第八十九回　人亡物在公子填詞　蛇影杯弓顰卿絕粒 Though the Person Is Gone the Things Remain, and Baoyu Writes a Poem; A Shadow in the Cup Makes Daiyu Refuse Food

卻說鳳姐正自起來納悶，忽聽見小丫頭這話，又唬了一跳，連忙問道：“什麼官事？”小丫頭道：“也不知道。Now Fengjie, who had just risen and was wondering what was amiss, was startled anew by the little maid’s words and hurriedly asked, “What official business?” The maid replied, “I don’t know either.剛才二門上小廝回進來，回老爺有要緊的官事，所以太太叫我請二爺來了。”鳳姐聽是工部里的事，才把心略略的放下，因說道：“你回去回太太，就說二爺昨日晚上出城有事，沒有回來。Just now a page from the inner gate came in and reported that there was urgent official business for Master, so Madam sent me to fetch Second Master.” Hearing that it concerned the Ministry of Works, Fengjie felt somewhat relieved and said, “Go back and tell Madam that Second Master went outside the city on business last night and has not returned.打發人先回珍大爺去罷。”那丫頭答應著去了。Send someone to fetch Master Zhen first.” The maid assented and left.

却说凤姐正自起来纳闷，忽听见小丫头这话，又唬了一跳，连忙问道：“什么官事？”小丫头道：“也不知道。刚才二门上小厮回进来，回老爷有要紧的官事，所以太太叫我请二爷来了。”凤姐听是工部里的事，才把心略略的放下，因说道：“你回去回太太，就说二爷昨日晚上出城有事，没有回来。打发人先回珍大爷去罢。”那丫头答应著去了。

一時賈珍過來見了部里的人，問明了，進來見了王夫人，回道：“部中來報，昨日總河奏到河南一帶決了河口，湮沒了幾府州縣。Presently Jia Zhen arrived, spoke with the men from the ministry and learned the particulars; then he went in to see Lady Wang and reported, “Word has come from the ministry that yesterday the Director-General of the Yellow River memorialized that a dike had burst in the Henan region, flooding several prefectures and counties.又要開銷國帑，修理城工。More funds must be drawn from the imperial treasury to repair the city works.工部司官又有一番照料，所以部里特來報知老爺的。”說完退出，及賈政回家來回明。The officials of the Ministry of Works will have a good deal to attend to again, and so the ministry sent especially to inform Master.” Having said this, he withdrew, and when Jia Zheng came home, the matter was reported to him.從此直到冬間，賈政天天有事，常在衙門里。From then until winter, Jia Zheng had business every day and was often at his office.寶玉的工課也漸漸松了，只是怕賈政覺察出來，不敢不常在學房里去念書，連黛玉處也不敢常去。Baoyu’s lessons gradually became less rigorous, but for fear that Jia Zheng might discover this, he still dared not neglect going regularly to the schoolroom to study, and did not even dare visit Daiyu often.

一时贾珍过来见了部里的人，问明了，进来见了王夫人，回道：“部中来报，昨日总河奏到河南一带决了河口，湮没了几府州县。又要开销国帑，修理城工。工部司官又有一番照料，所以部里特来报知老爷的。”说完退出，及贾政回家来回明。从此直到冬间，贾政天天有事，常在衙门里。宝玉的工课也渐渐松了，只是怕贾政觉察出来，不敢不常在学房里去念书，连黛玉处也不敢常去。

那時已到十月中旬，寶玉起來要往學房中去。By then it was already the middle of the tenth month, and Baoyu rose to go to the schoolroom.這日天氣陡寒，只見襲人早已打點出一包衣服，向寶玉道：“今日天氣很冷，早晚宁使暖些。”說著，把衣服拿出來給寶玉挑了一件穿。The weather had suddenly turned cold that day, and Xiren had already prepared a bundle of clothes; she said to Baoyu, “It is very cold today, and mornings and evenings especially, you had better dress warmly.” As she spoke, she took out the clothes and selected a garment for him to wear.又包了一件，叫小丫頭拿出交給焙茗，囑咐道：“天氣涼，二爺要換時，好生預備著。”焙茗答應了，抱著氈包，跟著寶玉自去。She wrapped up another, told a little maid to take it out and give it to Beiming, and instructed him, “The weather is chilly; have it properly ready in case Second Master wants to change.” Beiming assented, took the felt-wrapped bundle, and followed Baoyu away.寶玉到了學房中，做了自己的工課，忽聽得紙窗呼喇喇一派風聲。When Baoyu reached the schoolroom, he did his assigned work, then suddenly heard the paper windows rattling in a great gust of wind.代儒道：“天氣又發冷。”把風門推開一看，只見西北上一層層的黑雲漸漸往東南扑上來。Dairu said, “It has turned cold again.” He pushed open the wind door and looked out, to see banks of black cloud in the northwest gradually sweeping toward the southeast.焙茗走進來回寶玉道：“二爺，天氣冷了，再添些衣服罷。”寶玉點點頭兒。Beiming came in and said to Baoyu, “Second Master, it has grown cold; put on some more clothes.” Baoyu nodded.只見焙茗拿進一件衣服來，寶玉不看則已，看了時神已痴了。Beiming brought in a garment; Baoyu would have been well enough had he not looked at it, but the moment he did, he went into a daze.那些小學生都巴著眼瞧，卻原是晴雯所補的那件雀金裘。The young pupils all stared wide-eyed: it was the peacock-gold cloak that Qingwen had mended.寶玉道：“怎麼拿這一件來！Baoyu said, “Why did you bring this one!是誰給你的？”焙茗道：“是里頭姑娘們包出來的。”寶玉道：“我身上不大冷，且不穿呢，包上罷。”代儒只當寶玉可惜這件衣服，卻也心里喜他知道儉省。Who gave it to you?” Beiming replied, “The young ladies inside wrapped it up for me.” Baoyu said, “I am not very cold; I won’t wear it yet. Wrap it up again.” Dairu merely supposed that Baoyu was loath to use such a fine garment, and was inwardly pleased that he understood thrift.焙茗道：“二爺穿上罷，著了涼，又是奴才的不是了。Beiming said, “Please put it on, Second Master. If you catch cold, the blame will fall on your servant again.二爺只當疼奴才罷。”寶玉無奈，只得穿上，呆呆的對著書坐著。Think of it as taking pity on your servant.” Baoyu had no choice but to put it on, and sat staring blankly at his book.代儒也只當他看書，不甚理會。Dairu assumed he was reading and paid him little attention.晚間放學時，寶玉便往代儒托病告假一天。When school was dismissed that evening, Baoyu pleaded illness to Dairu and asked for a day’s leave.代儒本來上年紀的人，也不過伴著幾個孩子解悶兒，時常也八病九痛的，樂得去一個少操一日心。Dairu was old himself and taught the few children chiefly to relieve his boredom; he too was forever suffering one ailment or another, and was only too glad to have one fewer pupil to worry about for a day.況且明知賈政事忙，賈母溺愛，便點點頭兒。Besides, he knew perfectly well that Jia Zheng was busy and Grandmother Jia doted on the boy, so he nodded his consent.

那时已到十月中旬，宝玉起来要往学房中去。这日天气陡寒，只见袭人早已打点出一包衣服，向宝玉道：“今日天气很冷，早晚宁使暖些。”说著，把衣服拿出来给宝玉挑了一件穿。又包了一件，叫小丫头拿出交给焙茗，嘱咐道：“天气凉，二爷要换时，好生预备著。”焙茗答应了，抱著毡包，跟著宝玉自去。宝玉到了学房中，做了自己的工课，忽听得纸窗呼喇喇一派风声。代儒道：“天气又发冷。”把风门推开一看，只见西北上一层层的黑云渐渐往东南扑上来。焙茗走进来回宝玉道：“二爷，天气冷了，再添些衣服罢。”宝玉点点头儿。只见焙茗拿进一件衣服来，宝玉不看则已，看了时神已痴了。那些小学生都巴著眼瞧，却原是晴雯所补的那件雀金裘。宝玉道：“怎么拿这一件来！是谁给你的？”焙茗道：“是里头姑娘们包出来的。”宝玉道：“我身上不大冷，且不穿呢，包上罢。”代儒只当宝玉可惜这件衣服，却也心里喜他知道俭省。焙茗道：“二爷穿上罢，著了凉，又是奴才的不是了。二爷只当疼奴才罢。”宝玉无奈，只得穿上，呆呆的对著书坐著。代儒也只当他看书，不甚理会。晚间放学时，宝玉便往代儒托病告假一天。代儒本来上年纪的人，也不过伴著几个孩子解闷儿，时常也八病九痛的，乐得去一个少操一日心。况且明知贾政事忙，贾母溺爱，便点点头儿。

寶玉一徑回來，見過賈母王夫人，也是這樣說，自然沒有不信的，略坐一坐便回園中去了。Baoyu went straight home and, after paying his respects to Grandmother Jia and Lady Wang, gave them the same story; naturally they believed him, and after sitting with them briefly he returned to the Garden.見了襲人等，也不似往日有說有笑的，便和衣躺在炕上。On seeing Xiren and the others, he was not his usual talkative, laughing self, but lay down fully dressed on the kang.襲人道：“晚飯預備下了，這會兒吃還是等一等兒？”寶玉道：“我不吃了，心里不舒服。Xiren asked, “Supper is ready. Will you eat now or wait a little?” Baoyu replied, “I won’t eat. I feel out of sorts.你們吃去罷。”襲人道：“那麼著你也該把這件衣服換下來了，那個東西那里禁得住揉搓。”寶玉道：“不用換。”襲人道：“倒也不但是嬌嫩物兒，你瞧瞧那上頭的針線也不該這麼糟蹋他呀。”寶玉聽了這話，正碰在他心坎兒上，歎了一口氣道：“那麼著，你就收拾起來給我包好了，我也總不穿他了。”說著，站起來脫下。You go and eat.” Xiren said, “Then you should at least take off that garment; such a thing cannot stand being crumpled and rubbed.” Baoyu said, “There’s no need.” Xiren said, “It isn’t only that it is delicate—just look at the needlework on it; you ought not abuse it so.” Her words struck Baoyu directly in the heart. He sighed and said, “In that case, put it away and wrap it up carefully for me. I shall never wear it again.” With that he stood and took it off.襲人才過來接時，寶玉已經自己疊起。When Xiren came over to receive it, Baoyu had already begun folding it himself.襲人道：“二爺怎麼今日這樣勤謹起來了？”寶玉也不答言，疊好了，便問：“包這個的包袱呢？”麝月連忙遞過來，讓他自己包好，回頭卻和襲人擠著眼兒笑。Xiren said, “How has Second Master become so diligent today?” Baoyu did not answer; when he had folded it, he asked, “Where is the cloth it was wrapped in?” Sheyue quickly handed it to him and let him wrap it himself, then turned and exchanged a wink and a smile with Xiren.寶玉也不理會，自己坐著，無精打彩，猛聽架上鐘響，自己低頭看了看表，針已指到酉初二刻了。Baoyu paid them no heed, but sat listlessly until the clock on the stand suddenly struck; lowering his head to consult his watch, he saw that the hand already pointed to the second quarter after the beginning of the hour of the Rooster.一時小丫頭點上燈來。Presently a little maid came in and lit the lamp.襲人道：“你不吃飯，喝一口粥兒罷。Xiren said, “If you won’t eat a meal, at least have a little congee.別淨餓著，看仔細餓上虛火來，那又是我們的累贅了。”寶玉搖搖頭兒，說：“不大餓，強吃了倒不受用。”襲人道：“既這麼著，就索性早些歇著罷。”于是襲人麝月舖設好了，寶玉也就歇下，翻來复去只睡不著，將及黎明，反朦朧睡去，不一頓飯時，早又醒了。Do not simply starve yourself. Take care you do not bring on a fever from an empty stomach and give us another worry.” Baoyu shook his head. “I am not very hungry. If I force myself to eat, I shall only feel worse.” Xiren said, “In that case, you may as well retire early.” So Xiren and Sheyue prepared his bed, and Baoyu lay down; but he tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Near dawn he finally dozed off, only to wake again in less time than it takes to eat a meal.

宝玉一径回来，见过贾母王夫人，也是这样说，自然没有不信的，略坐一坐便回园中去了。见了袭人等，也不似往日有说有笑的，便和衣躺在炕上。袭人道：“晚饭预备下了，这会儿吃还是等一等儿？”宝玉道：“我不吃了，心里不舒服。你们吃去罢。”袭人道：“那么著你也该把这件衣服换下来了，那个东西那里禁得住揉搓。”宝玉道：“不用换。”袭人道：“倒也不但是娇嫩物儿，你瞧瞧那上头的针线也不该这么糟蹋他呀。”宝玉听了这话，正碰在他心坎儿上，叹了一口气道：“那么著，你就收拾起来给我包好了，我也总不穿他了。”说著，站起来脱下。袭人才过来接时，宝玉已经自己叠起。袭人道：“二爷怎么今日这样勤谨起来了？”宝玉也不答言，叠好了，便问：“包这个的包袱呢？”麝月连忙递过来，让他自己包好，回头却和袭人挤著眼儿笑。宝玉也不理会，自己坐著，无精打彩，猛听架上钟响，自己低头看了看表，针已指到酉初二刻了。一时小丫头点上灯来。袭人道：“你不吃饭，喝一口粥儿罢。别净饿著，看仔细饿上虚火来，那又是我们的累赘了。”宝玉摇摇头儿，说：“不大饿，强吃了倒不受用。”袭人道：“既这么著，就索性早些歇著罢。”于是袭人麝月铺设好了，宝玉也就歇下，翻来复去只睡不著，将及黎明，反朦胧睡去，不一顿饭时，早又醒了。

此時襲人麝月也都起來。By then Xiren and Sheyue were both up.襲人道：“昨夜聽著你翻騰到五更多，我也不敢問你。Xiren said, “Last night I heard you tossing about until after the fifth watch, but I did not dare ask you what was wrong.後來我就睡著了，不知到底你睡著了沒有？”寶玉道：“也睡了一睡，不知怎麼就醒了。”襲人道：“你沒有什麼不受用？”寶玉道：“沒有，只是心上發煩。”襲人道：“今日學房里去不去？”寶玉道：“我昨兒已經告了一天假了，今兒我要想園里逛一天，散散心，只是怕冷。Later I fell asleep myself, so I do not know whether you ever slept at all.” Baoyu said, “I slept for a while, but somehow woke again.” Xiren asked, “Do you feel unwell anywhere?” Baoyu replied, “No, only restless at heart.” Xiren asked, “Are you going to the schoolroom today?” Baoyu said, “I asked for a day’s leave yesterday. Today I want to spend the day wandering in the Garden to clear my mind, only I am afraid of the cold.你叫他們收拾一間房子，備下一爐香，擱下紙墨筆硯。Have them prepare a room, light a brazier of incense, and set out paper, ink, brush, and inkstone.你們只管幹你們的，我自己靜坐半天才好。You may all go about your own work; I would like to sit quietly by myself for half a day.別叫他們來攪我。”麝月接著道：“二爺要靜靜兒的用工夫，誰敢來攪。”襲人道：“這麼著很好，也省得著了涼。Do not let anyone come and disturb me.” Sheyue put in, “If Second Master wants to apply himself in peace and quiet, who would dare disturb him?” Xiren said, “That is an excellent idea, and it will also keep you from catching cold.自己坐坐，心神也不散。”因又問：“你既懶待吃飯，今日吃什麼？Sitting quietly by yourself will keep your thoughts from wandering too.” Then she asked, “Since you have no appetite, what would you like to eat today?早說好傳給廚房里去。”寶玉道：“還是隨便罷，不必鬧的大驚小怪的。Tell us now, so we can send word to the kitchen.” Baoyu said, “Anything will do. There is no need to make a great commotion over it.倒是要幾個果子擱在那屋里，借點果子香。”襲人道：“那個屋里好？But put a few pieces of fruit in the room, to lend it some fragrance.” Xiren asked, “Which room would be best?別的都不大乾淨，只有晴雯起先住的那一間，因一向無人，還乾淨，就是清冷些。”寶玉道：“不妨，把火盆挪過去就是了。”襲人答應了。The others are none too clean. Only the room Qingwen used to live in is still clean, since no one has occupied it for some time, though it is rather cold and bare.” Baoyu said, “That does not matter; just move the brazier in there.” Xiren assented.正說著，只見一個小丫頭端了一個茶盤兒，一個碗，一雙牙箸，遞給麝月道：“這是剛才花姑娘要的，廚房里老婆子送了來了。”麝月接了一看，卻是一碗燕窩湯，便問襲人道：“這是姐姐要的么？”襲人笑道：“昨夜二爺沒吃飯，又翻騰了一夜，想來今日早起心里必是發空的，所以我告訴小丫頭們叫廚房里作了這個來的。”襲人一面叫小丫頭放桌兒，麝月打發寶玉喝了，漱了口。As they were speaking, a little maid came in carrying a tea tray with a bowl and a pair of ivory chopsticks, and handed it to Sheyue, saying, “This is what Miss Hua asked for just now; one of the kitchen women brought it.” Sheyue took it and saw that it was a bowl of bird’s-nest soup. She asked Xiren, “Did you order this, sister?” Xiren smiled. “Second Master ate no supper last night and tossed about all night. I thought his stomach would surely feel empty when he rose this morning, so I told the little maids to have the kitchen make this.” Xiren had a little maid set down a table, while Sheyue saw that Baoyu drank the soup and rinsed his mouth.只見秋紋走來說道：“那屋里已經收拾妥了，但等著一時炭勁過了，二爺再進去罷。”寶玉點頭，只是一腔心事，懶怠說話。Then Qiuwen came in and said, “The room is ready, but Second Master should wait until the fierceness has gone out of the charcoal before going in.” Baoyu nodded; his heart was too burdened with care for him to feel like speaking.一時小丫頭來請，說筆硯都安放妥當了。Presently a little maid came to summon him, saying that the brushes and inkstone had all been set out.寶玉道：“知道了。”又一個小丫頭回道：“早飯得了。Baoyu said, “Very well.” Another little maid came in and reported, “Breakfast is ready.二爺在那里吃？”寶玉道：“就拿了來罷，不必累贅了。”小丫頭答應了自去。Where will Second Master eat?” Baoyu said, “Just bring it here; there is no need for extra fuss.” The little maid assented and went away.一時端上飯來，寶玉笑了一笑，向襲人麝月道：“我心里悶得很，自己吃只怕又吃不下去，不如你們兩個同我一塊兒吃，或者吃的香甜，我也多吃些。”麝月笑道：“這是二爺的高興，我們可不敢。”襲人道：“其實也使得，我們一處喝酒，也不止今日。Presently breakfast was brought in. Baoyu smiled and said to Xiren and Sheyue, “I feel terribly oppressed, and I am afraid I could not eat if I sat here alone. Why don’t the two of you eat with me? Perhaps if the food tastes better in company, I shall eat more.” Sheyue laughed. “It may please Second Master, but we would not dare.” Xiren said, “Actually, there would be no harm in it. This is hardly the first time we have drunk wine together.只是偶然替你解悶兒還使得，若認真這樣，還有什麼規矩体統呢。”說著三人坐下。It is all right to cheer you up once in a while, but if we made a regular practice of it, what would become of proper order and decorum?” So saying, the three sat down.寶玉在上首，襲人麝月兩個打橫陪著。Baoyu sat in the place of honor, with Xiren and Sheyue seated crosswise beside him to keep him company.吃了飯，小丫頭端上漱口茶，兩個看著撤了下去。When they had finished, a little maid brought tea for rinsing the mouth, and the two women watched as the dishes were cleared away.寶玉因端著茶，默默如有所思，又坐了一坐，便問道：“那屋里收拾妥了么？”麝月道：“頭里就回過了，這回子又問。”Holding his tea, Baoyu sat in silent thought for a while, then asked, “Is that room ready?” Sheyue replied, “We told you it was ready a while ago, and now you ask again.”

此时袭人麝月也都起来。袭人道：“昨夜听著你翻腾到五更多，我也不敢问你。后来我就睡著了，不知到底你睡著了没有？”宝玉道：“也睡了一睡，不知怎么就醒了。”袭人道：“你没有什么不受用？”宝玉道：“没有，只是心上发烦。”袭人道：“今日学房里去不去？”宝玉道：“我昨儿已经告了一天假了，今儿我要想园里逛一天，散散心，只是怕冷。你叫他们收拾一间房子，备下一炉香，搁下纸墨笔砚。你们只管干你们的，我自己静坐半天才好。别叫他们来搅我。”麝月接著道：“二爷要静静儿的用工夫，谁敢来搅。”袭人道：“这么著很好，也省得著了凉。自己坐坐，心神也不散。”因又问：“你既懒待吃饭，今日吃什么？早说好传给厨房里去。”宝玉道：“还是随便罢，不必闹的大惊小怪的。倒是要几个果子搁在那屋里，借点果子香。”袭人道：“那个屋里好？别的都不大干净，只有晴雯起先住的那一间，因一向无人，还干净，就是清冷些。”宝玉道：“不妨，把火盆挪过去就是了。”袭人答应了。正说著，只见一个小丫头端了一个茶盘儿，一个碗，一双牙箸，递给麝月道：“这是刚才花姑娘要的，厨房里老婆子送了来了。”麝月接了一看，却是一碗燕窝汤，便问袭人道：“这是姐姐要的么？”袭人笑道：“昨夜二爷没吃饭，又翻腾了一夜，想来今日早起心里必是发空的，所以我告诉小丫头们叫厨房里作了这个来的。”袭人一面叫小丫头放桌儿，麝月打发宝玉喝了，漱了口。只见秋纹走来说道：“那屋里已经收拾妥了，但等著一时炭劲过了，二爷再进去罢。”宝玉点头，只是一腔心事，懒怠说话。一时小丫头来请，说笔砚都安放妥当了。宝玉道：“知道了。”又一个小丫头回道：“早饭得了。二爷在那里吃？”宝玉道：“就拿了来罢，不必累赘了。”小丫头答应了自去。一时端上饭来，宝玉笑了一笑，向袭人麝月道：“我心里闷得很，自己吃只怕又吃不下去，不如你们两个同我一块儿吃，或者吃的香甜，我也多吃些。”麝月笑道：“这是二爷的高兴，我们可不敢。”袭人道：“其实也使得，我们一处喝酒，也不止今日。只是偶然替你解闷儿还使得，若认真这样，还有什么规矩体统呢。”说著三人坐下。宝玉在上首，袭人麝月两个打横陪著。吃了饭，小丫头端上漱口茶，两个看著撤了下去。宝玉因端著茶，默默如有所思，又坐了一坐，便问道：“那屋里收拾妥了么？”麝月道：“头里就回过了，这回子又问。”

寶玉略坐了一坐，便過這間屋子來，親自點了一炷香，擺上些果品，便叫人出去，關上了門。After sitting a little longer, Baoyu went into that room, personally lit a stick of incense, arranged some fruit offerings, then ordered everyone out and shut the door.外面襲人等都靜悄無聲。Outside, Xiren and the others kept perfectly quiet.寶玉拿了一幅泥金角花的粉紅箋出來，口中祝了幾句，便提起筆來寫道：Baoyu took out a sheet of pink paper with gold-flecked corner designs, murmured a few words of invocation, then raised his brush and wrote:

宝玉略坐了一坐，便过这间屋子来，亲自点了一炷香，摆上些果品，便叫人出去，关上了门。外面袭人等都静悄无声。宝玉拿了一幅泥金角花的粉红笺出来，口中祝了几句，便提起笔来写道：

怡紅主人焚付晴姐知之，酌茗清香，庶幾來饗。The Master of Happy Red burns this for Sister Qingwen’s notice; with choice tea and pure incense, may you come and partake.其詞云：The lyric reads:

怡红主人焚付晴姐知之，酌茗清香，庶几来飨。其词云：

隨身伴，獨自意綢繆。My constant companion, alone I cherished you tenderly.誰料風波平地起，頓教軀命即時休。Who could have guessed that trouble would rise from level ground and suddenly bring your mortal life to an end?孰與話輕柔？With whom now can I speak gentle words?

随身伴，独自意绸缪。谁料风波平地起，顿教躯命即时休。孰与话轻柔？

東逝水，無复向西流。The waters flow east and never again turn west.想象更無怀夢草，添衣還見翠雲裘。In dreams I can no longer picture the dream-grass in your arms; when I put on warmer clothes, I still see the cloak of kingfisher clouds.脈脈使人愁！With lingering sorrow, you make the heart grieve!

东逝水，无复向西流。想象更无怀梦草，添衣还见翠云裘。脉脉使人愁！

寫畢，就在香上點個火焚化了。When he had finished writing, he touched the paper to the incense flame and burned it.靜靜兒等著，直待一炷香點盡了，才開門出來。He waited quietly until the whole stick of incense had burned away, and only then opened the door and came out.襲人道：“怎麼出來了？Xiren asked, “Why have you come out?想來又悶的慌了。”I suppose you grew stifled in there again.”

写毕，就在香上点个火焚化了。静静儿等著，直待一炷香点尽了，才开门出来。袭人道：“怎么出来了？想来又闷的慌了。”

寶玉笑了一笑，假說道：“我原是心里煩，才找個地方兒靜坐坐兒。Baoyu smiled and dissembled: “I was only feeling restless, so I found a place where I could sit quietly for a while.這會子好了，還要外頭走走去呢。”說著，一徑出來，到了瀟湘館中，在院里問道：“林妹妹在家里呢么？”紫鵑接應道：“是誰？”掀帘看時，笑道：“原來是寶二爺。I feel better now, and mean to take a walk outside.” With that he went straight out and came to the Xiaoxiang Lodge. From the courtyard he called, “Is Cousin Lin at home?” Zijuan answered, “Who is it?” Raising the curtain and looking out, she smiled. “Why, it is Second Master Bao.姑娘在屋里呢，請二爺到屋里坐著。”寶玉同著紫鵑走進來。Miss is in her room. Please come in and sit down, Second Master.” Baoyu entered with Zijuan.黛玉卻在里間呢，說道：“紫鵑，請二爺屋里坐罷。”寶玉走到里間門口，看見新寫的一付紫墨色泥金雲龍箋的小對，上寫著：“綠窗明月在，青史古人空。”寶玉看了，笑了一笑，走入門去，笑問道：“妹妹做什麼呢？”黛玉站起來迎了兩步，笑著讓道：“請坐。Daiyu was in the inner room and called, “Zijuan, ask Second Master to sit inside.” At the doorway Baoyu saw a newly written pair of short couplets on purple-ink, gold-flecked paper patterned with clouds and dragons: “At the green window, the bright moon abides; in the blue annals, the men of old are gone.” He smiled at them, went in, and asked with a laugh, “What are you doing, cousin?” Daiyu rose and came two steps to meet him, then smiled and invited him to sit.我在這里寫經，只剩得兩行了，等寫完了再說話兒。”因叫雪雁倒茶。“I am copying a sutra. I have only two lines left; let me finish them, and then we can talk.” She called to Xueyan to pour tea.寶玉道：“你別動，只管寫。”說著，一面看見中間挂著一幅單條，上面畫著一個嫦娥，帶著一個侍者，又一個女仙，也有一個侍者，捧著一個長長兒的衣囊似的，二人身邊略有些雲護，別無點綴，全仿李龍眠白描筆意，上有”鬪寒圖”三字，用八分書寫著。Baoyu said, “Do not stir; just go on writing.” As he spoke, he noticed a narrow hanging scroll in the center of the room. It showed Chang’e with an attendant, and another immortal maiden likewise with an attendant who carried what looked like a long garment bag. A few wisps of cloud enfolded the two ladies, but there was no other embellishment; it was wholly in the fine-line manner of Li Longmian. At the top, the three characters “Contending in the Cold” were written in clerical script.寶玉道：“妹妹這幅《鬪寒圖》可是新挂上的？”黛玉道：“可不是。Baoyu asked, “Is this picture of yours, Contending in the Cold, newly hung?” Daiyu replied, “Yes, it is.昨日他們收拾屋子，我想起來，拿出來叫他們挂上的。”寶玉道：“是什麼出處？”黛玉笑道：“眼前熟的很的，還要問人。”寶玉笑道：“我一時想不起，妹妹告訴我罷。”黛玉道：“豈不聞‘青女素娥俱耐冷，月中霜里鬪嬋娟’。”寶玉道：“是啊。Yesterday, when they were tidying the room, I remembered it, took it out, and had them hang it.” Baoyu asked, “What is its allusion?” Daiyu laughed. “It is something perfectly familiar, right before your eyes, and still you have to ask.” Baoyu smiled. “I cannot recall it just now; tell me, cousin.” Daiyu said, “Have you not heard: ‘The Frost Maiden and the Moon Goddess both endure the cold, vying in beauty amid moonlight and frost’?” Baoyu said, “Of course.這個實在新奇雅致，卻好此時拿出來挂。”說著，又東瞧瞧，西走走。It is truly novel and elegant, and this is just the season to hang it.” As he spoke, he looked here and wandered there.

宝玉笑了一笑，假说道：“我原是心里烦，才找个地方儿静坐坐儿。这会子好了，还要外头走走去呢。”说著，一径出来，到了潇湘馆中，在院里问道：“林妹妹在家里呢么？”紫鹃接应道：“是谁？”掀帘看时，笑道：“原来是宝二爷。姑娘在屋里呢，请二爷到屋里坐著。”宝玉同著紫鹃走进来。黛玉却在里间呢，说道：“紫鹃，请二爷屋里坐罢。”宝玉走到里间门口，看见新写的一付紫墨色泥金云龙笺的小对，上写著：“绿窗明月在，青史古人空。”宝玉看了，笑了一笑，走入门去，笑问道：“妹妹做什么呢？”黛玉站起来迎了两步，笑著让道：“请坐。我在这里写经，只剩得两行了，等写完了再说话儿。”因叫雪雁倒茶。宝玉道：“你别动，只管写。”说著，一面看见中间挂著一幅单条，上面画著一个嫦娥，带著一个侍者，又一个女仙，也有一个侍者，捧著一个长长儿的衣囊似的，二人身边略有些云护，别无点缀，全仿李龙眠白描笔意，上有”鬪寒图”三字，用八分书写著。宝玉道：“妹妹这幅《鬪寒图》可是新挂上的？”黛玉道：“可不是。昨日他们收拾屋子，我想起来，拿出来叫他们挂上的。”宝玉道：“是什么出处？”黛玉笑道：“眼前熟的很的，还要问人。”宝玉笑道：“我一时想不起，妹妹告诉我罢。”黛玉道：“岂不闻‘青女素娥俱耐冷，月中霜里鬪婵娟’。”宝玉道：“是啊。这个实在新奇雅致，却好此时拿出来挂。”说著，又东瞧瞧，西走走。

雪雁沏了茶來，寶玉吃著。Xueyan brewed tea and brought it, and Baoyu drank.又等了一會子，黛玉經才寫完，站起來道：“簡慢了。”寶玉笑道：“妹妹還是這麼客氣。”但見黛玉身上穿著月白繡花小毛皮襖，加上銀鼠坎肩，頭上挽著隨常雲髻，簪上一枝赤金匾簪，別無花朵，腰下系著楊妃色繡花綿裙。After another wait Daiyu finally finished copying the sutra. She rose and said, “Forgive me for neglecting you.” Baoyu smiled. “Still so ceremonious with me, cousin.” Daiyu was wearing a moon-white embroidered jacket lined with fine fur, over it a silver-squirrel waistcoat. Her hair was done in an ordinary cloud bun, with a flat red-gold pin and no other flowers; below, she wore an embroidered padded skirt in the pink of Imperial Consort Yang.真比如：Truly, she was like:

雪雁沏了茶来，宝玉吃著。又等了一会子，黛玉经才写完，站起来道：“简慢了。”宝玉笑道：“妹妹还是这么客气。”但见黛玉身上穿著月白绣花小毛皮袄，加上银鼠坎肩，头上挽著随常云髻，簪上一枝赤金匾簪，别无花朵，腰下系著杨妃色绣花绵裙。真比如：

亭亭玉樹臨風立，冉冉香蓮帶露開。A graceful jade tree standing in the wind, a fragrant lotus slowly opening beneath the dew.

亭亭玉树临风立，冉冉香莲带露开。

寶玉因問道：“妹妹這兩日彈琴來著沒有？”黛玉道：“兩日沒彈了。Baoyu asked, “Have you played the qin these past two days?” Daiyu replied, “I have not played for two days.因為寫字已經覺得手冷，那里還去彈琴。”寶玉道：“不彈也罷了。My hands already feel cold when I write; how could I play the qin?” Baoyu said, “It is just as well not to.我想琴雖是清高之品，卻不是好東西，從沒有彈琴里彈出富貴壽考來的，只有彈出憂思怨亂來的。It seems to me that although the qin is a refined and lofty instrument, it is no good thing. No one ever played wealth, honor, long life, and good fortune out of a qin; all that ever comes from it is melancholy, resentment, and turmoil.再者彈琴也得心里記譜，未免費心。Besides, to play it you must keep the score in mind, which cannot help taxing your thoughts.依我說，妹妹身子又單弱，不操這心也罷了。”黛玉抿著嘴兒笑。As I see it, cousin, you are frail enough already; you may as well spare yourself the strain.” Daiyu pursed her lips and smiled.寶玉指著壁上道：“這張琴可就是么？Pointing at the wall, Baoyu asked, “Is that the qin?怎麼這麼短？”黛玉笑道：“這張琴不是短，因我小時學撫的時候別的琴都夠不著，因此特地做起來的。Why is it so short?” Daiyu laughed. “It is not really short. When I was little and learning to play, I could not reach across other instruments, so this one was specially made for me.雖不是焦尾枯桐，這鶴山鳳尾還配得齊整，龍池雁足高下還相宜。Though it is neither a Jiao-tail nor made of ancient paulownia, its Heshan wood and phoenix-tail bridge are well matched, and its dragon pool and wild-goose feet are properly proportioned.你看這斷紋不是牛旄似的么，所以音韻也還清越。”寶玉道：“妹妹這幾天來做詩沒有？”黛玉道：“自結社以後沒大作。”寶玉笑道：“你別瞞我，我聽見你吟的什麼‘不可惙，素心如何天上月’，你擱在琴里覺得音響分外的響亮。See how the age cracks resemble ox hair? That is why its tone is still clear and resonant.” Baoyu asked, “Have you written any poems these last few days?” Daiyu replied, “I have written little since the poetry club was formed.” Baoyu laughed. “Do not hide it from me. I heard you singing something like, ‘It cannot cease—how is the pure heart like the moon in heaven?’ Set to the qin, it sounded exceptionally vibrant.有的沒有？”黛玉道：“你怎麼聽見了？”寶玉道：“我那一天從蓼風軒來聽見的，又恐怕打斷你的清韻，所以靜聽了一會就走了。Did you sing that or not?” Daiyu asked, “How did you hear it?” Baoyu replied, “That day, as I was returning from Liaofeng Pavilion, I heard you. I was afraid of interrupting your pure melody, so I listened quietly for a while and then left.我正要問你：前路是平韻，到末了兒忽轉了仄韻，是個什麼意思？”黛玉道：“這是人心自然之音，做到那里就到那里，原沒有一定的。”寶玉道：“原來如此。There is something I have been meaning to ask: the opening lines used level rhymes, but at the very end you suddenly changed to oblique rhymes. What did that mean?” Daiyu said, “It was the natural voice of the human heart. It went wherever the feeling carried it; there was never any fixed rule.” Baoyu said, “So that is how it was.可惜我不知音，枉聽了一會子。”黛玉道：“古來知音人能有幾個？”寶玉聽了。What a pity I understand nothing of music and listened all that time in vain.” Daiyu said, “Since ancient times, how many people have truly understood another’s music?” Baoyu heard this.又覺得出言冒失了，又怕寒了黛玉的心，坐了一坐，心里象有許多話，卻再無可講的。He felt once more that he had spoken rashly, and, fearing he had chilled Daiyu’s heart, sat for a while with what seemed like a multitude of words inside him, yet nothing more he could say.黛玉因方才的話也是沖口而出，此時回想，覺得太冷淡些，也就無話。Daiyu too had spoken without thinking; now, on reflection, she felt her words had been rather cold, and likewise had nothing to say.寶玉一發打量黛玉設疑，遂訕訕的站起來說道：“妹妹坐著罷。Baoyu became still more convinced that Daiyu had taken offense. He rose awkwardly and said, “Please remain seated, cousin.我還要到三妹妹那里瞧瞧去呢。”黛玉道：“你若是見了三妹妹，替我問候一聲罷。”寶玉答應著便出來了。I still mean to go and see Third Cousin.” Daiyu said, “If you see Third Cousin, give her my regards.” Baoyu assented and went out.

宝玉因问道：“妹妹这两日弹琴来著没有？”黛玉道：“两日没弹了。因为写字已经觉得手冷，那里还去弹琴。”宝玉道：“不弹也罢了。我想琴虽是清高之品，却不是好东西，从没有弹琴里弹出富贵寿考来的，只有弹出忧思怨乱来的。再者弹琴也得心里记谱，未免费心。依我说，妹妹身子又单弱，不操这心也罢了。”黛玉抿著嘴儿笑。宝玉指著壁上道：“这张琴可就是么？怎么这么短？”黛玉笑道：“这张琴不是短，因我小时学抚的时候别的琴都够不著，因此特地做起来的。虽不是焦尾枯桐，这鹤山凤尾还配得齐整，龙池雁足高下还相宜。你看这断纹不是牛旄似的么，所以音韵也还清越。”宝玉道：“妹妹这几天来做诗没有？”黛玉道：“自结社以后没大作。”宝玉笑道：“你别瞒我，我听见你吟的什么‘不可惙，素心如何天上月’，你搁在琴里觉得音响分外的响亮。有的没有？”黛玉道：“你怎么听见了？”宝玉道：“我那一天从蓼风轩来听见的，又恐怕打断你的清韵，所以静听了一会就走了。我正要问你：前路是平韵，到末了儿忽转了仄韵，是个什么意思？”黛玉道：“这是人心自然之音，做到那里就到那里，原没有一定的。”宝玉道：“原来如此。可惜我不知音，枉听了一会子。”黛玉道：“古来知音人能有几个？”宝玉听了。又觉得出言冒失了，又怕寒了黛玉的心，坐了一坐，心里象有许多话，却再无可讲的。黛玉因方才的话也是冲口而出，此时回想，觉得太冷淡些，也就无话。宝玉一发打量黛玉设疑，遂讪讪的站起来说道：“妹妹坐著罢。我还要到三妹妹那里瞧瞧去呢。”黛玉道：“你若是见了三妹妹，替我问候一声罢。”宝玉答应著便出来了。

黛玉送至屋門口，自己回來悶悶的坐著，心里想道：“寶玉近來說話半吐半吞，忽冷忽熱，也不知他是什麼意思。”正想著，紫鵑走來道：“姑娘，經不寫了？Daiyu escorted him to the door, then returned and sat gloomily, thinking, “Lately Baoyu speaks in half-finished hints, now cold and now warm. I cannot tell what he means.” While she was thinking, Zijuan came in and asked, “Are you finished copying the sutra, Miss?我把筆硯都收好了？”黛玉道：“不寫了，收起去罷。”說著，自己走到里間屋里床上歪著，慢慢的細想。Shall I put away all the brushes and inkstone?” Daiyu replied, “I shall write no more; put them away.” With that, she went into the inner room, reclined on the bed, and slowly pondered everything in detail.紫鵑進來問道：“姑娘喝碗茶罷？”黛玉道：“不喝呢。Zijuan came in and asked, “Would you like a bowl of tea, Miss?” Daiyu replied, “No.我略歪歪兒，你們自己去罷。”I shall lie down for a little while; you may all go.”

黛玉送至屋门口，自己回来闷闷的坐著，心里想道：“宝玉近来说话半吐半吞，忽冷忽热，也不知他是什么意思。”正想著，紫鹃走来道：“姑娘，经不写了？我把笔砚都收好了？”黛玉道：“不写了，收起去罢。”说著，自己走到里间屋里床上歪著，慢慢的细想。紫鹃进来问道：“姑娘喝碗茶罢？”黛玉道：“不喝呢。我略歪歪儿，你们自己去罢。”

紫鵑答應著出來，只見雪雁一個人在那里發呆。Zijuan assented and went out, where she found Xueyan standing alone in a daze.紫鵑走到他跟前問道：“你這會子也有了什麼心事了么？”雪雁只顧發呆，倒被他唬了一跳，因說道：“你別嚷，今日我聽見了一句話，我告訴你聽，奇不奇。Zijuan went up and asked, “Have you got something on your mind now too?” Xueyan was so lost in thought that the question startled her. She said, “Do not speak so loudly. I heard something today—let me tell you and see if you do not find it strange.你可別言語。”說著，往屋里努嘴兒。But you must not say a word.” As she spoke, she jerked her chin toward the room.因自己先行，點著頭兒叫紫鵑同他出來，到門外平台底下，悄悄兒的道：“姐姐你聽見了么？She went ahead, nodding for Zijuan to follow her outside. Beneath the terrace by the door, she whispered, “Sister, have you heard?寶玉定了親了！”紫鵑聽見，唬了一跳，說道：“這是那里來的話？Baoyu’s marriage has been arranged!” Zijuan started in alarm and said, “Where did that story come from?只怕不真罷。”雪雁道：“怎麼不真，別人大概都知道，就只咱們沒聽見。”紫鵑道：“你是那里聽來的？”雪雁道：“我聽見侍書說的，是個什麼知府家，家資也好，人才也好。”紫鵑正聽時，只聽得黛玉咳嗽了一聲，似乎起來的光景。Surely it cannot be true.” Xueyan said, “Why would it not be? Everyone else seems to know; only we have heard nothing.” Zijuan asked, “Where did you hear it?” Xueyan replied, “I heard it from Shishu. The girl is from the family of some prefect; her family is wealthy, and she herself is accomplished and handsome.” As Zijuan listened, they suddenly heard Daiyu cough, as if she were getting up.紫鵑恐怕他出來聽見，便拉了雪雁搖搖手兒，往里望望，不見動靜，才又悄悄兒的問道：“他到底怎麼說來？”雪雁道：“前兒不是叫我到三姑娘那里去道謝嗎，三姑娘不在屋里，只有侍書在那里。Afraid Daiyu might come out and overhear them, Zijuan pulled Xueyan back and waved her hand. She looked inside and, seeing no movement, whispered again, “What exactly did Shishu say?” Xueyan replied, “The other day, wasn’t I sent to Third Miss’s to thank her? Third Miss was not in her room, and only Shishu was there.大家坐著，無意中說起寶二爺的淘氣來，他說寶二爺怎麼好，只會頑兒，全不象大人的樣子，已經說親了，還是這麼呆頭呆腦。As we sat together, the talk happened to turn to Second Master Bao’s mischievous ways. She said that, for all his fine qualities, he only knew how to play and behaved nothing like a grown man; even though his marriage had already been arranged, he was still so muddleheaded and foolish.我問他定了沒有，他說是定了，是個什麼王大爺做媒的。I asked whether it was settled, and she said it was, and that some Master Wang had acted as matchmaker.那王大爺是東府里的親戚，所以也不用打聽，一說就成了。”紫鵑側著頭想了一想，“這句話奇！”又問道：“怎麼家里沒有人說起？”雪雁道：“侍書也說的是老太太的意思。This Master Wang is a relative of the eastern mansion, so there was no need even to make inquiries—the match was agreed as soon as it was proposed.” Zijuan cocked her head and thought a moment. “That is a strange thing!” Then she asked, “Why has no one in the family mentioned it?” Xueyan replied, “Shishu said that this too was the Old Lady’s wish.若一說起，恐怕寶玉野了心，所以都不提起。If the matter were spoken of, they feared Baoyu would grow wild with anticipation, and so no one mentions it.侍書告訴了我，又叮囑千萬不可露風，說出來只道是我多嘴。”把手往里一指，“所以他面前也不提。After telling me, Shishu repeatedly warned me not to let a breath of it escape, or people would only say she had been gossiping.” Xueyan pointed inside. “That is why I have never mentioned it before her either.今日是你問起，我不犯瞞你。”正說到這里，只聽鸚鵡叫喚，學著說：“姑娘回來了，快倒茶來！”倒把紫鵑雪雁嚇了一跳，回頭并不見有人，便罵了鸚鵡一聲，走進屋內。I tell you today only because you asked; I would not keep it from you.” Just then the parrot cried out, mimicking, “Miss is back—quick, pour the tea!” It gave Zijuan and Xueyan such a fright that they both turned around; seeing no one there, they cursed the parrot and went into the room.只見黛玉喘吁吁的剛坐在椅子上，紫鵑搭訕著問茶問水。They found Daiyu sitting in a chair, panting for breath. Zijuan tried to cover her uneasiness by fussing over whether she wanted tea or water.黛玉問道：“你們兩個那里去了？Daiyu asked, “Where did the two of you go?再叫不出一個人來。”說著便走到炕邊，將身子一歪，仍舊倒在炕上，往里躺下，叫把帳子撩下。I called and could not summon a single person.” She went to the kang, let herself sink sideways upon it, lay down facing the wall as before, and ordered them to lower the bed curtains.紫鵑雪雁答應出去。Zijuan and Xueyan assented and went out.他兩個心里疑惑方才的話只怕被他聽了去了，只好大家不提。Both suspected that she might have overheard what they had just said, but neither dared mention it.誰知黛玉一腔心事，又竊聽了紫鵑雪雁的話，雖不很明白，已聽得了七八分，如同將身撂在大海里一般。Little did anyone know that Daiyu, burdened with all the cares in her heart, had secretly overheard Zijuan and Xueyan talking. Though she had not understood everything, she had grasped seven or eight parts out of ten, and felt as though she had been cast adrift in the vast sea.思前想後，竟應了前日夢中之讖，千愁萬恨，堆上心來。Turning the matter over and over in her mind, she felt that the omen in her dream the other day had indeed come true, and a thousand sorrows and ten thousand regrets crowded into her heart.左右打算，不如早些死了，免得眼見了意外的事情，那時反倒無趣。However she reckoned it, she thought it better to die sooner, so that she might be spared the sight of some unforeseen event that would only make life more wretched still.又想到自己沒了爹娘的苦，自今以後，把身子一天一天的糟踏起來，一年半載，少不得身登清淨。Then she thought of the misery of having neither father nor mother, and resolved that from now on she would ruin her health a little more each day; within a year or six months, she could hardly fail to attain the peace of death.打定了主意，被也不蓋，衣也不添，竟是合眼裝睡。Her mind made up, she would neither cover herself with the quilt nor put on more clothes, but merely closed her eyes and pretended to sleep.紫鵑和雪雁來伺候幾次，不見動靜，又不好叫喚。Zijuan and Xueyan came several times to attend her, but, seeing no movement, did not like to call out to her.晚飯都不吃。She would not even eat her evening meal.點燈已後，紫鵑掀開帳子，見已睡著了，被窩都蹬在腳後。After the lamps had been lit, Zijuan lifted the bed-curtain and saw that she seemed to be asleep, with the covers kicked down beyond her feet.怕他著了涼，輕輕兒拿來蓋上。Afraid that she might catch cold, Zijuan gently drew them up over her.黛玉也不動，單待他出去，仍然褪下。Daiyu did not move, but waited until she had gone out, then pushed them off again.那紫鵑只管問雪雁：“今兒的話到底是真的是假的？”雪雁道：“怎麼不真。”紫鵑道：“侍書怎麼知道的？”雪雁道：“是小紅那里聽來的。”紫鵑道：“頭里咱們說話，只怕姑娘聽見了，你看剛才的神情，大有原故。Zijuan kept asking Xueyan, “Was what we heard today really true or not?” Xueyan said, “How could it not be true?” Zijuan asked, “How did Shishu know?” Xueyan replied, “She heard it from Xiaohong.” Zijuan said, “I fear Miss may have overheard us talking earlier. Judging by the way she looked just now, there must be something behind it.今日以後，咱們倒別提這件事了。”說著，兩個人也收拾要睡。“From now on, we had better not mention the matter again.” With that, the two of them made ready for bed.紫鵑進來看時，只見黛玉被窩又蹬下來，复又給他輕輕蓋上。When Zijuan went in to look, she saw that Daiyu had once more kicked off her covers, and gently drew them over her again.一宿晚景不提。Nothing more need be said of that night.

紫鹃答应著出来，只见雪雁一个人在那里发呆。紫鹃走到他跟前问道：“你这会子也有了什么心事了么？”雪雁只顾发呆，倒被他唬了一跳，因说道：“你别嚷，今日我听见了一句话，我告诉你听，奇不奇。你可别言语。”说著，往屋里努嘴儿。因自己先行，点著头儿叫紫鹃同他出来，到门外平台底下，悄悄儿的道：“姐姐你听见了么？宝玉定了亲了！”紫鹃听见，唬了一跳，说道：“这是那里来的话？只怕不真罢。”雪雁道：“怎么不真，别人大概都知道，就只咱们没听见。”紫鹃道：“你是那里听来的？”雪雁道：“我听见侍书说的，是个什么知府家，家资也好，人才也好。”紫鹃正听时，只听得黛玉咳嗽了一声，似乎起来的光景。紫鹃恐怕他出来听见，便拉了雪雁摇摇手儿，往里望望，不见动静，才又悄悄儿的问道：“他到底怎么说来？”雪雁道：“前儿不是叫我到三姑娘那里去道谢吗，三姑娘不在屋里，只有侍书在那里。大家坐著，无意中说起宝二爷的淘气来，他说宝二爷怎么好，只会顽儿，全不象大人的样子，已经说亲了，还是这么呆头呆脑。我问他定了没有，他说是定了，是个什么王大爷做媒的。那王大爷是东府里的亲戚，所以也不用打听，一说就成了。”紫鹃侧著头想了一想，“这句话奇！”又问道：“怎么家里没有人说起？”雪雁道：“侍书也说的是老太太的意思。若一说起，恐怕宝玉野了心，所以都不提起。侍书告诉了我，又叮嘱千万不可露风，说出来只道是我多嘴。”把手往里一指，“所以他面前也不提。今日是你问起，我不犯瞒你。”正说到这里，只听鹦鹉叫唤，学著说：“姑娘回来了，快倒茶来！”倒把紫鹃雪雁吓了一跳，回头并不见有人，便骂了鹦鹉一声，走进屋内。只见黛玉喘吁吁的刚坐在椅子上，紫鹃搭讪著问茶问水。黛玉问道：“你们两个那里去了？再叫不出一个人来。”说著便走到炕边，将身子一歪，仍旧倒在炕上，往里躺下，叫把帐子撩下。紫鹃雪雁答应出去。他两个心里疑惑方才的话只怕被他听了去了，只好大家不提。谁知黛玉一腔心事，又窃听了紫鹃雪雁的话，虽不很明白，已听得了七八分，如同将身撂在大海里一般。思前想后，竟应了前日梦中之谶，千愁万恨，堆上心来。左右打算，不如早些死了，免得眼见了意外的事情，那时反倒无趣。又想到自己没了爹娘的苦，自今以后，把身子一天一天的糟踏起来，一年半载，少不得身登清净。打定了主意，被也不盖，衣也不添，竟是合眼装睡。紫鹃和雪雁来伺候几次，不见动静，又不好叫唤。晚饭都不吃。点灯已后，紫鹃掀开帐子，见已睡著了，被窝都蹬在脚后。怕他著了凉，轻轻儿拿来盖上。黛玉也不动，单待他出去，仍然褪下。那紫鹃只管问雪雁：“今儿的话到底是真的是假的？”雪雁道：“怎么不真。”紫鹃道：“侍书怎么知道的？”雪雁道：“是小红那里听来的。”紫鹃道：“头里咱们说话，只怕姑娘听见了，你看刚才的神情，大有原故。今日以后，咱们倒别提这件事了。”说著，两个人也收拾要睡。紫鹃进来看时，只见黛玉被窝又蹬下来，复又给他轻轻盖上。一宿晚景不提。

次日，黛玉清早起來，也不叫人，獨自一個呆呆的坐著。Early the next morning, Daiyu rose without calling anyone and sat alone in a daze.紫鵑醒來，看見黛玉已起，便驚問道：“姑娘怎麼這麼早？”黛玉道：“可不是，睡得早，所以醒得早。”紫鵑連忙起來，叫醒雪雁，伺候梳洗。When Zijuan awoke and saw that Daiyu was already up, she asked in surprise, “Why are you up so early, Miss?” Daiyu replied, “Well, I went to sleep early, so naturally I woke early.” Zijuan hurriedly got up, woke Xueyan, and helped Daiyu wash and dress.那黛玉對著鏡子，只管呆呆的自看。Daiyu sat before the mirror, gazing blankly at herself.看了一回，那淚珠兒斷斷連連，早已濕透了羅帕。After looking for a while, her tears fell by fits and starts, and soon soaked through her silk handkerchief.正是：Indeed:

次日，黛玉清早起来，也不叫人，独自一个呆呆的坐著。紫鹃醒来，看见黛玉已起，便惊问道：“姑娘怎么这么早？”黛玉道：“可不是，睡得早，所以醒得早。”紫鹃连忙起来，叫醒雪雁，伺候梳洗。那黛玉对著镜子，只管呆呆的自看。看了一回，那泪珠儿断断连连，早已湿透了罗帕。正是：

瘦影正臨春水照，卿須怜我我怜卿。Her slender shadow looks into the spring-bright water: “You must pity me, as I pity you.”

瘦影正临春水照，卿须怜我我怜卿。

紫鵑在旁也不敢勸，只怕倒把閒話勾引舊恨來。Standing beside her, Zijuan did not dare offer comfort, for fear that some casual word might revive old griefs.遲了好一會，黛玉才隨便梳洗了，那眼中淚漬終是不乾。Only after a long while did Daiyu wash and arrange her hair in a perfunctory fashion, though the traces of tears in her eyes never dried.又自坐了一會，叫紫鵑道：“你把藏香點上。”紫鵑道：“姑娘，你睡也沒睡得幾時，如何點香？After sitting by herself a little longer, she said to Zijuan, “Light some Tibetan incense for me.” Zijuan said, “Miss, you have scarcely slept at all—why light incense now?不是要寫經？”黛玉點點頭兒。“Are you going to copy sutras?” Daiyu nodded.紫鵑道：“姑娘今日醒得太早，這會子又寫經，只怕太勞神了罷。”黛玉道：“不怕，早完了早好。Zijuan said, “You woke far too early today, Miss, and now you mean to copy sutras as well. I fear it will tax your mind too much.” Daiyu replied, “It does not matter. The sooner they are finished, the better.況且我也并不是為經，倒借著寫字解解悶兒。“Besides, it is not really for the sutras’ sake; I merely want to ease my melancholy by writing.以後你們見了我的字跡，就算見了我的面兒了。”說著，那淚直流下來。“In years to come, when you see my handwriting, you may count it as seeing my face.” As she spoke, tears streamed down her cheeks.紫鵑聽了這話，不但不能再勸，連自己也掌不住滴下淚來。At these words Zijuan could no longer urge her to stop; indeed, she herself lost control and began to weep.原來黛玉立定主意，自此已後，有意糟踏身子，茶飯無心，每日漸減下來。Daiyu had in fact firmly resolved that from then on she would deliberately ruin her health. She lost all appetite for food and tea, and ate less with every passing day.寶玉下學時，也常抽空問候，只是黛玉雖有萬千言語，自知年紀已大，又不便似小時可以柔情挑逗，所以滿腔心事，只是說不出來。When Baoyu returned from school, he often found time to inquire after her; but though Daiyu had ten thousand things to say, she knew that they were older now and that she could no longer tease him with tender affection as she had in childhood, so all the feelings pent up in her heart remained unspoken.寶玉欲將實言安慰，又恐黛玉生嗔，反添病症。Baoyu wished to tell her the truth and set her mind at rest, but feared that Daiyu might take offense and that her illness would only grow worse.兩個人見了面，只得用浮言勸慰，真真是親极反疏了。Thus, when the two met, they could only exchange empty words of consolation; truly, the closer they were, the more distant they became.那黛玉雖有賈母王夫人等怜恤，不過請醫調治，只說黛玉常病，那里知他的心病。Though the Lady Dowager, Lady Wang, and the others showed Daiyu loving concern, they did no more than summon doctors and prescribe treatments, believing that Daiyu was merely suffering from one of her usual illnesses; how could they know that hers was a sickness of the heart?紫鵑等雖知其意，也不敢說。Though Zijuan and the others understood her feelings, they dared not speak of them.從此一天一天的減，到半月之後，腸胃日薄，一日果然粥都不能吃了。So she declined day by day, until, after half a month, her stomach and intestines had grown so weak that one day she could not even swallow gruel.黛玉日間聽見的話，都似寶玉娶親的話，看見怡紅院中的人，無論上下，也象寶玉娶親的光景。Whatever Daiyu heard during the day seemed to her to concern Baoyu’s marriage, and whenever she saw anyone from Happy Red Court, whether servant or mistress, everything about them seemed to suggest preparations for his wedding.薛姨媽來看，黛玉不見寶釵，越發起疑心，索性不要人來看望，也不肯吃藥，只要速死。When Aunt Xue came to visit without Baochai, Daiyu’s suspicions deepened further. At last she refused to receive any visitors, would take no medicine, and desired only a speedy death.睡夢之中，常聽見有人叫寶二奶奶的。Even in her dreams she constantly heard someone calling out, “Second Young Mistress Bao!”一片疑心，竟成蛇影。Her heart full of suspicion, she mistook every shadow for a snake.一日竟是絕粒，粥也不喝，懨懨一息，垂斃殆盡。One day she refused all nourishment, not even drinking gruel; she lay listless, scarcely breathing, on the very brink of death.未知黛玉性命如何，且看下回分解。Whether Daiyu lived or died will be revealed in the next chapter.

紫鹃在旁也不敢劝，只怕倒把闲话勾引旧恨来。迟了好一会，黛玉才随便梳洗了，那眼中泪渍终是不干。又自坐了一会，叫紫鹃道：“你把藏香点上。”紫鹃道：“姑娘，你睡也没睡得几时，如何点香？不是要写经？”黛玉点点头儿。紫鹃道：“姑娘今日醒得太早，这会子又写经，只怕太劳神了罢。”黛玉道：“不怕，早完了早好。况且我也并不是为经，倒借著写字解解闷儿。以后你们见了我的字迹，就算见了我的面儿了。”说著，那泪直流下来。紫鹃听了这话，不但不能再劝，连自己也掌不住滴下泪来。原来黛玉立定主意，自此已后，有意糟踏身子，茶饭无心，每日渐减下来。宝玉下学时，也常抽空问候，只是黛玉虽有万千言语，自知年纪已大，又不便似小时可以柔情挑逗，所以满腔心事，只是说不出来。宝玉欲将实言安慰，又恐黛玉生嗔，反添病症。两个人见了面，只得用浮言劝慰，真真是亲极反疏了。那黛玉虽有贾母王夫人等怜恤，不过请医调治，只说黛玉常病，那里知他的心病。紫鹃等虽知其意，也不敢说。从此一天一天的减，到半月之后，肠胃日薄，一日果然粥都不能吃了。黛玉日间听见的话，都似宝玉娶亲的话，看见怡红院中的人，无论上下，也象宝玉娶亲的光景。薛姨妈来看，黛玉不见宝钗，越发起疑心，索性不要人来看望，也不肯吃药，只要速死。睡梦之中，常听见有人叫宝二奶奶的。一片疑心，竟成蛇影。一日竟是绝粒，粥也不喝，恹恹一息，垂毙殆尽。未知黛玉性命如何，且看下回分解。