肥皂 Soap

四銘太太正在斜日光中背著北窗和她八歲的女兒秀兒糊紙錠，忽聽得又重又緩的布鞋底聲響，知道四銘進來了，並不去看他，只是糊紙錠。Mrs. Si-ming, with her back to the north window in the slanting sunlight, was pasting paper ingots together with her eight-year-old daughter Xiu-er, when she suddenly heard the heavy, slow sound of cloth-soled shoes; she knew Si-ming had come in, but did not look at him, only went on pasting the paper ingots.但那布鞋底聲卻愈響愈逼近，覺得終於停在她的身邊了，於是不免轉過眼去看，只見四銘就在她面前聳肩曲背的狠命掏著布馬掛底下的袍子的大襟後面的口袋。But the sound of the cloth soles grew louder and drew nearer, and when it seemed at last to stop right beside her, she could not help turning her eyes to look, and saw Si-ming standing before her, shoulders hunched and back bent, digging furiously into the pocket behind the front flap of his gown, underneath his cloth mandarin jacket.

四铭太太正在斜日光中背著北窗和她八岁的女儿秀儿糊纸锭，忽听得又重又缓的布鞋底声响，知道四铭进来了，并不去看他，只是糊纸锭。但那布鞋底声却愈响愈逼近，觉得终于停在她的身边了，于是不免转过眼去看，只见四铭就在她面前耸肩曲背的狠命掏著布马挂底下的袍子的大襟后面的口袋。

他好容易曲曲折折的匯出手來，手裡就有一個小小的長方包，葵綠色的，一徑遞給四太太。After much twisting and turning he finally worked his hand free, and in it was a small rectangular package, mallow-green in color, which he held straight out to Mrs. Si-ming.她剛接到手，就聞到一陣似橄欖非橄欖的說不清的香味，還看見葵綠色的紙包上有一個金光燦爛的印子和許多細簇簇的花紋。No sooner had she taken it than she caught a whiff of a fragrance that was somewhat like olives, yet not quite — she could not say what it was — and she saw too that on the mallow-green paper wrapping there was a brilliant gold-gleaming seal and a great many fine clustered patterns.秀兒即刻跳過來要搶著看，四太太趕忙推開她。Xiu-er at once jumped over to snatch a look, and Mrs. Si-ming hastily pushed her away.

他好容易曲曲折折的汇出手来，手里就有一个小小的长方包，葵绿色的，一径递给四太太。她刚接到手，就闻到一阵似橄榄非橄榄的说不清的香味，还看见葵绿色的纸包上有一个金光灿烂的印子和许多细簇簇的花纹。秀儿即刻跳过来要抢著看，四太太赶忙推开她。

『上了街？……』她一面看，一面問。'You went out?...' she asked, still looking at it.

『上了街？……』她一面看，一面问。

『唔唔。』他看著她手裡的紙包，說。'Mm, mm.' He said, looking at the paper package in her hand.

『唔唔。』他看著她手里的纸包，说。

於是這葵綠色的紙包被打開了，裡面還有一層很薄的紙，也是葵綠色，揭開薄紙，才露出那東西的本身來，光滑堅致，也是葵綠色，上面還有細簇簇的花紋，而薄紙原來卻是米色的，似橄欖非橄欖的說不清的香味也來得更濃了。So the mallow-green paper wrapping was opened, and inside there was another layer of very thin paper, also mallow-green; only when this thin paper was peeled away did the thing itself appear — smooth and firm, also mallow-green, with fine clustered patterns on it as well — while the thin paper turned out actually to be rice-colored, and the fragrance, somewhat like olives yet not quite, grew even stronger.

于是这葵绿色的纸包被打开了，里面还有一层很薄的纸，也是葵绿色，揭开薄纸，才露出那东西的本身来，光滑坚致，也是葵绿色，上面还有细簇簇的花纹，而薄纸原来却是米色的，似橄榄非橄榄的说不清的香味也来得更浓了。

『唉唉，這實在是好肥皂。』她捧孩子似的將那葵綠色的東西送到鼻子下面去，嗅著說。'Ah, ah, this really is fine soap.' She held the mallow-green thing up under her nose as though cradling a baby, sniffing it as she spoke.

『唉唉，这实在是好肥皂。』她捧孩子似的将那葵绿色的东西送到鼻子下面去，嗅著说。

『唔唔，你以後就用這個……。』'Mm, mm, you should use this from now on...'

『唔唔，你以后就用这个……。』

她看見他嘴裡這麼說，眼光卻射在她的脖子上，便覺得顴骨以下的臉上似乎有些熱。She saw that while his mouth said this, his gaze was fixed on her neck, and she felt her face grow somewhat hot below the cheekbones.她有時自己偶然摸到脖子上，尤其是耳朵後，指面上總感著些粗糙，本來早就知道是積年的老泥，但向來倒也並不很介意。Sometimes when she happened to touch her own neck, especially behind the ears, her fingertips always felt a certain roughness there; she had long known it was grime accumulated over the years, but she had never really minded it much.現在在他的註視之下，對著這葵綠異香的洋肥皂，可不禁臉上有些發熱了，而且這熱又不絕的蔓延開去，即刻一徑到耳根。But now, under his gaze, facing this mallow-green, strangely fragrant foreign soap, she could not help her face growing hot, and the heat kept spreading without pause, reaching straight to the roots of her ears in no time.她於是就決定晚飯後要用這肥皂來拚命的洗一洗。She resolved then that after dinner she would use this soap to give herself a thorough, vigorous scrubbing.

她看见他嘴里这么说，眼光却射在她的脖子上，便觉得颧骨以下的脸上似乎有些热。她有时自己偶然摸到脖子上，尤其是耳朵后，指面上总感著些粗糙，本来早就知道是积年的老泥，但向来倒也并不很介意。现在在他的注视之下，对著这葵绿异香的洋肥皂，可不禁脸上有些发热了，而且这热又不绝的蔓延开去，即刻一径到耳根。她于是就决定晚饭后要用这肥皂来拼命的洗一洗。

『有些地方，本來單用皂莢子是洗不乾凈的。』她自對自的說。'There are some spots that using soap-pod pods alone was never going to get clean.' she said to herself.

『有些地方，本来单用皂荚子是洗不干净的。』她自对自的说。

『媽，這給我！』秀兒伸手來搶葵綠紙；'Mama, give this to me!' Xiu-er stretched out her hand to snatch at the mallow-green paper;在外面玩耍的小女兒招兒也跑到了。and the younger daughter Zhao-er, who had been playing outside, came running up too.四太太趕忙推開她們，裹好薄紙，又照舊包上葵綠紙，欠過身去擱在洗臉臺上最高的一層格子上，看一看，翻身仍然糊紙錠。Mrs. Si-ming hastily pushed them both away, wrapped the thin paper back up, then rewrapped it in the mallow-green paper as before, leaned over to set it on the topmost shelf of the washstand, glanced at it once, then turned back and went on pasting paper ingots.

『妈，这给我！』秀儿伸手来抢葵绿纸；在外面玩耍的小女儿招儿也跑到了。四太太赶忙推开她们，裹好薄纸，又照旧包上葵绿纸，欠过身去搁在洗脸台上最高的一层格子上，看一看，翻身仍然糊纸锭。

『學程！』四銘記起了一件事似的，忽而拖長了聲音叫，就在她對面的一把高背椅子上坐下了。'Xue-cheng!' Si-ming called out suddenly, drawing out the syllable as if he had just remembered something, and sat himself down in a high-backed chair facing her.

『学程！』四铭记起了一件事似的，忽而拖长了声音叫，就在她对面的一把高背椅子上坐下了。

『學程！』她也幫著叫。'Xue-cheng!' She joined in the calling too.

『学程！』她也帮著叫。

她停下糊紙錠，側耳一聽，什麼響應也沒有，又見他仰著頭焦急的等著，不禁很有些抱歉了，便儘力提高了喉嚨，尖利的叫：She stopped pasting the paper ingots and listened, but there was no response at all; then seeing him tilt his head back, waiting anxiously, she could not help feeling rather apologetic, and so raised her voice as loud as she could, calling shrilly:

她停下糊纸锭，侧耳一听，什么响应也没有，又见他仰著头焦急的等著，不禁很有些抱歉了，便尽力提高了喉咙，尖利的叫：

『絟兒呀！』'Cheng'er!'

『絟儿呀！』

這一叫確乎有效，就聽到皮鞋聲橐橐的近來，不一會，絟兒已站在她面前了，只穿短衣，肥胖的圓臉上亮晶晶的流著油汗。This call proved effective indeed; the clatter of leather shoes was heard approaching, and before long Cheng'er stood before her, dressed only in a short jacket, greasy sweat glistening on his plump round face.

这一叫确乎有效，就听到皮鞋声橐橐的近来，不一会，絟儿已站在她面前了，只穿短衣，肥胖的圆脸上亮晶晶的流著油汗。

『你在做什麼？'What are you doing?怎麼爹叫也不聽見？』她譴責的說。Why didn't you hear your father calling?' she said reproachfully.

『你在做什么？怎么爹叫也不听见？』她谴责的说。

『我剛在練八卦拳……。』他立即轉身向了四銘，筆挺的站著，看著他，意思是問他什麼事。'I was just practicing Baguazhang...' He immediately turned to face Si-ming, standing bolt upright, looking at him as if to ask what he wanted.

『我刚在练八卦拳……。』他立即转身向了四铭，笔挺的站著，看著他，意思是问他什么事。

『學程，我就要問你：‘惡毒婦’是什麼？』'Xue-cheng, I want to ask you: what is "Èdúfù"?'

『学程，我就要问你：‘恶毒妇’是什么？』

『‘惡毒婦’？……'"Èdúfù"?...那是，‘很兇的女人’罷？……』That would be... "a very fierce woman," wouldn't it?...'

『‘恶毒妇’？……那是，‘很凶的女人’罢？……』

『胡說！'Nonsense!胡鬧！』四銘忽而怒得可觀。『我是‘女人’麼！？』Absurd!' Si-ming suddenly flew into a remarkable rage. 'Am I a "woman"?!'

『胡说！胡闹！』四铭忽而怒得可观。『我是‘女人’么！？』

學程嚇得倒退了兩步，站得更挺了。Xue-cheng, startled, took two steps back and stood even more stiffly upright.他雖然有時覺得他走路很像上臺的老生，卻從沒有將他當作女人看待，他知道自己答的很錯了。Although he sometimes thought his father's walk resembled that of an old-man role stepping onto the stage, he had never once thought of him as a woman, and he knew his answer had been quite wrong.

学程吓得倒退了两步，站得更挺了。他虽然有时觉得他走路很像上台的老生，却从没有将他当作女人看待，他知道自己答的很错了。

『‘惡毒婦’是‘很兇的女人’，我倒不懂，得來請教你？——這不是中國話，是鬼子話，我對你說。'That "Èdúfù" means "a very fierce woman" — I don't understand that, and I need to ask you about it? — This isn't Chinese, it's foreign-devil talk, let me tell you.這是什麼意思，你懂麼？』What does it mean — do you understand?'

『‘恶毒妇’是‘很凶的女人’，我倒不懂，得来请教你？——这不是中国话，是鬼子话，我对你说。这是什么意思，你懂么？』

『我，……'I...我不懂。』學程更加局促起來。I don't know.' Xue-cheng grew even more flustered.

『我，……我不懂。』学程更加局促起来。

『嚇，我白化錢送你進學堂，連這一點也不懂。'Hah, I've wasted my money sending you to school, and you don't even understand this much.虧煞你的學堂還誇什麼‘口耳並重’，倒教得什麼也沒有。And to think your school boasts of giving 'equal weight to mouth and ear,' yet has taught you nothing at all.說這鬼話的人至多不過十四五歲，比你還小些呢，已經嘰嘰咕咕的能說了，你卻連意思也說不出，還有這臉說‘我不懂’！——現在就給我去查出來！』The one who spoke this devil-talk was at most fourteen or fifteen, younger than you even, and already able to jabber it out, while you can't even explain the meaning, yet you have the face to say 'I don't know'! — Now go and look it up for me, right now!'

『吓，我白化钱送你进学堂，连这一点也不懂。亏煞你的学堂还夸什么‘口耳并重’，倒教得什么也没有。说这鬼话的人至多不过十四五岁，比你还小些呢，已经叽叽咕咕的能说了，你却连意思也说不出，还有这脸说‘我不懂’！——现在就给我去查出来！』

學程在喉嚨底裡答應了一聲『是』，恭恭敬敬的退出去了。Xue-cheng gave a low 'Yes' from the back of his throat and withdrew most respectfully.

学程在喉咙底里答应了一声『是』，恭恭敬敬的退出去了。

『這真叫作不成樣子，』過了一會，四銘又慷慨的說，『現在的學生是。'This really is disgraceful,' Si-ming said again after a moment, with great feeling, 'students nowadays.其實，在光緒年間，我就是最提倡開學堂的，可萬料不到學堂的流弊竟至於如此之大：什麼解放咧，自由咧，沒有實學，只會胡鬧。Actually, back in the Guangxu era, I was one of the foremost advocates of setting up modern schools, but I never imagined the ill effects of these schools would grow so great: all this talk of 'liberation' and 'freedom,' with no real learning, only knowing how to make trouble.學程呢，為他化了的錢也不少了，都白化。As for Xue-cheng, the money spent on him has not been little, and all of it wasted.好容易給他進了中西折中的學堂，英文又專是‘口耳並重’的，你以為這該好了罷，哼，可是讀了一年，連‘惡毒婦’也不懂，大約仍然是念死書。After all the trouble of getting him into a school that combines Chinese and Western learning, one whose English specially emphasizes 'equal weight to mouth and ear' — you'd think that would be good enough, hmph, but after a year of study he doesn't even understand 'Èdúfù'; he must still just be reading by rote.嚇，什麼學堂，造就了些什麼？Hah, what kind of school is that, what has it produced?我簡直說：應該統統關掉！』I say flatly: they should all be shut down!'

『这真叫作不成样子，』过了一会，四铭又慷慨的说，『现在的学生是。其实，在光绪年间，我就是最提倡开学堂的，可万料不到学堂的流弊竟至于如此之大：什么解放咧，自由咧，没有实学，只会胡闹。学程呢，为他化了的钱也不少了，都白化。好容易给他进了中西折中的学堂，英文又专是‘口耳并重’的，你以为这该好了罢，哼，可是读了一年，连‘恶毒妇’也不懂，大约仍然是念死书。吓，什么学堂，造就了些什么？我简直说：应该统统关掉！』

『對咧，真不如統統關掉的好。』四太太糊著紙錠，同情的說。'Quite right, it really would be better to shut them all down.' Mrs. Si-ming said sympathetically, still pasting the paper ingots.

『对咧，真不如统统关掉的好。』四太太糊著纸锭，同情的说。

『秀兒她們也不必進什麼學堂了。‘女孩子，念什麼書？’九公公先前這樣說，反對女學的時候，我還攻擊他呢；'Xiu-er and the other girls needn't go into any school either. "What use is reading for a girl?" Ninth Uncle used to say, back when he opposed schools for women, and I even attacked him for it then;可是現在看起來，究竟是老年人的話對。but looking at it now, it turns out the old man's words were right after all.你想，女人一陣一陣的在街上走，已經很不雅觀的了，她們卻還要剪頭髮。Just think, women trooping about the streets in crowds is unseemly enough as it is, yet they must go and cut their hair short too.我最恨的就是那些剪了頭髮的女學生，我簡直說，軍人土匪倒還情有可原，攪亂天下的就是她們，應該很嚴的辦一辦……。』What I hate most is those schoolgirls with their hair cut short — I'll say it plainly, soldiers and bandits are still somewhat excusable, but it's these girls who are throwing the whole world into chaos; they ought to be dealt with severely...'

『秀儿她们也不必进什么学堂了。‘女孩子，念什么书？’九公公先前这样说，反对女学的时候，我还攻击他呢；可是现在看起来，究竟是老年人的话对。你想，女人一阵一阵的在街上走，已经很不雅观的了，她们却还要剪头发。我最恨的就是那些剪了头发的女学生，我简直说，军人土匪倒还情有可原，搅乱天下的就是她们，应该很严的办一办……。』

『對咧，男人都像了和尚還不夠，女人又來學尼姑了。』'Quite right, it's not enough that the men have all come to resemble monks — now the women are learning to be nuns too.'

『对咧，男人都像了和尚还不够，女人又来学尼姑了。』

『學程！』'Xue-cheng!'

『学程！』

學程正捧著一本小而且厚的金邊書快步進來，便呈給四銘，指著一處說：Xue-cheng was just then hurrying in, cradling a small, thick, gilt-edged book, and he presented it to Si-ming, pointing to a spot and saying:

学程正捧著一本小而且厚的金边书快步进来，便呈给四铭，指著一处说：

『這倒有點像。'This looks a bit like it.這個……。』This one here...'

『这倒有点像。这个……。』

四銘接來看時，知道是字典，但文字非常小，又是橫行的。Si-ming took it and saw it was a dictionary, but the print was extremely small, and it ran horizontally besides.他眉頭一皺，擎向窗口，細著眼睛，就學程所指的一行念過去：He knitted his brows, held it up toward the window, narrowed his eyes, and read through the line Xue-cheng had pointed to:

四铭接来看时，知道是字典，但文字非常小，又是横行的。他眉头一皱，擎向窗口，细著眼睛，就学程所指的一行念过去：

『‘第十八世紀創立之共濟講社之稱’。——唔，不對。——這聲音是怎麼念的？』他指著前面的『鬼子』字，問。'"A name for a fraternal society founded in the eighteenth century." — Hm, that's not it. — How is this pronounced?' he asked, pointing at the foreign-devil word in front.

『‘第十八世纪创立之共济讲社之称’。——唔，不对。——这声音是怎么念的？』他指著前面的『鬼子』字，问。

『惡特拂羅斯(Oddfellows)。』'Ètèfúluósī (Oddfellows).'

『恶特拂罗斯(Oddfellows)。』

『不對，不對，不是這個。』四銘又忽而憤怒起來了。『我對你說：那是一句壞話，罵人的話，罵我這樣的人的。'No, no, that's not it.' Si-ming suddenly flared up again. 'Let me tell you: it was a bad word, an insult, aimed at people like me.懂了麼？Understand?查去！』Go and look it up!'

『不对，不对，不是这个。』四铭又忽而愤怒起来了。『我对你说：那是一句坏话，骂人的话，骂我这样的人的。懂了么？查去！』

學程看了他幾眼，沒有動。Xue-cheng looked at him a few times but did not move.

学程看了他几眼，没有动。

『這是什麼悶胡盧，沒頭沒腦的？'What sort of riddle is this, so utterly without rhyme or reason?你也先得說說清，教他好用心的查去。』她看見學程為難，覺得可憐，便排解而且不滿似的說。You ought to explain it clearly first, so he can look it up properly.' She said this, seeing Xue-cheng's difficulty and feeling sorry for him, in a tone both conciliatory and displeased.

『这是什么闷胡卢，没头没脑的？你也先得说说清，教他好用心的查去。』她看见学程为难，觉得可怜，便排解而且不满似的说。

『就是我在大街上廣潤祥買肥皂的時候，』四銘呼出了一口氣，向她轉過臉去，說。『店裏又有三個學生在那裡買東西。'It was when I was on the main street buying soap at Guangrunxiang,' Si-ming let out a breath and turned his face toward her. 'There were also three students in the shop buying things.我呢，從他們看起來，自然也怕太嚕囌一點了罷。As for me, from their point of view, I suppose I must have seemed a bit too fussy.我一氣看了六七樣，都要四角多，沒有買；I looked over six or seven kinds in a row, all of them upward of forty cents, and didn't buy any;看一角一塊的，又太壞，沒有什麼香。then I looked at the ten-cent-a-bar kind, but that was too poor, with hardly any scent.我想，不如中通的好，便挑定了那綠的一塊，兩角四分。I thought a medium sort would do better, and so settled on that green bar, twenty-four cents.夥計本來是勢利鬼，眼睛生在額角上的，早就撅著狗嘴的了；The shop assistant was a snobbish wretch to begin with, the kind with his eyes set up on his forehead, and he'd already been pouting his dog's mouth at me for a while;可恨那學生這壞小子又都擠眉弄眼的說著鬼話笑。and what's more infuriating, those wretched student boys kept making eyes at each other and laughing while jabbering foreign-devil talk.後來，我要打開來看一看才付錢：洋紙包著，怎麼斷得定貨色的好壞呢。Afterward, I wanted to open it and take a look before paying — it was wrapped in foreign paper, how else could one judge the quality of the goods?誰知道那勢利鬼不但不依，還蠻不講理，說了許多可惡的廢話；Who would have thought that snobbish wretch would not only refuse but be utterly unreasonable about it, spouting all sorts of hateful nonsense;壞小子們又附和著說笑。and the wretched boys joined in with their laughing and talking.那一句是頂小的一個說的，而且眼睛看著我，他們就都笑起來了：可見一定是一句壞話。』他於是轉臉對著學程道，『你只要在‘壞話類’裏去查去！』'That phrase was spoken by the smallest one of them, and he was looking straight at me while he said it, and then they all burst out laughing — so it must certainly be some kind of insult.' He then turned to face Xue-cheng and said, 'Just go and look under the "insults" section!'

『就是我在大街上广润祥买肥皂的时候，』四铭呼出了一口气，向她转过脸去，说。『店里又有三个学生在那里买东西。我呢，从他们看起来，自然也怕太噜苏一点了罢。我一气看了六七样，都要四角多，没有买；看一角一块的，又太坏，没有什么香。我想，不如中通的好，便挑定了那绿的一块，两角四分。伙计本来是势利鬼，眼睛生在额角上的，早就撅著狗嘴的了；可恨那学生这坏小子又都挤眉弄眼的说著鬼话笑。后来，我要打开来看一看才付钱：洋纸包著，怎么断得定货色的好坏呢。谁知道那势利鬼不但不依，还蛮不讲理，说了许多可恶的废话；坏小子们又附和著说笑。那一句是顶小的一个说的，而且眼睛看著我，他们就都笑起来了：可见一定是一句坏话。』他于是转脸对著学程道，『你只要在‘坏话类’里去查去！』

學程在喉嚨底裡答應了一聲『是』，恭恭敬敬的退去了。Xue-cheng gave a low 'Yes' from the back of his throat and withdrew most respectfully.

学程在喉咙底里答应了一声『是』，恭恭敬敬的退去了。

『他們還嚷什麼‘新文化新文化’，‘化’到這樣了，還不夠？』他兩眼釘著屋梁，盡自說下去。『學生也沒有道德，社會上也沒有道德，再不想點法子來輓救，中國這才真個要亡了。——你想，那多麼可嘆？……』'And they still go shouting about "New Culture, New Culture" — hasn't it "cultured" things enough already, to this point?' He kept his eyes fixed on the roof beam, going on and on. 'The students have no morals, society has no morals, and if we don't think of some way to save things, China really will perish. — Just think how lamentable that would be?...'

『他们还嚷什么‘新文化新文化’，‘化’到这样了，还不够？』他两眼钉著屋梁，尽自说下去。『学生也没有道德，社会上也没有道德，再不想点法子来挽救，中国这才真个要亡了。——你想，那多么可叹？……』

『什麼？』她隨口的問，並不驚奇。'What?' she asked casually, not at all surprised.

『什么？』她随口的问，并不惊奇。

『孝女。』他轉眼對著她，鄭重的說。『就在大街上，有兩個討飯的。'A filial daughter.' He turned his eyes to her and said gravely. 'Right on the main street, there were two beggars.一個是姑娘，看去該有十八九歲了。——其實這樣的年紀，討飯是很不相宜的了，可是她還討飯。——和一個六七十歲的老的，白頭髮，眼睛是瞎的，坐在布店的檐下求乞。One was a girl, who looked to be about eighteen or nineteen. — Really, at that age, begging is quite unsuitable, yet still she was begging. — And the other was an old woman of sixty or seventy, white-haired and blind, and they sat begging under the eaves of a cloth shop.大家多說她是孝女，那老的是祖母。Everyone said the girl was a filial daughter, and that the old woman was her grandmother.她只要討得一點什麼，便都獻給祖母吃，自己情願餓肚皮。Whatever little she managed to beg, she gave entirely to her grandmother to eat, willing to go hungry herself.可是這樣的孝女，有人肯佈施麼？』他射出眼光來釘住她，似乎要試驗她的識見。But such a filial daughter — was anyone willing to give her alms?' He shot a glance that fixed on her, as if testing her judgment.

『孝女。』他转眼对著她，郑重的说。『就在大街上，有两个讨饭的。一个是姑娘，看去该有十八九岁了。——其实这样的年纪，讨饭是很不相宜的了，可是她还讨饭。——和一个六七十岁的老的，白头发，眼睛是瞎的，坐在布店的檐下求乞。大家多说她是孝女，那老的是祖母。她只要讨得一点什么，便都献给祖母吃，自己情愿饿肚皮。可是这样的孝女，有人肯布施么？』他射出眼光来钉住她，似乎要试验她的识见。

她不答話，也只將眼光釘住他，似乎倒是專等他來說明。She did not answer, but only fixed her own gaze on him, as if waiting for him to explain.

她不答话，也只将眼光钉住他，似乎倒是专等他来说明。

『哼，沒有。』他終於自己回答說。『我看了好半天，只見一個人給了一文小錢；'Hmph, no one did.' he finally answered himself. 'I watched for a good long while, and saw only one person give a single small coin;其餘的圍了一大圈，倒反去打趣。the rest of them, gathered round in a big circle, instead made fun of her.還有兩個光棍，竟肆無忌憚的說：‘阿發，你不要看得這貨色臟。There were even two rogues who said, quite without shame: "Ah-fa, don't you go thinking this merchandise is dirty.你只要去買兩塊肥皂來，咯支咯支遍身洗一洗，好得很哩！’哪，你想，這成什麼話？』Just go and buy a couple of bars of soap and give her a good scrub all over, and she'll be just fine!" Now, just think, what sort of talk is that?'

『哼，没有。』他终于自己回答说。『我看了好半天，只见一个人给了一文小钱；其余的围了一大圈，倒反去打趣。还有两个光棍，竟肆无忌惮的说：‘阿发，你不要看得这货色脏。你只要去买两块肥皂来，咯支咯支遍身洗一洗，好得很哩！’哪，你想，这成什么话？』

『哼，』她低下頭去了，久之，才又懶懶的問，『你給了錢麼？』'Hmph,' she lowered her head, and only after a long while asked, indolently, 'Did you give her any money?'

『哼，』她低下头去了，久之，才又懒懒的问，『你给了钱么？』

『我麼？——沒有。'Me? — No.一兩個錢，是不好意思拿出去的。A copper or two would have been embarrassing to hand over.她不是平常的討飯，總得……。』She wasn't an ordinary beggar, one really ought to...'

『我么？——没有。一两个钱，是不好意思拿出去的。她不是平常的讨饭，总得……。』

『嗡。』她不等說完話，便慢慢地站起來，走到廚下去。'Mm.' Without waiting for him to finish, she slowly rose and went off to the kitchen.昏黃只顯得濃密，已經是晚飯時候了。The dusk had thickened into gathering gloom; it was already time for dinner.

『嗡。』她不等说完话，便慢慢地站起来，走到厨下去。昏黄只显得浓密，已经是晚饭时候了。

四銘也站起身，走出院子去。Si-ming, too, rose to his feet and went out into the courtyard.天色比屋子裡還明亮，學程就在牆角落上練習八卦拳：這是他的『庭訓』，利用晝夜之交的時間的經濟法，學程奉行了將近大半年了。The sky was still brighter than indoors, and Xue-cheng was practicing Baguazhang there in the corner by the wall: this was his 'household instruction,' a method of economizing time at the turn of day into night, which Xue-cheng had been carrying out for nearly the better part of a year now.他贊許似的微微點一點頭，便反背著兩手在空院子裏來回的踱方步。He nodded slightly, as if in approval, then clasped his hands behind his back and paced up and down the empty courtyard.不多久，那惟一的盆景萬年青的闊葉又已消失在昏暗中，破絮一般的白雲間閃出星點，黑夜就從此開頭。Before long, the broad leaves of the single potted evergreen had already vanished into the dimness, stars glimmered out among clouds like tattered cotton wadding, and night began from that point on.四銘當這時候，便也不由的感奮起來，仿佛就要大有所為，與周圍的壞學生以及惡社會宣戰。At such a moment, Si-ming could not help feeling stirred and roused, as though he were about to accomplish some great deed, declaring war on the bad students all around him and on the wicked society at large.他意氣漸漸勇猛，腳步愈跨愈大，布鞋底聲也愈走愈響，嚇得早已睡在籠子裏的母雞和小雞也都唧唧足足的叫起來了。His spirit grew ever more valiant, his strides grew ever longer, and the sound of his cloth soles grew ever louder as he walked, until the hens and chicks already asleep in their coop were startled into a great clucking and cheeping.

四铭也站起身，走出院子去。天色比屋子里还明亮，学程就在墙角落上练习八卦拳：这是他的『庭训』，利用昼夜之交的时间的经济法，学程奉行了将近大半年了。他赞许似的微微点一点头，便反背著两手在空院子里来回的踱方步。不多久，那惟一的盆景万年青的阔叶又已消失在昏暗中，破絮一般的白云间闪出星点，黑夜就从此开头。四铭当这时候，便也不由的感奋起来，仿佛就要大有所为，与周围的坏学生以及恶社会宣战。他意气渐渐勇猛，脚步愈跨愈大，布鞋底声也愈走愈响，吓得早已睡在笼子里的母鸡和小鸡也都唧唧足足的叫起来了。

堂前有了燈光，就是號召晚餐的烽火，合家的人們便都齊集在中央的桌子周圍。When a light appeared in front of the hall, it was the beacon summoning them to dinner, and the whole family gathered together around the table in the center.燈在下橫；The lamp stood at the lower side;上首是四銘一人居中，也是學程一般肥胖的圓臉，但多兩撇細鬍子，在菜湯的熱氣裏，獨據一面，很像廟裡的財神。at the head sat Si-ming alone, in the middle, his face round and plump like Xue-cheng's, but with two thin wisps of mustache added, and there amid the steam of the vegetable soup he occupied one whole side by himself, looking very much like the God of Wealth in a temple.左橫是四太太帶著招兒；On the left side sat Mrs. Si-ming with Zhao-er;右橫是學程和秀兒一列。on the right side sat Xue-cheng and Xiu-er in a row.碗筷聲雨點似的響，雖然大家不言語，也就是很熱鬧的晚餐。The clatter of bowls and chopsticks pattered like rain, and although no one spoke, it was nonetheless a lively dinner.

堂前有了灯光，就是号召晚餐的烽火，合家的人们便都齐集在中央的桌子周围。灯在下横；上首是四铭一人居中，也是学程一般肥胖的圆脸，但多两撇细胡子，在菜汤的热气里，独据一面，很像庙里的财神。左横是四太太带著招儿；右横是学程和秀儿一列。碗筷声雨点似的响，虽然大家不言语，也就是很热闹的晚餐。

招兒帶翻了飯碗了，菜湯流得小半桌。Zhao-er knocked over her rice bowl, and vegetable soup spilled over a good part of the table.四銘儘量的睜大了細眼睛瞪著看得她要哭，這才收回眼光，伸筷自去夾那早先看中了的一個菜心去。Si-ming opened his narrow eyes as wide as he could and glared at her until she was on the verge of tears, and only then did he withdraw his gaze and reach out his chopsticks to pick up the choice piece of vegetable heart he had had his eye on earlier.可是菜心已經不見了，他左右一瞥，就發見學程剛剛夾著塞進他張得很大的嘴裡去，他於是只好無聊的吃了一筷黃菜葉。But the vegetable heart was already gone; a glance to either side showed him that Xue-cheng had just that moment picked it up and stuffed it into his wide-open mouth, so he had no choice but to glumly eat a chopstick-full of yellow vegetable leaves instead.

招儿带翻了饭碗了，菜汤流得小半桌。四铭尽量的睁大了细眼睛瞪著看得她要哭，这才收回眼光，伸筷自去夹那早先看中了的一个菜心去。可是菜心已经不见了，他左右一瞥，就发见学程刚刚夹著塞进他张得很大的嘴里去，他于是只好无聊的吃了一筷黄菜叶。

『學程，』他看著他的臉說，『那一句查出了沒有？』'Xue-cheng,' he said, looking at his face, 'have you found that phrase yet or not?'

『学程，』他看著他的脸说，『那一句查出了没有？』

『那一句？——那還沒有。』'That phrase? — Not yet.'

『那一句？——那还没有。』

『哼，你看，也沒有學問，也不懂道理，單知道吃！'Hmph, look at you — no learning, no sense, all you know is how to eat!學學那個孝女罷，做了乞丐，還是一味孝順祖母，自己情願餓肚子。Learn something from that filial daughter — even as a beggar she remained devoted to her grandmother, willing to go hungry herself.但是你們這些學生那裡知道這些，肆無忌憚，將來只好像那光棍……。』But how would you students ever know anything of this, running wild without restraint — in the end you'll turn out just like those rogues...'

『哼，你看，也没有学问，也不懂道理，单知道吃！学学那个孝女罢，做了乞丐，还是一味孝顺祖母，自己情愿饿肚子。但是你们这些学生那里知道这些，肆无忌惮，将来只好像那光棍……。』

『想倒想著了一個，但不知可是。——我想，他們說的也許是‘阿爾特膚爾’。』'I did think of one, though I don't know if it's right. — I think what they said might have been "Ā'ěrtèfū'ěr."'

『想倒想著了一个，但不知可是。——我想，他们说的也许是‘阿尔特肤尔’。』

『哦哦，是的！'Oh, oh, that's it!就是這個！That's exactly it!他們說的就是這樣一個聲音：‘惡毒夫咧。’這是什麼意思？What they said was just this one sound: 'È dú fū lie.' What does that mean?你也就是他們這一黨：你知道的。』You're one of their crowd too — you know perfectly well.'

『哦哦，是的！就是这个！他们说的就是这样一个声音：‘恶毒夫咧。’这是什么意思？你也就是他们这一党：你知道的。』

『意思，——意思我不很明白。』'The meaning — the meaning I don't quite understand.'

『胡說！'Nonsense!瞞我。You're hiding it from me.你們都是壞種！』You're all a rotten lot!'

『胡说！瞒我。你们都是坏种！』

『「天不打吃飯人」，你今天怎麼盡鬧脾氣，連吃飯時候也是打雞罵狗的。'"Heaven does not strike a man while he is eating," — why must you keep flying into tempers today, even at meals scolding chickens and cursing dogs.他們小孩子們知道什麼。』四太太忽而說。What do children know?' Fourth Mistress suddenly said.

『「天不打吃饭人」，你今天怎么尽闹脾气，连吃饭时候也是打鸡骂狗的。他们小孩子们知道什么。』四太太忽而说。

『什麼？』四銘正想發話，但一回頭，看見她陷下的兩頰已經鼓起，而且很變了顏色，三角形的眼裡也發著可怕的光，便趕緊改口說，『我也沒有鬧什麼脾氣，我不過教學程應該懂事些。』'What?' Si-ming was just about to burst out, but turning his head and seeing her sunken cheeks now puffed out and quite changed in color, and a fearful light shining in her triangular eyes, he hastily changed his tone and said, 'I wasn't losing my temper either, I only meant that Xuecheng ought to have more sense.'

『什么？』四铭正想发话，但一回头，看见她陷下的两颊已经鼓起，而且很变了颜色，三角形的眼里也发著可怕的光，便赶紧改口说，『我也没有闹什么脾气，我不过教学程应该懂事些。』

『他那裡懂得你心裡的事呢。』她可是更氣忿了。『他如果能懂事，早就點了燈籠火把，尋了那孝女來了。'How would he know what's in your heart?' She grew only angrier. 'If he had any sense, he'd long ago have taken a lantern and a torch and gone to find that filial daughter.好在你已經給她買好了一塊肥皂在這裡，只要再去買一塊……』It's just as well you've already bought a cake of soap for her here — you need only go and buy one more…'

『他那里懂得你心里的事呢。』她可是更气忿了。『他如果能懂事，早就点了灯笼火把，寻了那孝女来了。好在你已经给她买好了一块肥皂在这里，只要再去买一块……』

『胡說！'Nonsense!那話是那光棍說的。』That talk was that scoundrel's doing.'

『胡说！那话是那光棍说的。』

『不見得。'I don't think so.只要再去買一塊，給她咯支咯支的遍身洗一洗，供起來，天下也就太平了。』You need only go and buy one more, and scrub her all over, gizi-gizi, and set her up for worship, and the world would be at peace.'

『不见得。只要再去买一块，给她咯支咯支的遍身洗一洗，供起来，天下也就太平了。』

『什麼話？'What kind of talk is that?那有什麼相幹？What has that got to do with anything?我因為記起了你沒有肥皂……』I only thought of it because I remembered you had no soap…'

『什么话？那有什么相干？我因为记起了你没有肥皂……』

『怎麼不相幹？'How does it have nothing to do with it?你是特誠買給孝女的，你咯支咯支的去洗去。You bought it especially for the filial daughter, so go and scrub her yourself, gizi-gizi.我不配，我不要，我也不要沾孝女的光。』I'm not worthy, I don't want it, I don't want to bask in the filial daughter's glory either.'

『怎么不相干？你是特诚买给孝女的，你咯支咯支的去洗去。我不配，我不要，我也不要沾孝女的光。』

『這真是什麼話？'Now what kind of talk is this?你們女人……』四銘支吾著，臉上也像學程練了八卦拳之後似的流出油汗來，但大約大半也因為吃了太熱的飯。You women…' Si-ming faltered, and on his face too, as though he had just finished practicing the Eight Trigrams Boxing like Xuecheng, oily sweat broke out — though most of it was probably from eating rice that was too hot.

『这真是什么话？你们女人……』四铭支吾著，脸上也像学程练了八卦拳之后似的流出油汗来，但大约大半也因为吃了太热的饭。

『我們女人怎麼樣？'What about us women?我們女人，比你們男人好得多。We women are a great deal better than you men.你們男人不是罵十八九歲的女學生，就是稱贊十八九歲的女討飯：都不是什麼好心思。‘咯支咯支’，簡直是不要臉！』You men either curse eighteen- or nineteen-year-old schoolgirls, or else praise eighteen- or nineteen-year-old beggar girls: neither comes from any good intention. 'Gizi-gizi' — that's simply shameless!'

『我们女人怎么样？我们女人，比你们男人好得多。你们男人不是骂十八九岁的女学生，就是称赞十八九岁的女讨饭：都不是什么好心思。‘咯支咯支’，简直是不要脸！』

『我不是已經說過了？'Haven't I already said?那是一個光棍……』That was a scoundrel who said it…'

『我不是已经说过了？那是一个光棍……』

『四翁！』外面的暗中忽然起了極響的叫喊。'Fourth Brother!' Outside in the darkness a extremely loud shout suddenly rose.

『四翁！』外面的暗中忽然起了极响的叫喊。

『道翁麼？'Is that Dao-tong?我就來！』四銘知道那是高聲有名的何道統，便遇赦似的，也高興的大聲說。『學程，你快點燈照何老伯到書房去！』I'm coming!' Si-ming knew it was the famously loud-voiced He Daotong, and as though pardoned from a sentence, he too called out cheerfully at the top of his voice. 'Xuecheng, hurry and light a lamp to see Uncle He to the study!'

『道翁么？我就来！』四铭知道那是高声有名的何道统，便遇赦似的，也高兴的大声说。『学程，你快点灯照何老伯到书房去！』

學程點了燭，引著道統走進西邊的廂房裡，後面還跟著卜薇園。Xuecheng lit a candle and led Daotong into the west wing room, followed close behind by Bu Weiyuan.

学程点了烛，引著道统走进西边的厢房里，后面还跟著卜薇园。

『失迎失迎，對不起。』四銘還嚼著飯，出來拱一拱手，說。『就在舍間用便飯，何如？……』'Sorry to have kept you waiting, my apologies.' Si-ming, still chewing his food, came out cupping his hands in greeting. 'Why not just have a simple meal here at my place?…'

『失迎失迎，对不起。』四铭还嚼著饭，出来拱一拱手，说。『就在舍间用便饭，何如？……』

『已經偏過了。』薇園迎上去，也拱一拱手，說。『我們連夜趕來，就為了那移風文社的第十八屆徵文題目，明天不是「逢七」麼？』'We've already eaten, thank you.' Weiyuan came forward, also cupping his hands. 'We rushed over tonight because of the eighteenth essay topic for the Reform Literary Society — tomorrow isn't it the "seventh day"?'

『已经偏过了。』薇园迎上去，也拱一拱手，说。『我们连夜赶来，就为了那移风文社的第十八届征文题目，明天不是「逢七」么？』

『哦！'Oh!今天十六？』四銘恍然的說。Is today the sixteenth?' Si-ming said, as if suddenly realizing.

『哦！今天十六？』四铭恍然的说。

『你看，多麼胡塗！』道統大嚷道。'Look how muddled you are!' Daotong bellowed loudly.

『你看，多么胡涂！』道统大嚷道。

『那麼，就得連夜送到報館去，要他明天一準登出來。』'Well then, we'll have to rush it to the newspaper office tonight, and make sure it's printed tomorrow without fail.'

『那么，就得连夜送到报馆去，要他明天一准登出来。』

『文題我已經擬下了。'I've already drafted the essay topic.你看怎樣，用得用不得？』道統說著，就從手巾包裏挖出一張紙條來交給他。What do you think, will it do?' As Daotong spoke he dug a slip of paper out of his handkerchief bundle and handed it to him.

『文题我已经拟下了。你看怎样，用得用不得？』道统说著，就从手巾包里挖出一张纸条来交给他。

四銘踱到燭臺面前，展開紙條，一字一字的讀下去：Si-ming paced over to the candlestick, unfolded the paper slip, and read it through word by word:

四铭踱到烛台面前，展开纸条，一字一字的读下去：

『「恭擬全國人民合詞籲請貴大總統特頒明令專重聖經崇祀孟母以輓頹風而存國粹文」。——好極好極。'"A respectfully drafted petition, in the united words of the people of the whole nation, beseeching His Excellency the President to specially issue a proclamation honoring the Confucian classics and enshrining Meng Mu, so as to arrest the decline of custom and preserve the national essence." — Excellent, excellent.可是字數太多了罷？』But isn't the character count rather too many?'

『「恭拟全国人民合词吁请贵大总统特颁明令专重圣经崇祀孟母以挽颓风而存国粹文」。——好极好极。可是字数太多了罢？』

『不要緊的！』道統大聲說。『我算過了，還無須乎多加廣告費。'Never mind that!' Daotong said loudly. 'I've reckoned it out, there's no need for any extra advertising fee.但是詩題呢？』But what about the poem topic?'

『不要紧的！』道统大声说。『我算过了，还无须乎多加广告费。但是诗题呢？』

『詩題麼？』四銘忽而恭敬之狀可掬了。『我倒有一個在這裡：孝女行。'The poem topic?' Si-ming suddenly took on a look brimming with reverence. 'I happen to have one right here: "Ballad of the Filial Daughter."那是實事，應該表彰表彰她。That's an actual event, and she ought to be commended for it.我今天在大街上……』Today on the main street I…'

『诗题么？』四铭忽而恭敬之状可掬了。『我倒有一个在这里：孝女行。那是实事，应该表彰表彰她。我今天在大街上……』

『哦哦，那不行。』薇園連忙搖手，打斷他的話。『那是我也看見的。'Oh, oh, that won't do.' Weiyuan hastily waved his hand, cutting off his words. 'I saw that too.她大概是‘外路人’，我不懂她的話，她也不懂我的話，不知道她究竟是那裡人。She's probably an 'out-of-towner' — I couldn't understand her speech, nor she mine, so there's no telling where she's actually from.大家倒都說她是孝女；Everyone did say she was a filial daughter;然而我問她可能做詩，她搖搖頭。but I asked her whether she could compose poetry, and she shook her head.要是能做詩，那就好了。』If she could compose poetry, that would be splendid.'

『哦哦，那不行。』薇园连忙摇手，打断他的话。『那是我也看见的。她大概是‘外路人’，我不懂她的话，她也不懂我的话，不知道她究竟是那里人。大家倒都说她是孝女；然而我问她可能做诗，她摇摇头。要是能做诗，那就好了。』

『然而忠孝是大節，不會做詩也可以將就……。』'And yet loyalty and filial piety are the great virtues — not being able to write poetry can surely be overlooked…'

『然而忠孝是大节，不会做诗也可以将就……。』

『那倒不然，而孰知不然！』薇園攤開手掌，向四銘連搖帶推的奔過去，力爭說。『要會做詩，然後有趣。』'That's not so at all, and how little you understand why not!' Weiyuan spread his palms and rushed at Si-ming, half waving, half shoving, arguing forcefully. 'Only if she can compose poetry does it become truly delightful.'

『那倒不然，而孰知不然！』薇园摊开手掌，向四铭连摇带推的奔过去，力争说。『要会做诗，然后有趣。』

『我們，』四銘推開他，『就用這個題目，加上說明，登報去。'We,' Si-ming pushed him away, 'will just use this topic, add an explanatory note, and send it to the paper.一來可以表彰表彰她；First, it can commend her;二來可以藉此針砭社會。second, it can serve as a lancet for society.現在的社會還成個什麼樣子，我從旁考察了好半天，竟不見有什麼人給一個錢，這豈不是全無心肝……』What has society come to nowadays — I observed from the side for a good long while, and did not see a single person give even one coin, is this not utterly heartless…'

『我们，』四铭推开他，『就用这个题目，加上说明，登报去。一来可以表彰表彰她；二来可以藉此针砭社会。现在的社会还成个什么样子，我从旁考察了好半天，竟不见有什么人给一个钱，这岂不是全无心肝……』

『阿呀，四翁！』薇園又奔過來，『你簡直是在‘對著和尚罵賊禿’了。'Ai-ya, Fourth Brother!' Weiyuan rushed over again, 'you're simply 'cursing the bald monk to his face.'我就沒有給錢，我那時恰恰身邊沒有帶著。』I myself gave no money, but that was precisely because I happened to have none on me at the time.'

『阿呀，四翁！』薇园又奔过来，『你简直是在‘对著和尚骂贼秃’了。我就没有给钱，我那时恰恰身边没有带著。』

『不要多心，薇翁。』四銘又推開他，『你自然在外，又作別論。'Don't take it to heart, Weiyuan old fellow.' Si-ming pushed him away again, 'you naturally were an outsider there, that's a separate matter.你聽我講下去：她們面前圍了一大群人，毫無敬意，只是打趣。Listen to me go on: a great crowd had gathered around them, showing not the least respect, merely making fun.還有兩個光棍，那是更其肆無忌憚了，有一個簡直說，‘阿發，你去買兩塊肥皂來，咯支咯支遍身洗一洗，好得很哩。’你想，這……』And there were two scoundrels besides, who were even more shameless than the rest — one of them actually said, 'Ah-fa, go buy two cakes of soap, and scrub her all over, gizi-gizi, that would be quite something.' Just think, this…'

『不要多心，薇翁。』四铭又推开他，『你自然在外，又作别论。你听我讲下去：她们面前围了一大群人，毫无敬意，只是打趣。还有两个光棍，那是更其肆无忌惮了，有一个简直说，‘阿发，你去买两块肥皂来，咯支咯支遍身洗一洗，好得很哩。’你想，这……』

『哈哈哈！'Ha ha ha!兩塊肥皂！』道統的響亮的笑聲突然發作了，震得人耳朵喤喤的叫。『你買，哈哈，哈哈！』Two cakes of soap!' Daotong's booming laugh suddenly burst out, ringing so loud it set people's ears buzzing. 'You buy them, ha ha, ha ha!'

『哈哈哈！两块肥皂！』道统的响亮的笑声突然发作了，震得人耳朵喤喤的叫。『你买，哈哈，哈哈！』

『道翁，道翁，你不要這麼嚷。』四銘吃了一驚，慌張的說。'Dao old fellow, Dao old fellow, don't shout like that.' Si-ming was startled, and said flusteredly.

『道翁，道翁，你不要这么嚷。』四铭吃了一惊，慌张的说。

『咯支咯支，哈哈！』'Gizi-gizi, ha ha!'

『道翁！』四銘沉下臉來了，『我們講正經事，你怎麼只胡鬧，鬧得人頭昏。'Dao old fellow!' Si-ming's face darkened, 'we're discussing serious business, why must you just carry on like this, carrying on till people's heads spin.你聽，我們就用這兩個題目，即刻送到報館去，要他明天一準登出來。Listen: we'll just use these two topics, and send them to the newspaper office at once, and make sure they're printed tomorrow without fail.這事只好偏勞你們兩位了。』This matter will just have to trouble the two of you.'

『道翁！』四铭沉下脸来了，『我们讲正经事，你怎么只胡闹，闹得人头昏。你听，我们就用这两个题目，即刻送到报馆去，要他明天一准登出来。这事只好偏劳你们两位了。』

『可以可以，那自然。』薇園極口應承說。'Certainly, certainly, of course.' Weiyuan agreed most readily.

『可以可以，那自然。』薇园极口应承说。

『呵呵，洗一洗，咯支……'Heh heh, scrub her, gizi…唏唏……』hee hee…'

『道翁！！！』四銘憤憤的叫。'Dao old fellow!!!' Si-ming cried out in fury.

『道翁！！！』四铭愤愤的叫。

道統給這一喝，不笑了。Given this sharp rebuke, Daotong stopped laughing.他們擬好了說明，薇園謄在信箋上，就和道統跑往報館去。They drafted the explanatory note, Weiyuan copied it out onto letter paper, and then he and Daotong hurried off to the newspaper office.四銘拿著燭臺，送出門口，回到堂屋的外面，心裡就有些不安逸，但略一躊躕，也終於跨進門檻去了。Si-ming, holding the candlestick, saw them out to the gate, and returning to the outside of the main hall, felt somewhat uneasy in his heart; but after a moment's hesitation, in the end he stepped over the threshold and went in anyway.他一進門，迎頭就看見中央的方桌中間放著那肥皂的葵綠色的小小的長方包，包中央的金印子在燈光下明晃晃的發閃，周圍還有細小的花紋。The moment he entered, he was met by the sight, in the middle of the square table, of that small oblong package of soap in its gourd-green wrapping, the gilt seal at its center glinting brightly under the lamplight, with fine patterns around it besides.

道统给这一喝，不笑了。他们拟好了说明，薇园誊在信笺上，就和道统跑往报馆去。四铭拿著烛台，送出门口，回到堂屋的外面，心里就有些不安逸，但略一踌蹰，也终于跨进门槛去了。他一进门，迎头就看见中央的方桌中间放著那肥皂的葵绿色的小小的长方包，包中央的金印子在灯光下明晃晃的发闪，周围还有细小的花纹。

秀兒和招兒都蹲在桌子下橫的地上玩；Xiu-er and Zhao-er were both crouched on the floor to the side of the table, playing;學程坐在右橫查字典。Xuecheng sat to the right, consulting a dictionary.最後在離燈最遠的陰影裏的高背椅子上發見了四太太，燈光照處，見她死板板的臉上並不顯出什麼喜怒，眼睛也並不看著什麼東西。Finally, in the high-backed chair furthest from the lamp, in the shadow, he discovered Fourth Mistress; where the lamplight fell, he saw her face, deathly still, showing neither joy nor anger, her eyes too fixed on nothing in particular.

秀儿和招儿都蹲在桌子下横的地上玩；学程坐在右横查字典。最后在离灯最远的阴影里的高背椅子上发见了四太太，灯光照处，见她死板板的脸上并不显出什么喜怒，眼睛也并不看著什么东西。

『咯支咯支，不要臉不要臉……』'Gizi-gizi, shameless, shameless…'

『咯支咯支，不要脸不要脸……』

四銘微微的聽得秀兒在他背後說，回頭看時，什麼動作也沒有了，只有招兒還用了她兩隻小手的指頭在自己臉上抓。Si-ming faintly heard Xiu-er say this behind his back; when he turned to look, there was no movement of any kind, only Zhao-er still scratching at her own face with the fingers of her two small hands.

四铭微微的听得秀儿在他背后说，回头看时，什么动作也没有了，只有招儿还用了她两只小手的指头在自己脸上抓。

他覺得存身不住，便熄了燭，踱出院子去。He felt he could not bear to stay there any longer, so he put out the candle and walked out into the courtyard.他來回的踱，一不小心，母雞和小雞又唧唧足足的叫了起來，他立即放輕腳步，並且走遠些。He paced back and forth, and once, not being careful, startled the hen and her chicks into a chirping and clucking again; he at once softened his steps, and moved further away besides.經過許多時，堂屋裡的燈移到臥室裏去了。After a good while had passed, the lamp in the main hall was moved into the bedroom.他看見一地月光，仿佛滿鋪了無縫的白紗，玉盤似的月亮現在白雲間，看不出一點缺。He saw the ground covered in moonlight, as though spread all over with seamless white gauze; the moon, like a jade disk, hung among the white clouds, showing not the least blemish.

他觉得存身不住，便熄了烛，踱出院子去。他来回的踱，一不小心，母鸡和小鸡又唧唧足足的叫了起来，他立即放轻脚步，并且走远些。经过许多时，堂屋里的灯移到卧室里去了。他看见一地月光，仿佛满铺了无缝的白纱，玉盘似的月亮现在白云间，看不出一点缺。

他很有些悲傷，似乎也像孝女一樣，成了『無告之民』，孤苦零丁了。He felt rather sorrowful, as though he too, like the filial daughter, had become one of the 'people with no one to appeal to,' utterly alone and forlorn.他這一夜睡得非常晚。That night he slept very late.

他很有些悲伤，似乎也像孝女一样，成了『无告之民』，孤苦零丁了。他这一夜睡得非常晚。

但到第二天的早晨，肥皂就被錄用了。But by the next morning, the soap had been put to use.這日他比平日起得遲，看見她已經伏在洗臉臺上擦脖子，肥皂的泡沫就如大螃蟹嘴上的水泡一般，高高的堆在兩個耳朵後，比起先前用皂莢時候的只有一層極薄的白沫來，那高低真有霄壤之別了。That day he rose later than usual, and saw her already bent over the washstand scrubbing her neck, the soap lather piled up high behind both her ears like the bubbles at the mouth of a great crab, and compared to the merely thin film of white foam from the days of using soap-pod, the difference in abundance was truly as great as heaven from earth.從此之後，四太太的身上便總帶著些似橄欖非橄欖的說不清的香味；From then on, Fourth Mistress's person always carried about it some indescribable scent, olive-like yet not quite olive;幾乎小半年，這才忽而換了樣，凡有聞到的都說那可似乎是檀香。and after nearly half a year, this suddenly changed again, and now whoever caught the scent said it seemed, after all, to be sandalwood.

但到第二天的早晨，肥皂就被录用了。这日他比平日起得迟，看见她已经伏在洗脸台上擦脖子，肥皂的泡沫就如大螃蟹嘴上的水泡一般，高高的堆在两个耳朵后，比起先前用皂荚时候的只有一层极薄的白沫来，那高低真有霄壤之别了。从此之后，四太太的身上便总带著些似橄榄非橄榄的说不清的香味；几乎小半年，这才忽而换了样，凡有闻到的都说那可似乎是檀香。

一九二四年三月二二日March 22, 1924