her. He washed his teeth, and scrubbed (мыть; скрести, оттирать) his hands with a kitchen scrub-brush till he saw a nail-brush in a drug-store window and divined (гадать, предполагать) its use. While purchasing (покупать) it, the clerk glanced (смотреть) at his nails, suggested (предлагать) a nail-file (пилка для ногтей), and so he became possessed of an additional (дополнительный) toilet-tool (туалетный прибор). He ran across a book in the library on the care of the body, and promptly developed a penchant (склонность) for a cold-water bath every morning, much to the amazement (изумление) of Jim, and to the bewilderment (замешательство; недоумение, растерянность) of Mr. Higginbotham, who was not in sympathy with such high-fangled (высокотехнологичный) notions (понятие) and who seriously debated whether or not he should charge (взимать) Martin extra (дополнительный) for the water.

Another stride (шаг) was in the direction of creased (мятый) trousers. Now that Martin was aroused (пробудиться, заинтересоваться) in such matters (вопрос, дело), he swiftly (быстро) noted the difference (разница) between the baggy (мешковатый) knees of the trousers worn by the working class and the straight line from knee to foot of those worn by the men above (выше) the working class. Also, he learned the reason why, and invaded (занять, захватить) his sister’s kitchen in search (поиск) of irons (утюг) and ironing-board (гладильная доска).

He had misadventures (неудача, провал) at first, hopelessly (безнадёжно) burning (сжигать) one pair (пара) and buying (покупать) another, which expenditure (расходы) again brought nearer (приближать) the day on which he must put to sea.

But the reform went deeper than mere (простой) outward (внешний) appearance (наружность). He still (всё ещё) smoked, but he drank no more (больше не пил). Up to that time (до этого времени), drinking had seemed to him the proper (нормальный) thing for men to do, and he had prided himself on his strong head which enabled him to drink most men under the table. Whenever (когда бы ни) he encountered (встретить) a chance (случайный) shipmate (товарищ по плаванию), and there were many in San Francisco, he treated (угощать) them and was treated (его угощали) in turn (в свою очередь), as of old (как в старые времена), but he ordered for himself root beer (рутбир (пиво из корнеплодов)) or ginger ale (имбирное пиво) and good-naturedly (добродушно) endured (выносить, терпеть) their chaffing (ерунда). And as they waxed (становиться) maudlin (расчувствовавшийся до слёз) he studied them, watching the beast (зверь, животное; скотина; тварь) rise (подниматься) and master (овладевать) them and thanking God that he was no longer (не был более) as they. They had their limitations (ограничкние) to forget, and when they were drunk, their dim (плохо соображающий, недалёкий), stupid (тупой) spirits (душевный настрой, настроение, моральное состояние, расположение духа) were even (уравновешенный, спокойный) as gods (бог, божество), and each ruled (править) in his heaven (небо) of intoxicated (опьяненный, находящийся в состоянии интоксикации) desire. With Martin the need for strong drink had vanished (исчезнуть). He was drunken in new and more profound (глубокий) ways — with Ruth, who had fired (зажигать огонь) him with love and with a glimpse (проблеск) of higher and eternal (вечный) life; with books, that had set a myriad (несметное число, мириады) maggots (блажь, причуда, прихоть, каприз) of desire gnawing (беспокоить, терзать) in his brain (мозг); and with the sense of personal cleanliness he was achieving, that gave him even more superb (превосходный, великолепный) health than what he had enjoyed (иметь, пользоваться) and that made his whole body sing with physical well-being (здоровье).

One night he went to the theatre, on the blind chance (слепой случай) that he might see her there, and from the second balcony he did (действительно, на самом деле) see her. He saw her come down the aisle ([ail] ряд), with Arthur and a strange (странный) young man with a football mop (копна (волос); космы) of hair and eyeglasses, the sight of whom spurred (подгонять, побуждать; подстрекать; стимулировать) him to instant (мгновенный) apprehension (оценка) and jealousy (ревность). He saw her take her seat in the orchestra circle, and little else than her did he see that night — a pair of slender white shoulders and a mass of pale gold hair, dim (неясный, неотчётливый, смутный) with distance. But there were others who saw, and now and again, glancing (взглянуть мельком, едва заметить) at those about him, he noted two young girls who looked back from the row (ряд) in front, a dozen (дюжина, десяток) seats along, and who smiled at him with bold (смелый) eyes. He had always been easy-going (общительный, добродушный, покладистый). It was not in his nature to give rebuff (отпор, категорический отказ). In the old days he would have smiled back, and gone further and encouraged (поощрять, поддерживать, одобрять) smiling. But now it was different (по-другому). He did smile back (он вообще-то улыбнулся в ответ), then looked away (отводить взгляд), and looked no more deliberately (умышленно; преднамеренно; сознательно). But several times (несколько раз), forgetting the existence of the two girls, his eyes caught (поймать, встретить) their smiles. He could not re-thumb himself (переделать себя) in a day, nor could he violate (нарушить, преступить) the intrinsic (внутренний) kindliness (добродушие, доброта) of his nature; so, at such moments, he smiled at the girls in warm human friendliness (дружелюбие, дружелюбность). It was nothing new to him. He knew they were reaching out (протягивать) their woman’s hands to him. But it was different (иначе, по-другому) now. Far down there in the orchestra circle was the one woman in all the world, so different (другой), so terrifically (ужасно) different, from these two girls of his class, that he could feel for them only pity (жалость) and sorrow (сострадание). He had it in his heart to wish that they could possess (обладать), in some small measure (мера), her goodness (ценные свойства, доброта; великодушие; любезность) and glory (неземная красота; лучезарное сияние). And not for the world (ни за что на свете) could he hurt (ранить) them because of their outreaching. He was not flattered (тешить, быть польщённым) by it; he even felt a slight (лёгкий) shame (стыд) at his lowliness that permitted it. He knew, did he belong in Ruth’s class, that there would be no overtures (попытка завязывания знакомства); инициатива) from these girls; and with each glance of theirs he felt the fingers of his own class clutching (схватить) at him to hold him down.

He left his seat before the curtain (занавес) went down on (опуститься) the last act, intent on (полный решимости; настойчиво стремящийся) seeing Her as she passed out (выходить). There were always numbers of men who stood on the sidewalk (тротуар; пешеходная дорожка) outside (на улице, вне помещения), and he could pull his cap down over his eyes (натянуть шапку на глаза) and screen himself behind some one’s shoulder (прятаться за спиной) so that she should not see him (так, чтобы она не увидела его). He emerged from the theatre (выйти из театра) with the first of the crowd; but scarcely had he taken his position (но едва он занял свою позицию) on the edge (край) of the sidewalk (тротуар) when the two girls appeared. They were looking for him, he knew; and for the moment he could have cursed (проклинать) that in him which (то в нём, что) drew (привлекать) women. Their casual (несерьёзный, легкомысленный) edging (проход) across the sidewalk to the curb (бордюрный камень; обочина тротуара), as they drew (приближаться) near, apprised (извещать, информировать, объявлять, оповещать) him of discovery (обнаружение, открытие).

They slowed down, and were in the thick (гуща) of the crowd (толпа) as they came up with him (догнать его). One of them brushed against (слегка коснуться, задевать) him and apparently (вероятно, видимо, предположительно, по всей видимости) for the first time noticed him. She was a slender (стройный), dark girl, with black, defiant (вызывающий, открыто неповинующийся, дерзкий) eyes. But they smiled at him, and he smiled back.

«Hello,» he said.

It was automatic; he had said it so often before under similar (подобный, сходный, схожий) circumstances (обстоятельство) of first meetings. Besides, he could do no less.

There was that large tolerance (терпение) and sympathy (сочувствие) in his nature (природа, натура, характер) that would permit (позволять) him to do no less. The black-eyed girl smiled gratification (удовольствие, радость; удовлетворение) and greeting, and showed signs (признак, знак) of stopping, while her companion, arm linked in arm (рука в руке), giggled (хихикать) and likewise (также, подобным образом) showed signs of halting (останавливаться). He thought quickly. It would never do for Her to come out and see him talking there with them. Quite naturally, as a matter of course, he swung (качать (ся); сделать плавный поворот) in along-side (рядом, бок о бок) the dark-eyed one and walked with her. There was no awkwardness (неловкость, неуклюжесть, неповоротливость) on his part (с его стороны), no numb (онемелый, оцепенелый, неподвижный) tongue (язык). He was at home here, and he held his own royalty (величие) in the badinage (подшучивание), bristling (изобиловать) with slang and sharpness (резкость, колкость), that was always the preliminary (вводная часть, вступление, прелиминарии) to getting acquainted in these swift-moving affairs.

At the corner where the main stream (поток) of people flowed (плыть, устремиться) onward (дальше), he started to edge out (осторожно выбираться, вытеснять) into the cross (поперечный; пересекающийся; перекрёстный) street. But the girl with the black eyes caught his arm, following him and dragging (тянуть, тащить) her companion after her, as she cried:

«Hold on (Подожди), Bill! What’s yer rush (нестись, устремляться)? You’re not goin’ to shake (стряхнуть) us so sudden as all that (так)?»

He halted (останавливаться) wi

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