第九十回　　失綿衣貧女耐嗷嘈　送果品小郎驚叵測 A Poor Maid Endures the Cold Without a Padded Coat; A Gift of Fruit Startles with Hidden Motives

卻說黛玉自立意自戕之後，漸漸不支，一日竟至絕粒。Now, after Daiyu resolved to take her own life, she gradually grew too weak to carry on, until one day she stopped eating altogether.從前十幾天內，賈母等輪流看望，他有時還說幾句話，這兩日索性不大言語。Over the preceding ten days or so, Grandmother Jia and the others had taken turns visiting her; at first she would still say a few words now and then, but for the past two days she had scarcely spoken at all.心里雖有時昏暈，卻也有時清楚。Though her mind sometimes grew faint and clouded, at other times she remained lucid.賈母等見他這病不似無因而起，也將紫鵑雪雁盤問過兩次，兩個那里敢說。Seeing that her illness had not arisen without cause, Grandmother Jia and the others twice questioned Zijuan and Xueyan closely, but neither dared say anything.便是紫鵑欲向侍書打聽消息，又怕越鬧越真，黛玉更死得快了，所以見了侍書，毫不提起。Even when Zijuan wished to sound out Shishu for news, she feared that making more of the matter might turn it into a reality and hasten Daiyu’s death; thus, whenever she saw Shishu, she never mentioned it.那雪雁是他傳話弄出這樣緣故來，此時恨不得長出百十個嘴來說“我沒說”，自然更不敢提起。As for Xueyan, whose relaying of the message had brought all this about, she now wished she could grow a hundred mouths to cry, “I never said it!” and naturally dared mention it still less.到了這一天黛玉絕粒之日，紫鵑料無指望了，守著哭了會子，因出來偷向雪雁道：“你進屋里來好好兒的守著他。On the day Daiyu stopped eating altogether, Zijuan felt there was no hope left; after sitting beside her and weeping for a while, she slipped outside and said quietly to Xueyan, “Go in and keep a close watch over her.我去回老太太，太太和二奶奶去，今日這個光景大非往常可比了。”雪雁答應，紫鵑自去。I am going to report to the Old Lady, Madam Wang, and Second Young Mistress; the way things look today is nothing like before.” Xueyan assented, and Zijuan went off.

却说黛玉自立意自戕之后，渐渐不支，一日竟至绝粒。从前十几天内，贾母等轮流看望，他有时还说几句话，这两日索性不大言语。心里虽有时昏晕，却也有时清楚。贾母等见他这病不似无因而起，也将紫鹃雪雁盘问过两次，两个那里敢说。便是紫鹃欲向侍书打听消息，又怕越闹越真，黛玉更死得快了，所以见了侍书，毫不提起。那雪雁是他传话弄出这样缘故来，此时恨不得长出百十个嘴来说“我没说”，自然更不敢提起。到了这一天黛玉绝粒之日，紫鹃料无指望了，守著哭了会子，因出来偷向雪雁道：“你进屋里来好好儿的守著他。我去回老太太，太太和二奶奶去，今日这个光景大非往常可比了。”雪雁答应，紫鹃自去。

這里雪雁正在屋里伴著黛玉，見他昏昏沉沉，小孩子家那里見過這個樣兒，只打諒如此便是死的光景了，心中又痛又怕，恨不得紫鵑一時回來才好。Xueyan stayed in the room with Daiyu, watching her lie there in a stupor; being only a child and never having seen such a thing, she supposed this must be what dying looked like, and was both heartsore and frightened, wishing desperately that Zijuan would return at once.正怕著，只聽窗外腳步走響，雪雁知是紫鵑回來，才放下心了，連忙站起來掀著里間帘子等他。Just as she stood there in fear, she heard footsteps outside the window; thinking Zijuan had returned, Xueyan’s mind was eased, and she hurriedly rose and held up the inner curtain to await her.只見外面帘子響處，進來了一個人，卻是侍書。But when the outer curtain rustled and someone entered, it proved to be Shishu.那侍書是探春打發來看黛玉的，見雪雁在那里掀著帘子，便問道：“姑娘怎麼樣？”雪雁點點頭兒叫他進來。Shishu had been sent by Tanchun to inquire after Daiyu; seeing Xueyan holding up the curtain, she asked, “How is Miss Lin?” Xueyan nodded for her to come in.侍書跟進來，見紫鵑不在屋里，瞧了瞧黛玉，只剩得殘喘微延，唬的驚疑不止，因問：“紫鵑姐姐呢？”雪雁道：“告訴上屋里去了。”那雪雁此時只打諒黛玉心中一無所知了，又見紫鵑不在面前，因悄悄的拉了侍書的手問道：“你前日告訴我說的什麼王大爺給這里寶二爺說了親，是真話么？”侍書道：“怎麼不真。”雪雁道：“多早晚放定的？”侍書道：“那里就放定了呢。Shishu followed her inside and, finding Zijuan absent, looked at Daiyu and saw that only a faint, lingering breath remained; greatly startled and alarmed, she asked, “Where is Sister Zijuan?” Xueyan replied, “She has gone to report to the main house.” By now Xueyan supposed that Daiyu was wholly unconscious, and since Zijuan was not there, she quietly took Shishu by the hand and asked, “Was what you told me the other day true—that Master Wang had proposed a match for Second Master Bao here?” Shishu said, “Of course it was true.” Xueyan asked, “When were the betrothal gifts sent?” Shishu replied, “Nothing has been settled yet.那一天我告訴你時，是我聽見小紅說的。When I told you that day, I had heard it from Xiaohong.後來我到二奶奶那邊去，二奶奶正和平姐姐說呢，說那都是門客們借著這個事討老爺的喜歡，往後好拉攏的意思。Later, when I went to Second Young Mistress’s quarters, she was talking about it with Sister Ping’er; she said it was all a scheme by the gentlemen in the master’s service to use the matter to please him, so that they might ingratiate themselves with him afterward.別說大太太說不好，就是大太太願意，說那姑娘好，那大太太眼里看的出什麼人來！Never mind that First Madam did not approve—even if she had and said the girl was good, what sort of person can First Madam judge correctly?再者老太太心里早有了人了，就在咱們園子里的。Besides, the Old Lady has long had someone in mind, and she lives right here in our Garden.大太太那里摸的著底呢。How could First Madam know what was really intended?老太太不過因老爺的話，不得不問問罷咧。The Old Lady merely had to make inquiries because the master had raised the matter, that is all.又聽見二奶奶說，寶玉的事，老太太總是要親上作親的，憑誰來說親，橫豎不中用。”雪雁聽到這里，也忘了神了，因說道：“這是怎麼說，白白的送了我們這一位的命了！”侍書道：“這是從那里說起？”雪雁道：“你還不知道呢。I also heard Second Young Mistress say that in Baoyu’s marriage the Old Lady is set on making kin doubly kin, so no matter who comes to propose a match, it will be no use.” Hearing this, Xueyan forgot herself and cried, “What does that mean? Then we have thrown away our young lady’s life for nothing!” Shishu asked, “What are you talking about?” Xueyan said, “You still do not know.前日都是我和紫鵑姐姐說來著，這一位聽見了，就弄到這步田地了。”侍書道：“你悄悄兒的說罷，看仔細他聽見了。”雪雁道：“人事都不省了，瞧瞧罷，左不過在這一兩天了。”正說著，只見紫鵑掀帘進來說：“這還了得！The other day Sister Zijuan and I were talking about it; Miss Lin overheard us, and that is what brought her to this state.” Shishu said, “Speak softly—take care that she does not hear.” Xueyan replied, “She is unconscious of everything. Just look: she cannot have more than a day or two left.” As she spoke, Zijuan lifted the curtain and entered, exclaiming, “This is outrageous!你們有什麼話，還不出去說，還在這里說。Whatever you have to say, can you not go outside to say it? Yet here you stand talking.索性逼死他就完了。”侍書道：“我不信有這樣奇事。”紫鵑道：“好姐姐，不是我說，你又該惱了。You may as well hound her to death and be done with it!” Shishu said, “I cannot believe anything so extraordinary.” Zijuan replied, “Dear sister, forgive me for saying this—you will only be offended again.你懂得什麼呢！What do you understand about it?懂得也不傳這些舌了。”If you understood, you would not go carrying such tales.”

这里雪雁正在屋里伴著黛玉，见他昏昏沉沉，小孩子家那里见过这个样儿，只打谅如此便是死的光景了，心中又痛又怕，恨不得紫鹃一时回来才好。正怕著，只听窗外脚步走响，雪雁知是紫鹃回来，才放下心了，连忙站起来掀著里间帘子等他。只见外面帘子响处，进来了一个人，却是侍书。那侍书是探春打发来看黛玉的，见雪雁在那里掀著帘子，便问道：“姑娘怎么样？”雪雁点点头儿叫他进来。侍书跟进来，见紫鹃不在屋里，瞧了瞧黛玉，只剩得残喘微延，唬的惊疑不止，因问：“紫鹃姐姐呢？”雪雁道：“告诉上屋里去了。”那雪雁此时只打谅黛玉心中一无所知了，又见紫鹃不在面前，因悄悄的拉了侍书的手问道：“你前日告诉我说的什么王大爷给这里宝二爷说了亲，是真话么？”侍书道：“怎么不真。”雪雁道：“多早晚放定的？”侍书道：“那里就放定了呢。那一天我告诉你时，是我听见小红说的。后来我到二奶奶那边去，二奶奶正和平姐姐说呢，说那都是门客们借著这个事讨老爷的喜欢，往后好拉拢的意思。别说大太太说不好，就是大太太愿意，说那姑娘好，那大太太眼里看的出什么人来！再者老太太心里早有了人了，就在咱们园子里的。大太太那里摸的著底呢。老太太不过因老爷的话，不得不问问罢咧。又听见二奶奶说，宝玉的事，老太太总是要亲上作亲的，凭谁来说亲，横竖不中用。”雪雁听到这里，也忘了神了，因说道：“这是怎么说，白白的送了我们这一位的命了！”侍书道：“这是从那里说起？”雪雁道：“你还不知道呢。前日都是我和紫鹃姐姐说来著，这一位听见了，就弄到这步田地了。”侍书道：“你悄悄儿的说罢，看仔细他听见了。”雪雁道：“人事都不省了，瞧瞧罢，左不过在这一两天了。”正说著，只见紫鹃掀帘进来说：“这还了得！你们有什么话，还不出去说，还在这里说。索性逼死他就完了。”侍书道：“我不信有这样奇事。”紫鹃道：“好姐姐，不是我说，你又该恼了。你懂得什么呢！懂得也不传这些舌了。”

這里三個人正說著，只聽黛玉忽然又嗽了一聲。As the three of them were speaking, Daiyu suddenly coughed.紫鵑連忙跑到炕沿前站著，侍書雪雁也都不言語了。Zijuan hurried to stand beside the edge of the kang, and Shishu and Xueyan both fell silent.紫鵑彎著腰，在黛玉身後輕輕問道：“姑娘喝口水罷。”黛玉微微答應了一聲。Bending over behind Daiyu, Zijuan asked softly, “Miss, will you drink a little water?” Daiyu gave the faintest murmur of assent.雪雁連忙倒了半鐘滾白水，紫鵑接了托著，侍書也走近前來。Xueyan quickly poured half a cup of hot plain water; Zijuan took it and held it, while Shishu also came closer.紫鵑和他搖頭兒，不叫他說話，侍書只得咽住了。Zijuan shook her head at Shishu to stop her from speaking, so Shishu had to swallow her words.站了一回，黛玉又嗽了一聲。After they had stood there a while, Daiyu coughed again.紫鵑趁勢問道：“姑娘喝水呀？”黛玉又微微應了一聲，那頭似有欲抬之意，那里抬得起。Taking the opportunity, Zijuan asked, “Miss, would you like some water?” Daiyu again answered faintly and seemed to try to raise her head, but could not lift it.紫鵑爬上炕去，爬在黛玉旁邊，端著水試了冷熱，送到唇邊，扶了黛玉的頭，就到碗邊，喝了一口。Zijuan climbed onto the kang and knelt beside Daiyu, holding the cup; after testing its temperature, she brought it to Daiyu’s lips and supported her head to the rim, and Daiyu drank a sip.紫鵑才要拿時，黛玉意思還要喝一口，紫鵑便托著那碗不動。Just as Zijuan was about to take it away, Daiyu showed that she wanted another sip, so Zijuan held the cup steady.黛玉又喝了一口，搖搖頭兒不喝了，喘了一口氣，仍舊躺下。Daiyu drank once more, then shook her head to show she wanted no more; after drawing a breath, she lay back down.半日，微微睜眼說道：“剛才說話不是侍書么？”紫鵑答應道：“是。”侍書尚未出去，因連忙過來問候。A long while later, she opened her eyes slightly and said, “Was that Shishu speaking just now?” Zijuan answered, “Yes.” Shishu had not yet left, so she hurried forward to ask after her.黛玉睜眼看了，點點頭兒，又歇了一歇，說道：“回去問你姑娘好罷。”侍書見這番光景，只當黛玉嫌煩，只得悄悄的退出去了。Daiyu opened her eyes and looked at her, nodded, then rested a little before saying, “Go back and give my regards to your young mistress.” Seeing her in such a state, Shishu assumed that Daiyu found her presence tiresome and could only withdraw quietly.原來那黛玉雖則病勢沉重，心里卻還明白。In fact, although Daiyu was gravely ill, her mind was still clear.起先侍書雪雁說話時，他也模糊聽見了一半句，卻只作不知，也因實無精神答理。When Shishu and Xueyan first began speaking, she had dimly heard a few fragments, but pretended not to know, partly because she truly lacked the strength to respond.及聽了雪雁侍書的話，才明白過前頭的事情原是議而未成的，又兼侍書說是鳳姐說的，老太太的主意親上作親，又是園中住著的，非自己而誰？But after hearing what Xueyan and Shishu said, she understood that the earlier match had only been discussed and never settled; moreover, Shishu had said that according to Xifeng, the Old Lady intended Baoyu to marry within the family, and that the girl lived in the Garden—who could it be but herself?因此一想，陰极陽生，心神頓覺清爽許多，所以才喝了兩口水，又要想問侍書的話。At this thought, yang was born at the extreme of yin, and her mind and spirits suddenly felt much refreshed; that was why she drank two sips of water and wished to question Shishu further.恰好賈母，王夫人，李紈，鳳姐聽見紫鵑之言，都赶著來看。Just then Grandmother Jia, Madam Wang, Li Wan, and Xifeng, having heard Zijuan’s report, all hurried in to see her.黛玉心中疑團已破，自然不似先前尋死之意了。Now that the knot of doubt in Daiyu’s heart had been untied, she naturally no longer wished to die as she had before.雖身体軟弱，精神短少，卻也勉強答應一兩句了。Though physically weak and short of breath and energy, she could now force herself to answer a word or two.鳳姐因叫過紫鵑問道：“姑娘也不至這樣，這是怎麼說，你這樣唬人。”紫鵑道：“實在頭里看著不好，才敢去告訴的，回來見姑娘竟好了許多，也就怪了。”賈母笑道：“你也別怪他，他懂得什麼。Xifeng called Zijuan over and asked, “Miss Lin was surely not at death’s door—what did you mean by frightening us like that?” Zijuan replied, “She truly looked very bad earlier, or I would never have dared report it; but when I came back and saw that she was so much better, I found it strange myself.” Grandmother Jia laughed and said, “Do not blame her; what does she understand?看見不好就言語，這倒是他明白的地方，小孩子家，不嘴懶腳懶就好。”說了一回，賈母等料著無妨，也就去了。Seeing that things looked bad, she came and spoke up—that shows good sense in her; with young people, all one asks is that they not be slow of tongue and foot.” After talking a while, Grandmother Jia and the others judged that there was no danger and left.正是：Indeed:

这里三个人正说著，只听黛玉忽然又嗽了一声。紫鹃连忙跑到炕沿前站著，侍书雪雁也都不言语了。紫鹃弯著腰，在黛玉身后轻轻问道：“姑娘喝口水罢。”黛玉微微答应了一声。雪雁连忙倒了半钟滚白水，紫鹃接了托著，侍书也走近前来。紫鹃和他摇头儿，不叫他说话，侍书只得咽住了。站了一回，黛玉又嗽了一声。紫鹃趁势问道：“姑娘喝水呀？”黛玉又微微应了一声，那头似有欲抬之意，那里抬得起。紫鹃爬上炕去，爬在黛玉旁边，端著水试了冷热，送到唇边，扶了黛玉的头，就到碗边，喝了一口。紫鹃才要拿时，黛玉意思还要喝一口，紫鹃便托著那碗不动。黛玉又喝了一口，摇摇头儿不喝了，喘了一口气，仍旧躺下。半日，微微睁眼说道：“刚才说话不是侍书么？”紫鹃答应道：“是。”侍书尚未出去，因连忙过来问候。黛玉睁眼看了，点点头儿，又歇了一歇，说道：“回去问你姑娘好罢。”侍书见这番光景，只当黛玉嫌烦，只得悄悄的退出去了。原来那黛玉虽则病势沉重，心里却还明白。起先侍书雪雁说话时，他也模糊听见了一半句，却只作不知，也因实无精神答理。及听了雪雁侍书的话，才明白过前头的事情原是议而未成的，又兼侍书说是凤姐说的，老太太的主意亲上作亲，又是园中住著的，非自己而谁？因此一想，阴极阳生，心神顿觉清爽许多，所以才喝了两口水，又要想问侍书的话。恰好贾母，王夫人，李纨，凤姐听见紫鹃之言，都赶著来看。黛玉心中疑团已破，自然不似先前寻死之意了。虽身体软弱，精神短少，却也勉强答应一两句了。凤姐因叫过紫鹃问道：“姑娘也不至这样，这是怎么说，你这样唬人。”紫鹃道：“实在头里看著不好，才敢去告诉的，回来见姑娘竟好了许多，也就怪了。”贾母笑道：“你也别怪他，他懂得什么。看见不好就言语，这倒是他明白的地方，小孩子家，不嘴懒脚懒就好。”说了一回，贾母等料著无妨，也就去了。正是：

心病終須心藥治，解鈴還是系鈴人。An illness of the heart must be cured with medicine for the heart; the one who tied the bell must be the one to untie it.

心病终须心药治，解铃还是系铃人。

不言黛玉病漸減退，且說雪雁紫鵑背地里都念佛。Leaving aside how Daiyu’s illness gradually abated, Xueyan and Zijuan both secretly gave thanks to the Buddha.雪雁向紫鵑說道：“虧他好了，只是病的奇怪，好的也奇怪。”紫鵑道：“病的倒不怪，就只好的奇怪。Xueyan said to Zijuan, “Thank goodness she recovered! But her illness was strange, and her recovery was just as strange.” Zijuan replied, “There was nothing strange about her falling ill; only her recovery was strange.想來寶玉和姑娘必是姻緣，人家說的‘好事多磨’，又說道‘是姻緣棒打不回’。I suppose Baoyu and Miss Lin must be destined for marriage. As people say, ‘Good things meet with many trials,’ and also, ‘If it is a destined match, no cudgel can beat it apart.’這樣看起來，人心天意，他們兩個竟是天配的了。Seen in this light, by human feeling and Heaven’s will alike, the two of them truly are a match made in Heaven.再者，你想那一年我說了林姑娘要回南去，把寶玉沒急死了，鬧得家翻宅亂。Besides, remember that year when I said Miss Lin was going back south? Baoyu was nearly frantic with anxiety, and he threw the whole household into an uproar.如今一句話，又把這一個弄得死去活來。Now a single remark has brought this one to the brink of death and back again.可不說的三生石上百年前結下的么。”說著，兩個悄悄的抿著嘴笑了一回。Does that not prove that their bond was formed a hundred years ago beside the Stone of Three Lives?” As they spoke, the two pursed their lips and laughed quietly for a while.雪雁又道：“幸虧好了。Xueyan added, “Thank goodness she is better.咱們明兒再別說了，就是寶玉娶了別的人家兒的姑娘，我親見他在那里結親，我也再不露一句話了。”紫鵑笑道：“這就是了。”不但紫鵑和雪雁在私下里講究，就是眾人也都知道黛玉的病也病得奇怪，好也好得奇怪，三三兩兩，唧唧噥噥議論著。From tomorrow on, we must never talk of such things again. Even if Baoyu marries some other family’s daughter and I see him celebrating the wedding with my own eyes, I will never let slip a single word.” Zijuan laughed and said, “That is just what you should do.” Nor were Zijuan and Xueyan alone in discussing it privately: everyone knew that Daiyu’s illness had been strange in both its onset and its cure, and they gathered in twos and threes, whispering and muttering about it.不多幾時，連鳳姐兒也知道了，邢王二夫人也有些疑惑，倒是賈母略猜著了八九。Before long even Xifeng heard of it; Madams Xing and Wang also had their suspicions, while Grandmother Jia had guessed eight or nine parts of the truth.

不言黛玉病渐减退，且说雪雁紫鹃背地里都念佛。雪雁向紫鹃说道：“亏他好了，只是病的奇怪，好的也奇怪。”紫鹃道：“病的倒不怪，就只好的奇怪。想来宝玉和姑娘必是姻缘，人家说的‘好事多磨’，又说道‘是姻缘棒打不回’。这样看起来，人心天意，他们两个竟是天配的了。再者，你想那一年我说了林姑娘要回南去，把宝玉没急死了，闹得家翻宅乱。如今一句话，又把这一个弄得死去活来。可不说的三生石上百年前结下的么。”说著，两个悄悄的抿著嘴笑了一回。雪雁又道：“幸亏好了。咱们明儿再别说了，就是宝玉娶了别的人家儿的姑娘，我亲见他在那里结亲，我也再不露一句话了。”紫鹃笑道：“这就是了。”不但紫鹃和雪雁在私下里讲究，就是众人也都知道黛玉的病也病得奇怪，好也好得奇怪，三三两两，唧唧哝哝议论著。不多几时，连凤姐儿也知道了，邢王二夫人也有些疑惑，倒是贾母略猜著了八九。

那時正值邢王二夫人鳳姐等在賈母房中說閒話，說起黛玉的病來。At the time, Madams Xing and Wang, Xifeng, and the others happened to be chatting in Grandmother Jia’s room, and the subject of Daiyu’s illness came up.賈母道：“我正要告訴你們，寶玉和林丫頭是從小兒在一處的，我只說小孩子們，怕什麼？Grandmother Jia said, “I have been meaning to tell you: Baoyu and that girl Lin have been together since childhood, and I thought they were only children, so what was there to fear?以後時常聽得林丫頭忽然病，忽然好，都為有了些知覺了。But lately I have often heard that the girl Lin suddenly falls ill and suddenly recovers, all because she has begun to understand such matters.所以我想他們若盡著擱在一塊兒，畢竟不成体統。That is why I think that if we keep letting them stay together, it will eventually become improper.你們怎麼說？”王夫人聽了，便呆了一呆，只得答應道：“林姑娘是個有心計兒的。What do you say?” Madam Wang was taken aback for a moment, then could only reply, “Miss Lin is a thoughtful and perceptive girl.至于寶玉，呆頭呆惱，不避嫌疑是有的，看起外面，卻還都是個小孩兒形象。As for Baoyu, he is certainly foolish and heedless and does not avoid grounds for suspicion, but outwardly he still behaves entirely like a child.此時若忽然或把那一個分出園外，不是倒露了什麼痕跡了么。If we were suddenly to move either one of them out of the Garden now, would that not betray that there was something behind it?古來說的：‘男大須婚，女大須嫁。’老太太想，倒是赶著把他們的事辦辦也罷了。”賈母皺了一皺眉，說道：“林丫頭的乖僻，雖也是他的好處，我的心里不把林丫頭配他，也是為這點子。As the old saying goes, ‘A grown man must marry, and a grown woman must wed.’ Perhaps the best course, if the Old Lady thinks fit, would be to hasten their marriages.” Grandmother Jia frowned and said, “The girl Lin’s peculiar temperament is also part of her charm, but it is precisely for that reason that I do not wish to match her with him.況且林丫頭這樣虛弱，恐不是有壽的。Besides, she is so frail that I fear she may not be long-lived.只有寶丫頭最妥。”王夫人道：“不但老太太這麼想，我們也是這樣。Only the girl Bao is wholly suitable.” Madam Wang said, “The Old Lady is not alone in thinking so; we think the same.但林姑娘也得給他說了人家兒才好，不然女孩兒家長大了，那個沒有心事？But we must also find a match for Miss Lin, or else, when a girl grows up, which of them does not have thoughts of her own?倘或真與寶玉有些私心，若知道寶玉定下寶丫頭，那倒不成事了。”賈母道：“自然先給寶玉娶了親，然後給林丫頭說人家，再沒有先是外人後是自己的。If she truly has private feelings for Baoyu, and then learns that he is betrothed to the girl Bao, something dreadful may happen.” Grandmother Jia replied, “Naturally we must first arrange Baoyu’s marriage and then seek a husband for the girl Lin; one never puts an outsider before one’s own family.況且林丫頭年紀到底比寶玉小兩歲。Besides, the girl Lin is, after all, two years younger than Baoyu.依你們這樣說，倒是寶玉定親的話不許叫他知道倒罷了。”鳳姐便吩咐眾丫頭們道：“你們聽見了，寶二爺定親的話，不許混吵嚷。From what you say, it would be best not to let her hear that Baoyu is being betrothed.” Xifeng therefore instructed the maids, “You have heard: no one is to go babbling about Second Master Bao’s betrothal.若有多嘴的，隄防著他的皮。”賈母又向鳳姐道：“鳳哥兒，你如今自從身上不大好，也不大管園里的事了。If anyone is loose-tongued, she had better look out for her hide.” Grandmother Jia then said to Xifeng, “Feng, since your health began failing, you have not paid much attention to affairs in the Garden.我告訴你，須得經點兒心。I tell you, you must keep a closer eye on them.不但這個，就象前年那些人喝酒耍錢，都不是事。It is not only this matter; those people drinking and gambling the year before last were also quite unacceptable.你還精細些，少不得多分點心兒，嚴緊嚴緊他們才好。You must be more vigilant and devote a little more care to keeping them under stricter discipline.況且我看他們也就只還服你。”鳳姐答應了。Besides, as I see it, you are about the only person they still obey.” Xifeng promised to do so.娘兒們又說了一回話，方各自散了。The ladies talked a while longer before dispersing.從此鳳姐常到園中照料。From then on, Xifeng often went into the Garden to supervise matters.一日，剛走進大觀園，到了紫菱洲畔，只聽見一個老婆子在那里嚷。One day, just after entering Prospect Garden and reaching the bank of Purple Caltrop Islet, she heard an old serving-woman shouting there.鳳姐走到跟前，那婆子才瞧見了，早垂手侍立，口里請了安。When Xifeng approached, the woman finally saw her and at once stood respectfully with hands lowered and offered her greetings.鳳姐道：“你在這里鬧什麼？”婆子道：“蒙奶奶們派我在這里看守花果，我也沒有差錯，不料邢姑娘的丫頭說我們是賊。”鳳姐道：“為什麼呢？”婆子道：“昨兒我們家的黑兒跟著我到這里頑了一回，他不知道，又往邢姑娘那邊去瞧了一瞧，我就叫他回去了。Xifeng asked, “What are you making such a commotion about?” The woman replied, “The mistresses kindly assigned me to guard the flowers and fruit here, and I have never failed in my duties; yet Miss Xing’s maid has accused us of being thieves.” Xifeng asked, “Why?” The woman said, “Yesterday our Heir came here with me and played for a while. Not knowing any better, she wandered over to Miss Xing’s quarters for a look, and I told her to go home.今兒早起聽見他們丫頭說丟了東西了。Early this morning, I heard their maid say that something had gone missing.我問他丟了什麼，他就問起我來了。”鳳姐道：“問了你一聲，也犯不著生氣呀。”婆子道：“這里園子到底是奶奶家里的，并不是他們家里的。When I asked what they had lost, she began questioning me.” Xifeng said, “There was no need to get angry merely because she asked you a question.” The woman replied, “This Garden belongs to your household, after all, not to theirs.我們都是奶奶派的，賊名兒怎麼敢認呢。”鳳姐照臉啐了一口，厲聲道：“你少在我跟前嘮嘮叨叨的！We were all appointed by you, Young Mistress; how could we accept being branded thieves?” Xifeng spat in her face and snapped, “Stop your endless prattling in front of me!你在這里照看，姑娘丟了東西，你們就該問哪，怎麼說出這些沒道理的話來。You are stationed here as a guard; when a young lady loses something, of course you ought to be questioned. How dare you talk such nonsense?把老林叫了來，攆出他去。”丫頭們答應了。Send for Old Lin and have this woman driven out.” The maids assented.只見邢岫煙赶忙出來，迎著鳳姐陪笑道：“這使不得，沒有的事，事情早過去了。”鳳姐道：“姑娘，不是這個話。Just then Xing Xiuyan hurried out and approached Xifeng with an apologetic smile, saying, “You must not do that. It was nothing, and the matter is already over.” Xifeng replied, “Miss Xing, that is not the point.倒不講事情，這名分上太豈有此理了。”岫煙見婆子跪在地下告饒，便忙請鳳姐到里邊去坐。Quite apart from the incident itself, such disregard for proper rank is utterly outrageous.” Seeing the woman kneeling on the ground and begging for mercy, Xiuyan hastened to invite Xifeng inside to sit down.鳳姐道：“他們這种人我知道，他除了我，其餘都沒上沒下的了。”岫煙再三替他討饒，只說自己的丫頭不好。Xifeng said, “I know people like her: except toward me, they show no respect for rank to anyone.” Xiuyan pleaded for her repeatedly, saying only that her own maid had been at fault.鳳姐道：“我看著邢姑娘的分上，饒你這一次。”婆子才起來，磕了頭，又給岫煙磕了頭，才出去了。Xifeng said, “For Miss Xing’s sake, I shall spare you this once.” Only then did the woman rise; after kowtowing to Xifeng and then to Xiuyan, she went out.

那时正值邢王二夫人凤姐等在贾母房中说闲话，说起黛玉的病来。贾母道：“我正要告诉你们，宝玉和林丫头是从小儿在一处的，我只说小孩子们，怕什么？以后时常听得林丫头忽然病，忽然好，都为有了些知觉了。所以我想他们若尽著搁在一块儿，毕竟不成体统。你们怎么说？”王夫人听了，便呆了一呆，只得答应道：“林姑娘是个有心计儿的。至于宝玉，呆头呆恼，不避嫌疑是有的，看起外面，却还都是个小孩儿形象。此时若忽然或把那一个分出园外，不是倒露了什么痕迹了么。古来说的：‘男大须婚，女大须嫁。’老太太想，倒是赶著把他们的事办办也罢了。”贾母皱了一皱眉，说道：“林丫头的乖僻，虽也是他的好处，我的心里不把林丫头配他，也是为这点子。况且林丫头这样虚弱，恐不是有寿的。只有宝丫头最妥。”王夫人道：“不但老太太这么想，我们也是这样。但林姑娘也得给他说了人家儿才好，不然女孩儿家长大了，那个没有心事？倘或真与宝玉有些私心，若知道宝玉定下宝丫头，那倒不成事了。”贾母道：“自然先给宝玉娶了亲，然后给林丫头说人家，再没有先是外人后是自己的。况且林丫头年纪到底比宝玉小两岁。依你们这样说，倒是宝玉定亲的话不许叫他知道倒罢了。”凤姐便吩咐众丫头们道：“你们听见了，宝二爷定亲的话，不许混吵嚷。若有多嘴的，隄防著他的皮。”贾母又向凤姐道：“凤哥儿，你如今自从身上不大好，也不大管园里的事了。我告诉你，须得经点儿心。不但这个，就象前年那些人喝酒耍钱，都不是事。你还精细些，少不得多分点心儿，严紧严紧他们才好。况且我看他们也就只还服你。”凤姐答应了。娘儿们又说了一回话，方各自散了。从此凤姐常到园中照料。一日，刚走进大观园，到了紫菱洲畔，只听见一个老婆子在那里嚷。凤姐走到跟前，那婆子才瞧见了，早垂手侍立，口里请了安。凤姐道：“你在这里闹什么？”婆子道：“蒙奶奶们派我在这里看守花果，我也没有差错，不料邢姑娘的丫头说我们是贼。”凤姐道：“为什么呢？”婆子道：“昨儿我们家的黑儿跟著我到这里顽了一回，他不知道，又往邢姑娘那边去瞧了一瞧，我就叫他回去了。今儿早起听见他们丫头说丢了东西了。我问他丢了什么，他就问起我来了。”凤姐道：“问了你一声，也犯不著生气呀。”婆子道：“这里园子到底是奶奶家里的，并不是他们家里的。我们都是奶奶派的，贼名儿怎么敢认呢。”凤姐照脸啐了一口，厉声道：“你少在我跟前唠唠叨叨的！你在这里照看，姑娘丢了东西，你们就该问哪，怎么说出这些没道理的话来。把老林叫了来，撵出他去。”丫头们答应了。只见邢岫烟赶忙出来，迎著凤姐陪笑道：“这使不得，没有的事，事情早过去了。”凤姐道：“姑娘，不是这个话。倒不讲事情，这名分上太岂有此理了。”岫烟见婆子跪在地下告饶，便忙请凤姐到里边去坐。凤姐道：“他们这种人我知道，他除了我，其余都没上没下的了。”岫烟再三替他讨饶，只说自己的丫头不好。凤姐道：“我看著邢姑娘的分上，饶你这一次。”婆子才起来，磕了头，又给岫烟磕了头，才出去了。

這里二人讓了坐。The two women inside then courteously yielded the seats to each other.鳳姐笑問道：“你丟了什麼東西了？”岫煙笑道：“沒有什麼要緊的，是一件紅小襖兒，已經舊了的。Xifeng asked with a smile, “What did you lose?” Xiuyan smiled and replied, “Nothing important—only a little red padded jacket, and an old one at that.我原叫他們找，找不著就罷了。I merely told them to look for it, and said that if they could not find it, they should let the matter drop.這小丫頭不懂事，問了那婆子一聲，那婆子自然不依了。The little maid did not know better and questioned the old woman, who naturally took offense.這都是小丫頭糊涂不懂事，我也罵了幾句，已經過去了，不必再提了。”鳳姐把岫煙內外一瞧，看見雖有些皮綿衣服，已是半新不舊的，未必能暖和。It was all because the child was foolish and ignorant. I scolded her a little, and the matter is over, so there is no need to mention it again.” Xifeng looked Xiuyan over from head to foot and saw that although she wore fur-lined padded clothes, they were neither new nor quite old and could scarcely be warm.他的被窩多半是薄的。Her bedding, too, was probably thin.至于房中桌上擺設的東西，就是老太太拿來的，卻一些不動，收拾的乾乾淨淨。As for the objects displayed on the table in her room, although the Old Lady had given them to her, not one had been touched, and everything was kept immaculately clean.鳳姐心上便很愛敬他，說道：“一件衣服原不要緊，這時候冷，又是貼身的，怎麼就不問一聲兒呢。Xifeng felt great affection and respect for her, and said, “A single garment may be no great matter, but the weather is cold and it was worn next to the body—why should you not ask about it?這撒野的奴才了不得了！”說了一回，鳳姐出來，各處去坐了一坐，就回去了。These insolent servants are becoming intolerable!” After talking for a while, Xifeng came out, visited several other places, and then returned home.到了自己房中，叫平兒取了一件大紅洋縐的小襖兒，一件松花色綾子一斗珠兒的小皮襖，一條寶藍盤錦鑲花綿裙，一件佛青銀鼠褂子，包好叫人送去。Back in her own room, she told Ping’er to fetch a little jacket of bright-red foreign crêpe, a little fur-lined jacket of pine-pollen-colored satin patterned with strings of pearls, a sapphire-blue padded skirt with brocade appliqué and floral borders, and a dark-blue jacket lined with silver-grey squirrel; she had them wrapped up and sent over.

这里二人让了坐。凤姐笑问道：“你丢了什么东西了？”岫烟笑道：“没有什么要紧的，是一件红小袄儿，已经旧了的。我原叫他们找，找不著就罢了。这小丫头不懂事，问了那婆子一声，那婆子自然不依了。这都是小丫头糊涂不懂事，我也骂了几句，已经过去了，不必再提了。”凤姐把岫烟内外一瞧，看见虽有些皮绵衣服，已是半新不旧的，未必能暖和。他的被窝多半是薄的。至于房中桌上摆设的东西，就是老太太拿来的，却一些不动，收拾的干干净净。凤姐心上便很爱敬他，说道：“一件衣服原不要紧，这时候冷，又是贴身的，怎么就不问一声儿呢。这撒野的奴才了不得了！”说了一回，凤姐出来，各处去坐了一坐，就回去了。到了自己房中，叫平儿取了一件大红洋绉的小袄儿，一件松花色绫子一斗珠儿的小皮袄，一条宝蓝盘锦镶花绵裙，一件佛青银鼠褂子，包好叫人送去。

那時岫煙被那老婆子聒噪了一場，雖有鳳姐來壓住，心上終是不安。By then, though Xifeng had come and subdued the old woman, Xiuyan remained distressed after the woman’s noisy abuse.想起“許多姊妹們在這里，沒有一個下人敢得罪他的，獨自我這里，他們言三語四，剛剛鳳姐來碰見。”想來想去，終是沒意思，又說不出來。She thought, “So many of the sisters live here, and not one of their servants dares offend them; only here with me do they make spiteful remarks—and just now Xifeng happened to witness it.” The more she thought, the more wretched she felt, yet she had no one to whom she could speak.正在吞聲飲泣，看見鳳姐那邊的丰兒送衣服過來。While she was stifling her sobs and weeping silently, she saw Feng’er arrive from Xifeng’s quarters with the clothes.岫煙一看，決不肯受。The moment Xiuyan saw them, she firmly refused to accept them.丰兒道：“奶奶吩咐我說，姑娘要嫌是舊衣裳，將來送新的來。”岫煙笑謝道：“承奶奶的好意，只是因我丟了衣服，他就拿來，我斷不敢受。Feng’er said, “Young Mistress told me to say that if you object because these clothes are old, she will send you new ones later.” Xiuyan smiled and thanked her, saying, “I am deeply grateful for your mistress’s kindness, but because I lost a garment and she has immediately sent these, I simply dare not accept them.你拿回去千萬謝你們奶奶，承你奶奶的情，我算領了。”倒拿個荷包給了丰兒。Take them back, and please thank your mistress most earnestly. I appreciate her kindness as though I had accepted them.” Instead, she gave Feng’er a purse.那丰兒只得拿了去了。Feng’er had no choice but to take the things away.不多時，又見平兒同著丰兒過來，岫煙忙迎著問了好，讓了坐。Before long, Ping’er returned with Feng’er; Xiuyan hurried forward to greet them and invited them to sit.平兒笑說道：“我們奶奶說，姑娘特外道的了不得。”岫煙道：“不是外道，實在不過意。”平兒道：“奶奶說，姑娘要不收這衣裳，不是嫌太舊，就是瞧不起我們奶奶。Ping’er said with a smile, “Our mistress says you are treating her altogether too much like a stranger.” Xiuyan replied, “It is not that; I simply feel too embarrassed to accept.” Ping’er said, “Mistress says that if you refuse these clothes, either you despise them for being too old or you look down on her.剛才說了，我要拿回去，奶奶不依我呢。”岫煙紅著臉笑謝道：“這樣說了，叫我不敢不收。”又讓了一回茶。She said just now that if I brought them back, she would not forgive me.” Blushing, Xiuyan smiled her thanks and said, “Put that way, I dare not refuse them.” She again pressed them to have some tea.

那时岫烟被那老婆子聒噪了一场，虽有凤姐来压住，心上终是不安。想起“许多姊妹们在这里，没有一个下人敢得罪他的，独自我这里，他们言三语四，刚刚凤姐来碰见。”想来想去，终是没意思，又说不出来。正在吞声饮泣，看见凤姐那边的丰儿送衣服过来。岫烟一看，决不肯受。丰儿道：“奶奶吩咐我说，姑娘要嫌是旧衣裳，将来送新的来。”岫烟笑谢道：“承奶奶的好意，只是因我丢了衣服，他就拿来，我断不敢受。你拿回去千万谢你们奶奶，承你奶奶的情，我算领了。”倒拿个荷包给了丰儿。那丰儿只得拿了去了。不多时，又见平儿同著丰儿过来，岫烟忙迎著问了好，让了坐。平儿笑说道：“我们奶奶说，姑娘特外道的了不得。”岫烟道：“不是外道，实在不过意。”平儿道：“奶奶说，姑娘要不收这衣裳，不是嫌太旧，就是瞧不起我们奶奶。刚才说了，我要拿回去，奶奶不依我呢。”岫烟红著脸笑谢道：“这样说了，叫我不敢不收。”又让了一回茶。

平兒同丰兒回去，將到鳳姐那邊，碰見薛家差來的一個老婆子，接著問好。On their way back to Xifeng’s quarters, Ping’er and Feng’er encountered an old serving-woman sent by the Xue family, who greeted them as she approached.平兒便問道：“你那里來的？”婆子道：“那邊太太姑娘叫我來請各位太太，奶奶，姑娘們的安。Ping’er asked, “Where have you come from?” The woman replied, “The madam and young lady over there sent me to convey their regards to all the ladies, young mistresses, and young ladies.我才剛在奶奶前問起姑娘來，說姑娘到園中去了。I was just asking after you in Second Young Mistress’s presence, and she said you had gone into the Garden.可是從邢姑娘那里來么？”平兒道：“你怎麼知道？”婆子道：“方才聽見說。Have you come from Miss Xing’s quarters?” Ping’er asked, “How did you know?” The woman replied, “I heard it mentioned just now.真真的二奶奶和姑娘們的行事叫人感念。”平兒笑了一笑說：“你回來坐著罷。”婆子道：“我還有事，改日再過來瞧姑娘罷。”說著走了。Truly, the kindness of Second Young Mistress and you young ladies inspires deep gratitude.” Ping’er smiled and said, “Come and sit with us when you return.” The woman replied, “I still have business to attend to; I shall visit you another day.” With that, she left.平兒回來，回复了鳳姐。Ping’er returned and reported everything to Xifeng.不在話下。But no more need be said of that.

平儿同丰儿回去，将到凤姐那边，碰见薛家差来的一个老婆子，接著问好。平儿便问道：“你那里来的？”婆子道：“那边太太姑娘叫我来请各位太太，奶奶，姑娘们的安。我才刚在奶奶前问起姑娘来，说姑娘到园中去了。可是从邢姑娘那里来么？”平儿道：“你怎么知道？”婆子道：“方才听见说。真真的二奶奶和姑娘们的行事叫人感念。”平儿笑了一笑说：“你回来坐著罢。”婆子道：“我还有事，改日再过来瞧姑娘罢。”说著走了。平儿回来，回复了凤姐。不在话下。

且說薛姨媽家中被金桂攪得翻江倒海，看見婆子回來，述起岫煙的事，寶釵母女二人不免滴下淚來。Now, in Aunt Xue’s household, Jingui had been turning everything upside down; when they saw the old serving-woman return and heard her account of Xiuyan’s situation, Baochai and her mother could not keep tears from falling.寶釵道：“都為哥哥不在家，所以叫邢姑娘多吃幾天苦。Baochai said, “It is all because my brother is away from home that Miss Xing must suffer hardship for a few more days.”如今還虧鳳姐姐不錯。For now, it is thanks to Sister Feng that things have not gone too badly.咱們底下也得留心，到底是咱們家里人。”說著，只見薛蝌進來說道：“大哥哥這幾年在外頭相與的都是些什麼人，連一個正經的也沒有，來一起子，都是些狐群狗党。We who serve below must keep our eyes open too; after all, we are members of this household.” As she spoke, Xue Ke came in and said, “What sort of people has Elder Brother been associating with outside these past few years? There is not a respectable man among them; whenever a pack of them comes, they are nothing but a gang of foxes and dogs.我看他們那里是不放心，不過將來探探消息兒罷咧。I think they have come because they are uneasy, merely to sound us out and gather news.這兩天都被我干出去了。Over the past two days I have driven them all away.以後吩咐了門上，不許傳進這种人來。”薛姨媽道：“又是蔣玉菡那些人哪？”薛蝌道：“蔣玉菡卻倒沒來，倒是別人。”薛姨媽聽了薛蝌的話，不覺又傷心起來，說道：“我雖有兒，如今就象沒有的了，就是上司准了，也是個廢人。I have also ordered the gatekeepers not to admit such people again.” Aunt Xue said, “You mean Jiang Yuhan and his sort?” Xue Ke replied, “Jiang Yuhan has not come; these were other people.” Hearing this, Aunt Xue could not help grieving again. “Though I have a son,” she said, “it is now as though I had none; even if the authorities approve his release, he will be a ruined man.你雖是我侄兒，我看你還比你哥哥明白些，我這後輩子全靠你了。You may be only my nephew, but I find you more sensible than your cousin; for the rest of my life I shall depend entirely upon you.你自己從今更要學好。From now on, you must take even greater care to keep to the right path.再者，你聘下的媳婦兒，家道不比往時了。Besides, the family of the girl to whom you are betrothed is no longer as prosperous as it once was.人家的女孩兒出門子不是容易，再沒別的想頭，只盼著女婿能干，他就有日子過了。It is no easy thing for another family’s daughter to marry and leave home; she has no other hope but that her husband will be capable, so that she may have a decent life.若邢丫頭也象這個東西，”說著把手往里頭一指，道：“我也不說了。If Miss Xing were anything like that creature”—here she pointed toward the inner rooms—“I would say no more.邢丫頭實在是個有廉恥有心計兒的，又守得貧，耐得富。But Miss Xing truly has a sense of honor and good judgment; she can endure poverty and remain steady amid wealth.只是等咱們的事情過去了，早些把你們的正經事完結了，也了我一宗心事。”薛蝌道：“琴妹妹還沒有出門子，這倒是太太煩心的一件事。Only let our present troubles pass, and then you two should complete your proper marriage as soon as possible; that would take one burden from my mind.” Xue Ke said, “Cousin Baoqin has not yet married; that is indeed one matter for Madam to worry over.至于這個，可算什麼呢。”大家又說了一回閒話。As for this, it is hardly worth troubling about.” They chatted idly for a while longer.

且说薛姨妈家中被金桂搅得翻江倒海，看见婆子回来，述起岫烟的事，宝钗母女二人不免滴下泪来。宝钗道：“都为哥哥不在家，所以叫邢姑娘多吃几天苦。如今还亏凤姐姐不错。咱们底下也得留心，到底是咱们家里人。”说著，只见薛蝌进来说道：“大哥哥这几年在外头相与的都是些什么人，连一个正经的也没有，来一起子，都是些狐群狗党。我看他们那里是不放心，不过将来探探消息儿罢咧。这两天都被我干出去了。以后吩咐了门上，不许传进这种人来。”薛姨妈道：“又是蒋玉菡那些人哪？”薛蝌道：“蒋玉菡却倒没来，倒是别人。”薛姨妈听了薛蝌的话，不觉又伤心起来，说道：“我虽有儿，如今就象没有的了，就是上司准了，也是个废人。你虽是我侄儿，我看你还比你哥哥明白些，我这后辈子全靠你了。你自己从今更要学好。再者，你聘下的媳妇儿，家道不比往时了。人家的女孩儿出门子不是容易，再没别的想头，只盼著女婿能干，他就有日子过了。若邢丫头也象这个东西，”说著把手往里头一指，道：“我也不说了。邢丫头实在是个有廉耻有心计儿的，又守得贫，耐得富。只是等咱们的事情过去了，早些把你们的正经事完结了，也了我一宗心事。”薛蝌道：“琴妹妹还没有出门子，这倒是太太烦心的一件事。至于这个，可算什么呢。”大家又说了一回闲话。

薛蝌回到自己房中，吃了晚飯，想起邢岫煙住在賈府園中，終是寄人篱下，況且又窮，日用起居，不想可知。Xue Ke returned to his own room and ate supper. He thought of Xing Xiuyan living in the garden at the Jia residence, forever dependent on the charity of others and poor besides; what her daily life must be like needed no imagining.況兼當初一路同來，模樣兒性格兒都知道的。Moreover, they had made the journey here together, and he knew both her looks and her character.可知天意不均：如夏金桂這种人，偏教他有錢，嬌養得這般潑辣，邢岫煙這种人，偏教他這樣受苦。Truly Heaven dispenses its favors unjustly: a person like Xia Jingui had been given wealth and pampered until she became so fierce and overbearing, while a person like Xing Xiuyan had been made to suffer so.閻王判命的時候，不知如何判法的。One wonders by what principles the King of Hell assigns people their fates.想到悶來也想吟詩一首，寫出來出出胸中的悶氣。His thoughts grew so oppressive that he wanted to compose a poem and thereby vent the melancholy in his breast.又苦自己沒有工夫，只得混寫道：But he lamented his lack of literary skill and could only scribble these rough lines:

薛蝌回到自己房中，吃了晚饭，想起邢岫烟住在贾府园中，终是寄人篱下，况且又穷，日用起居，不想可知。况兼当初一路同来，模样儿性格儿都知道的。可知天意不均：如夏金桂这种人，偏教他有钱，娇养得这般泼辣，邢岫烟这种人，偏教他这样受苦。阎王判命的时候，不知如何判法的。想到闷来也想吟诗一首，写出来出出胸中的闷气。又苦自己没有工夫，只得混写道：

蛟龍失水似枯魚，兩地情怀感索居。A flood-dragon bereft of water is like a withered fish; in two separate places, lonely hearts grieve at dwelling apart.

蛟龙失水似枯鱼，两地情怀感索居。

同在泥涂多受苦，不知何日向清虛。Together mired in mud, we suffer bitterly; who knows what day we shall rise into the clear void?

同在泥涂多受苦，不知何日向清虚。

寫畢看了一回，意欲拿來粘在壁上，又不好意思。When he had finished, he read it over for a while and thought of pasting it on the wall, but felt too embarrassed.自己沉吟道：“不要被人看見笑話。”又念了一遍，道：“管他呢，左右粘上自己看著解悶兒罷。”又看了一回，到底不好，拿來夾在書里。He murmured to himself, “I must not let anyone see it and laugh at me.” He read it through once more and said, “What does it matter? I may as well paste it up and look at it myself to relieve my gloom.” Yet after another look he still found it too poor, and slipped it inside a book.又想自己年紀可也不小了，家中又碰見這樣飛災橫禍，不知何日了局，致使幽閨弱質，弄得這般凄涼寂寞。Then he reflected that he himself was no longer so young, while his family had met with this sudden and undeserved calamity, with no telling when it would end, leaving that frail maiden secluded in her chamber in such desolation and loneliness.正在那里想時，只見寶蟾推門進來，拿著一個盒子，笑嘻嘻放在桌上。As he sat absorbed in these thoughts, Baochan pushed open the door and entered, carrying a box, which she set on the table with a beaming smile.薛蝌站起來讓坐。Xue Ke rose and invited her to sit down.寶蟾笑著向薛蝌道：“這是四碟果子，一小壺兒酒，大奶奶叫給二爺送來的。”薛蝌陪笑道：“大奶奶費心。Smiling, Baochan said to Xue Ke, “Here are four dishes of fruit and a little flask of wine. First Young Mistress asked me to bring them to Second Master.” Xue Ke replied with a courteous smile, “It is most thoughtful of First Young Mistress.但是叫小丫頭們送來就完了，怎麼又勞動姐姐呢。”寶蟾道：“好說。But she need only have sent one of the little maids. Why put you to the trouble of coming yourself?” Baochan said, “Pray do not mention it.自家人，二爺何必說這些套話。We are all one family; why should Second Master stand on ceremony?再者我們大爺這件事，實在叫二爺操心，大奶奶久已要親自弄點什麼兒謝二爺，又怕別人多心。Besides, Second Master has truly taken a great deal of trouble over our Eldest Master’s affair. First Young Mistress has long wished to prepare something herself to thank you, but she feared that others might take it amiss.二爺是知道的，咱們家里都是言合意不合，送點子東西沒要緊，倒沒的惹人七嘴八舌的講究。Second Master knows what our household is like: people agree in words but not in their hearts. Sending a small gift is nothing, yet it would only set everyone chattering and finding fault.所以今日些微的弄了一兩樣果子，一壺酒，叫我親自悄悄兒的送來。”說著，又笑瞅了薛蝌一眼，道：“明兒二爺再別說這些話，叫人聽著怪不好意思的。So today she prepared just a couple of little dishes of fruit and a flask of wine, and told me to bring them secretly myself.” As she spoke, she glanced at Xue Ke with another smile. “Tomorrow, Second Master, you must not say such things again. It would be dreadfully embarrassing if anyone heard you.我們不過也是底下的人，伏侍的著大爺就伏侍的著二爺，這有何妨呢。”薛蝌一則秉性忠厚，二則到底年輕，只是向來不見金桂和寶蟾如此相待，心中想到剛才寶蟾說為薛蟠之事也是情理，因說道：“果子留下罷，這個酒兒，姐姐只管拿回去。After all, we are merely servants. If we can wait upon Eldest Master, we can wait upon Second Master as well; what harm is there in that?” Xue Ke was by nature honest and good-hearted, and was young besides. Since Jingui and Baochan had never treated him in this fashion before, he reflected that Baochan’s explanation about Xue Pan was reasonable enough, and said, “Leave the fruit, then, but please take the wine back with you.我向來的酒上實在很有限，擠住了偶然喝一鐘，平日無事是不能喝的。I have never had much capacity for wine; when pressed, I may occasionally drink one cup, but I cannot drink it on ordinary days without occasion.難道大奶奶和姐姐還不知道么。”寶蟾道：“別的我作得主，獨這一件事，我可不敢應。Surely First Young Mistress and you both know that.” Baochan replied, “I can decide about the other things, but on this one matter I dare not give you my word.大奶奶的脾氣兒，二爺是知道的，我拿回去，不說二爺不喝，倒要說我不盡心了。”薛蝌沒法，只得留下。Second Master knows First Young Mistress’s temper. If I take it back, instead of saying that you would not drink it, she will accuse me of failing in my duty.” Xue Ke had no choice but to keep it.寶蟾方才要走，又到門口往外看看，回過頭來向著薛蝌一笑，又用手指著里面說道：“他還只怕要來親自給你道乏呢。”薛蝌不知何意，反倒訕訕的起來，因說道：“姐姐替我謝大奶奶罷。Baochan was just about to leave when she went to the doorway and looked outside. Turning back, she smiled at Xue Ke and pointed toward the inner rooms. “She may even mean to come and thank you for your trouble in person.” Xue Ke did not understand what she meant and became awkward and embarrassed. “Please thank First Young Mistress for me,” he said.天氣寒，看涼著。The weather is cold; she must take care not to catch a chill.再者，自己叔嫂，也不必拘這些個禮。”寶蟾也不答言，笑著走了。Besides, we are sister-in-law and brother-in-law; there is no need to observe all these formalities.” Baochan made no reply, but went away smiling.

写毕看了一回，意欲拿来粘在壁上，又不好意思。自己沉吟道：“不要被人看见笑话。”又念了一遍，道：“管他呢，左右粘上自己看著解闷儿罢。”又看了一回，到底不好，拿来夹在书里。又想自己年纪可也不小了，家中又碰见这样飞灾横祸，不知何日了局，致使幽闺弱质，弄得这般凄凉寂寞。正在那里想时，只见宝蟾推门进来，拿著一个盒子，笑嘻嘻放在桌上。薛蝌站起来让坐。宝蟾笑著向薛蝌道：“这是四碟果子，一小壶儿酒，大奶奶叫给二爷送来的。”薛蝌陪笑道：“大奶奶费心。但是叫小丫头们送来就完了，怎么又劳动姐姐呢。”宝蟾道：“好说。自家人，二爷何必说这些套话。再者我们大爷这件事，实在叫二爷操心，大奶奶久已要亲自弄点什么儿谢二爷，又怕别人多心。二爷是知道的，咱们家里都是言合意不合，送点子东西没要紧，倒没的惹人七嘴八舌的讲究。所以今日些微的弄了一两样果子，一壶酒，叫我亲自悄悄儿的送来。”说著，又笑瞅了薛蝌一眼，道：“明儿二爷再别说这些话，叫人听著怪不好意思的。我们不过也是底下的人，伏侍的著大爷就伏侍的著二爷，这有何妨呢。”薛蝌一则秉性忠厚，二则到底年轻，只是向来不见金桂和宝蟾如此相待，心中想到刚才宝蟾说为薛蟠之事也是情理，因说道：“果子留下罢，这个酒儿，姐姐只管拿回去。我向来的酒上实在很有限，挤住了偶然喝一钟，平日无事是不能喝的。难道大奶奶和姐姐还不知道么。”宝蟾道：“别的我作得主，独这一件事，我可不敢应。大奶奶的脾气儿，二爷是知道的，我拿回去，不说二爷不喝，倒要说我不尽心了。”薛蝌没法，只得留下。宝蟾方才要走，又到门口往外看看，回过头来向著薛蝌一笑，又用手指著里面说道：“他还只怕要来亲自给你道乏呢。”薛蝌不知何意，反倒讪讪的起来，因说道：“姐姐替我谢大奶奶罢。天气寒，看凉著。再者，自己叔嫂，也不必拘这些个礼。”宝蟾也不答言，笑著走了。

薛蝌始而以為金桂為薛蟠之事，或者真是不過意，備此酒果給自己道乏，也是有的。At first Xue Ke thought that Jingui might truly feel indebted to him over Xue Pan’s affair and had prepared this wine and fruit to thank him for his trouble; that was entirely possible.及見了寶蟾這种鬼鬼祟祟不尷不尬的光景，也覺了幾分。But after seeing Baochan behave in such a furtive and equivocal manner, he began to suspect something.卻自己回心一想：“他到底是嫂子的名分，那里就有別的講究了呢。Then he reconsidered: “She is, after all, my sister-in-law; how could there be any other intention?或者寶蟾不老成，自己不好意思怎麼樣，卻指著金桂的名兒，也未可知。Perhaps Baochan is merely immature and, being too shy to express her own feelings directly, is using Jingui’s name as a pretext. That too is possible.然而到底是哥哥的屋里人，也不好。”忽又一轉念：“那金桂素性為人毫無閨閣理法，況且有時高興，打扮得妖調非常，自以為美，又焉知不是怀著坏心呢？Yet she is still one of my brother’s women, so that would be improper as well.” Then another thought struck him: “Jingui has never possessed the least sense of the rules proper to a gentlewoman. Moreover, when the fancy takes her, she dresses in the most provocatively gaudy fashion and considers herself beautiful. How can I know she is not harboring some wicked design?不然，就是他和琴妹妹也有了什麼不對的地方兒，所以設下這個毒法兒，要把我拉在渾水里，弄一個不清不白的名兒，也未可知。”想到這里，索性倒怕起來。Or else perhaps she has fallen out with Cousin Baoqin over something and has therefore devised this vicious scheme to drag me into muddy waters and stain my name with some disreputable scandal. That too is possible.” At this thought, he became thoroughly frightened.正在不得主意的時候，忽聽窗外扑哧的笑了一聲，把薛蝌倒唬了一跳。While he was still at a loss what to do, he suddenly heard a stifled laugh outside the window, which gave Xue Ke quite a start.未知是誰，下回分解。Who it was remains to be told in the next chapter.

薛蝌始而以为金桂为薛蟠之事，或者真是不过意，备此酒果给自己道乏，也是有的。及见了宝蟾这种鬼鬼祟祟不尴不尬的光景，也觉了几分。却自己回心一想：“他到底是嫂子的名分，那里就有别的讲究了呢。或者宝蟾不老成，自己不好意思怎么样，却指著金桂的名儿，也未可知。然而到底是哥哥的屋里人，也不好。”忽又一转念：“那金桂素性为人毫无闺阁理法，况且有时高兴，打扮得妖调非常，自以为美，又焉知不是怀著坏心呢？不然，就是他和琴妹妹也有了什么不对的地方儿，所以设下这个毒法儿，要把我拉在浑水里，弄一个不清不白的名儿，也未可知。”想到这里，索性倒怕起来。正在不得主意的时候，忽听窗外扑哧的笑了一声，把薛蝌倒唬了一跳。未知是谁，下回分解。