CHAPTER XVII-a CAPÍTULO XVII-a ГЛАВА XVII-а BÖLÜM XVII-a

A week passed, and no news arrived of Mr. Rochester: ten days, and still he did not come.

Mrs. Fairfax said she should not be surprised if he were to go straight from the Leas to London, and thence to the Continent, and not show his face again at Thornfield for a year to come; he had not unfrequently quitted it in a manner quite as abrupt and unexpected. Mme Fairfax a dit qu'elle ne devrait pas être surprise s'il devait aller directement des Leas à Londres, et de là au continent, et ne pas montrer à nouveau son visage à Thornfield pendant un an à venir; il ne l'avait pas rarement quitté d'une manière tout aussi brusque et inattendue. When I heard this, I was beginning to feel a strange chill and failing at the heart. When I heard this, I was beginning to feel a strange chill and failing at the heart. Quand j'ai entendu cela, je commençais à ressentir un frisson étrange et un échec au cœur. I was actually permitting myself to experience a sickening sense of disappointment; but rallying my wits, and recollecting my principles, I at once called my sensations to order; and it was wonderful how I got over the temporary blunder—how I cleared up the mistake of supposing Mr. Rochester's movements a matter in which I had any cause to take a vital interest. I was actually permitting myself to experience a sickening sense of disappointment; but rallying my wits, and recollecting my principles, I at once called my sensations to order; and it was wonderful how I got over the temporary blunder—how I cleared up the mistake of supposing Mr. Rochester's movements a matter in which I had any cause to take a vital interest. Je me permettais en fait d'éprouver un sentiment de déception écœurant; mais rassemblant mes esprits et me rappelant mes principes, je rappela aussitôt mes sensations à l'ordre; et c'était merveilleux de voir comment j'ai surmonté la bévue temporaire - comment j'ai éclairci l'erreur de supposer que les mouvements de M. Rochester étaient une question dans laquelle j'avais une raison de m'intéresser de façon vitale. Not that I humbled myself by a slavish notion of inferiority: on the contrary, I just said— Not that I humbled myself by a slavish notion of inferiority: on the contrary, I just said— Non pas que je me sois humilié par une notion servile d'infériorité: au contraire, je viens de dire:

“You have nothing to do with the master of Thornfield, further than to receive the salary he gives you for teaching his protégée, and to be grateful for such respectful and kind treatment as, if you do your duty, you have a right to expect at his hands. “You have nothing to do with the master of Thornfield, further than to receive the salary he gives you for teaching his protégée, and to be grateful for such respectful and kind treatment as, if you do your duty, you have a right to expect at his hands. "Vous n'avez rien à voir avec le maître de Thornfield, si ce n'est de recevoir le salaire qu'il vous donne pour enseigner à sa protégée, et d'être reconnaissante pour le traitement respectueux et aimable que, si vous faites votre devoir, vous êtes en droit d'attendre de sa part.

Be sure that is the only tie he seriously acknowledges between you and him; so don't make him the object of your fine feelings, your raptures, agonies, and so forth. Soyez sûr que c'est le seul lien qu'il reconnaît sérieusement entre vous et lui; alors ne faites pas de lui l'objet de vos beaux sentiments, de vos ravissements, de vos angoisses, etc. He is not of your order: keep to your caste, and be too self-respecting to lavish the love of the whole heart, soul, and strength, where such a gift is not wanted and would be despised.” He is not of your order: keep to your caste, and be too self-respecting to lavish the love of the whole heart, soul, and strength, where such a gift is not wanted and would be despised.” Il n'est pas de votre ordre: restez dans votre caste et soyez trop respectueux de vous-même pour prodiguer l'amour de tout le cœur, l'âme et la force, là où un tel don n'est pas voulu et serait méprisé.

I went on with my day's business tranquilly; but ever and anon vague suggestions kept wandering across my brain of reasons why I should quit Thornfield; and I kept involuntarily framing advertisements and pondering conjectures about new situations: these thoughts I did not think to check; they might germinate and bear fruit if they could. Je continuais tranquillement les affaires de ma journée; mais toujours et anon vagues suggestions ont continué à errer dans mon cerveau des raisons pour lesquelles je devrais quitter Thornfield; et j'ai continué à cadrer involontairement des publicités et à réfléchir à des conjectures sur de nouvelles situations: ces pensées que je n'ai pas pensé à vérifier; ils pourraient germer et porter des fruits s'ils le pouvaient. Mr.

Rochester had been absent upwards of a fortnight, when the post brought Mrs. Fairfax a letter.

“It is from the master,” said she, as she looked at the direction.

“Now I suppose we shall know whether we are to expect his return or not.”

And while she broke the seal and perused the document, I went on taking my coffee (we were at breakfast): it was hot, and I attributed to that circumstance a fiery glow which suddenly rose to my face. Et pendant qu'elle brisait le sceau et parcourait le document, je continuais à prendre mon café (nous étions au petit-déjeuner): il faisait chaud, et j'attribuais à cette circonstance une lueur de feu qui soudain me monta au visage.

Why my hand shook, and why I involuntarily spilt half the contents of my cup into my saucer, I did not choose to consider. Pourquoi ma main a tremblé et pourquoi j'ai renversé involontairement la moitié du contenu de ma tasse dans ma soucoupe, je n'ai pas choisi de réfléchir.

“Well, I sometimes think we are too quiet; but we run a chance of being busy enough now: for a little while at least,” said Mrs. Fairfax, still holding the note before her spectacles. "Eh bien, je pense parfois que nous sommes trop tranquilles ; mais nous avons une chance d'être assez occupés maintenant : pour un peu de temps au moins", dit Mme Fairfax, tenant toujours le billet devant ses lunettes.

Ere I permitted myself to request an explanation, I tied the string of Adèle's pinafore, which happened to be loose: having helped her also to another bun and refilled her mug with milk, I said, nonchalantly— Avant de me permettre de demander une explication, j'ai noué le cordon de la chasuble d'Adèle, qui s'avérait lâche : après l'avoir aidée à manger un autre petit pain et avoir rempli sa tasse de lait, j'ai dit nonchalamment... “Mr.

Rochester is not likely to return soon, I suppose?”

“Indeed he is—in three days, he says: that will be next Thursday; and not alone either.

I don't know how many of the fine people at the Leas are coming with him: he sends directions for all the best bedrooms to be prepared; and the library and drawing-rooms are to be cleaned out; I am to get more kitchen hands from the George Inn, at Millcote, and from wherever else I can; and the ladies will bring their maids and the gentlemen their valets: so we shall have a full house of it.”  And Mrs. Fairfax swallowed her breakfast and hastened away to commence operations. Je ne sais pas combien de braves gens du Leas viennent avec lui: il envoie des instructions pour que toutes les meilleures chambres soient préparées; et la bibliothèque et les salons doivent être nettoyés; Je dois obtenir plus de mains de cuisine du George Inn, à Millcote et de partout où je peux; et les dames apporteront leurs servantes et les gentilshommes leurs valets: ainsi nous en aurons une salle pleine. Et Mme Fairfax a avalé son petit déjeuner et s'est empressée de commencer les opérations. The three days were, as she had foretold, busy enough.

I had thought all the rooms at Thornfield beautifully clean and well arranged; but it appears I was mistaken. J'avais trouvé toutes les chambres de Thornfield magnifiquement propres et bien agencées; mais il semble que je me suis trompé. Three women were got to help; and such scrubbing, such brushing, such washing of paint and beating of carpets, such taking down and putting up of pictures, such polishing of mirrors and lustres, such lighting of fires in bedrooms, such airing of sheets and feather-beds on hearths, I never beheld, either before or since. Trois femmes ont dû aider; et un tel frottement, un tel brossage, un tel lavage de la peinture et des battements de tapis, tel décapage et pose de tableaux, tel polissage des miroirs et des lustres, tel allumage des feux dans les chambres, tel aération des draps et des lits de plumes sur les foyers, Je n'ai jamais vu, ni avant ni depuis. Adèle ran quite wild in the midst of it: the preparations for company and the prospect of their arrival, seemed to throw her into ecstasies. Adèle se déchaîna au milieu: les préparatifs de la compagnie et la perspective de leur arrivée semblaient la jeter dans l'extase. She would have Sophie to look over all her “toilettes,” as she called frocks; to furbish up any that were “ passées ,” and to air and arrange the new. Elle demanderait à Sophie de regarder par-dessus toutes ses «toilettes», comme elle appelait des robes; pour ravitailler ceux qui étaient «passés», et pour aérer et organiser le nouveau. For herself, she did nothing but caper about in the front chambers, jump on and off the bedsteads, and lie on the mattresses and piled-up bolsters and pillows before the enormous fires roaring in the chimneys. Pour elle-même, elle ne faisait que câliner dans les chambres de devant, sauter sur les sommiers et en descendre, s'allonger sur les matelas et les traversins et oreillers empilés devant les énormes incendies qui rugissaient dans les cheminées. From school duties she was exonerated: Mrs. Fairfax had pressed me into her service, and I was all day in the storeroom, helping (or hindering) her and the cook; learning to make custards and cheese-cakes and French pastry, to truss game and garnish desert-dishes. Des devoirs scolaires, elle fut disculpée: Mme Fairfax m'avait pressé de me mettre à son service, et j'étais toute la journée dans la réserve, aidant (ou gênant) elle et le cuisinier; apprendre à faire des crèmes, des gâteaux au fromage et des pâtisseries françaises, à bander le gibier et à garnir les plats du désert.

The party were expected to arrive on Thursday afternoon, in time for dinner at six.

During the intervening period I had no time to nurse chimeras; and I believe I was as active and gay as anybody—Adèle excepted. Dans l'intervalle, je n'avais pas le temps de nourrir des chimères; et je crois que j'étais aussi active et gaie que n'importe qui, sauf Adèle. Still, now and then, I received a damping check to my cheerfulness; and was, in spite of myself, thrown back on the region of doubts and portents, and dark conjectures. Pourtant, de temps en temps, je recevais un chèque d'amortissement à ma gaieté; et a été, malgré moi, rejeté sur la région des doutes et des présages, et des conjectures sombres. This was when I chanced to see the third-storey staircase door (which of late had always been kept locked) open slowly, and give passage to the form of Grace Poole, in prim cap, white apron, and handkerchief; when I watched her glide along the gallery, her quiet tread muffled in a list slipper; when I saw her look into the bustling, topsy-turvy bedrooms,—just say a word, perhaps, to the charwoman about the proper way to polish a grate, or clean a marble mantelpiece, or take stains from papered walls, and then pass on. C'est à ce moment-là que je vis par hasard la porte de l'escalier du troisième étage (qui, dernièrement, avait toujours été fermée à clé), s'ouvrir lentement, et laisser passer la forme de Grace Poole, en bonnet prim, tablier blanc et mouchoir; quand je la regardais glisser le long de la galerie, son pas tranquille étouffé dans une pantoufle de liste; quand je la vis regarder dans les chambres animées et sens dessus dessous, - dites simplement un mot, peut-être, à la femme de ménage sur la bonne façon de polir une grille, ou de nettoyer une cheminée en marbre, ou de prendre des taches sur les murs tapissés, puis passez sur. She would thus descend to the kitchen once a day, eat her dinner, smoke a moderate pipe on the hearth, and go back, carrying her pot of porter with her, for her private solace, in her own gloomy, upper haunt. Elle descendait ainsi à la cuisine une fois par jour, mangeait son dîner, fumait une pipe modérée sur le foyer, et rentrait, emportant son pot de concierge avec elle, pour son réconfort privé, dans son endroit sombre et supérieur. Only one hour in the twenty-four did she pass with her fellow-servants below; all the rest of her time was spent in some low-ceiled, oaken chamber of the second storey: there she sat and sewed—and probably laughed drearily to herself,—as companionless as a prisoner in his dungeon. Only one hour in the twenty-four did she pass with her fellow-servants below; all the rest of her time was spent in some low-ceiled, oaken chamber of the second storey: there she sat and sewed—and probably laughed drearily to herself,—as companionless as a prisoner in his dungeon. Elle ne passa qu'une heure sur vingt-quatre avec ses compagnons de service en bas; tout le reste de son temps se passa dans quelque chambre basse de chêne du deuxième étage: là, elle s'assit et cousait - et riait probablement à elle-même - aussi sans compagnon qu'une prisonnière dans son cachot.

The strangest thing of all was, that not a soul in the house, except me, noticed her habits, or seemed to marvel at them: no one discussed her position or employment; no one pitied her solitude or isolation. La chose la plus étrange de toutes était que pas une âme dans la maison, à part moi, ne remarquait ses habitudes ou ne paraissait s'émerveiller de celles-ci: personne ne discutait de sa position ou de son emploi; personne ne plaignit sa solitude ou son isolement.

I once, indeed, overheard part of a dialogue between Leah and one of the charwomen, of which Grace formed the subject. Une fois, en effet, j'ai entendu une partie d'un dialogue entre Leah et l'une des charwomen, dont Grace formait le sujet. Leah had been saying something I had not caught, and the charwoman remarked— Leah avait dit quelque chose que je n'avais pas compris, et la charretière a fait remarquer...

“She gets good wages, I guess?” "Elle a un bon salaire, je suppose ?"

“Yes,” said Leah; “I wish I had as good; not that mine are to complain of,—there's no stinginess at Thornfield; but they're not one fifth of the sum Mrs. Poole receives. «Oui,» dit Leah; «J'aurais aimé avoir aussi bien; non pas que les miens soient à plaindre, - il n'y a pas d'avarice à Thornfield; mais ils ne représentent pas un cinquième de la somme que reçoit Mme Poole. And she is laying by: she goes every quarter to the bank at Millcote. Et elle attend: elle va tous les trimestres à la banque de Millcote. I should not wonder but she has saved enough to keep her independent if she liked to leave; but I suppose she's got used to the place; and then she's not forty yet, and strong and able for anything. Je ne devrais pas me demander mais elle a économisé suffisamment pour la garder indépendante si elle aimait partir; mais je suppose qu'elle s'est habituée à l'endroit; et puis elle n'a pas encore quarante ans, forte et capable de tout. It is too soon for her to give up business.” Il est trop tôt pour qu'elle abandonne ses affaires.

“She is a good hand, I daresay,” said the charwoman. «C'est une bonne main, j'ose dire,» dit la femme de ménage.

“Ah!—she understands what she has to do,—nobody better,” rejoined Leah significantly; “and it is not every one could fill her shoes—not for all the money she gets.” “Ah!—she understands what she has to do,—nobody better,” rejoined Leah significantly; “and it is not every one could fill her shoes—not for all the money she gets.” «Ah! - elle comprend ce qu'elle a à faire, - personne de mieux,» rejoignit Leah de façon significative; «Et ce n'est pas tout le monde qui pourrait remplir ses chaussures - pas pour tout l'argent qu'elle reçoit.»

“That it is not!” was the reply. «Ce n'est pas le cas!» fut la réponse.

“I wonder whether the master—”

The charwoman was going on; but here Leah turned and perceived me, and she instantly gave her companion a nudge.

“Doesn't she know?” I heard the woman whisper. «Elle ne sait pas? J'ai entendu la femme chuchoter. Leah shook her head, and the conversation was of course dropped.

All I had gathered from it amounted to this,—that there was a mystery at Thornfield; and that from participation in that mystery I was purposely excluded. All I had gathered from it amounted to this,—that there was a mystery at Thornfield; and that from participation in that mystery I was purposely excluded. Tout ce que j'en avais retenu revenait à ceci: qu'il y avait un mystère à Thornfield; et que de ma participation à ce mystère j'ai été délibérément exclu.

Thursday came: all work had been completed the previous evening; carpets were laid down, bed-hangings festooned, radiant white counterpanes spread, toilet tables arranged, furniture rubbed, flowers piled in vases: both chambers and saloons looked as fresh and bright as hands could make them. Thursday came: all work had been completed the previous evening; carpets were laid down, bed-hangings festooned, radiant white counterpanes spread, toilet tables arranged, furniture rubbed, flowers piled in vases: both chambers and saloons looked as fresh and bright as hands could make them. Jeudi arriva: tous les travaux étaient terminés la veille au soir; des tapis étaient posés, des tentures de lit festonnées, des contre-carreaux blancs rayonnants étalés, des tables de toilettes disposées, des meubles frottés, des fleurs empilées dans des vases: les chambres et les salons paraissaient aussi frais et brillants que les mains pouvaient le faire.

The hall, too, was scoured; and the great carved clock, as well as the steps and banisters of the staircase, were polished to the brightness of glass; in the dining-room, the sideboard flashed resplendent with plate; in the drawing-room and boudoir, vases of exotics bloomed on all sides. The hall, too, was scoured; and the great carved clock, as well as the steps and banisters of the staircase, were polished to the brightness of glass; in the dining-room, the sideboard flashed resplendent with plate; in the drawing-room and boudoir, vases of exotics bloomed on all sides. La salle aussi était récurée; et la grande horloge sculptée, ainsi que les marches et les rampes de l'escalier, étaient polies à l'éclat du verre; dans la salle à manger, le buffet éclairait resplendissant d'assiette; dans le salon et le boudoir, des vases exotiques fleurissaient de tous côtés.

Afternoon arrived: Mrs. Fairfax assumed her best black satin gown, her gloves, and her gold watch; for it was her part to receive the company,—to conduct the ladies to their rooms, &c.  Adèle, too, would be dressed: though I thought she had little chance of being introduced to the party that day at least. L'après-midi est arrivé: Mme Fairfax a revêtu sa plus belle robe de satin noir, ses gants et sa montre en or; car c'était sa part de recevoir la compagnie, de conduire les dames dans leurs chambres, etc. Adèle aussi serait habillée: même si je pensais qu'elle avait peu de chance d'être présentée à la fête ce jour-là au moins. However, to please her, I allowed Sophie to apparel her in one of her short, full muslin frocks. However, to please her, I allowed Sophie to apparel her in one of her short, full muslin frocks. Cependant, pour lui plaire, j'ai permis à Sophie de la vêtir d'une de ses robes courtes et pleines de mousseline. For myself, I had no need to make any change; I should not be called upon to quit my sanctum of the schoolroom; for a sanctum it was now become to me,—“a very pleasant refuge in time of trouble.” En ce qui me concerne, je n'avais pas besoin de changer quoi que ce soit ; je ne devais pas être obligé de quitter mon sanctuaire de la salle de classe ; car ce sanctuaire était maintenant devenu pour moi "un refuge très agréable en temps de détresse".

It had been a mild, serene spring day—one of those days which, towards the end of March or the beginning of April, rise shining over the earth as heralds of summer. It had been a mild, serene spring day—one of those days which, towards the end of March or the beginning of April, rise shining over the earth as heralds of summer. C'était un printemps doux et serein, un de ces jours qui, vers la fin de mars ou le début d'avril, se lèvent sur la terre comme les hérauts de l'été.

It was drawing to an end now; but the evening was even warm, and I sat at work in the schoolroom with the window open. It was drawing to an end now; but the evening was even warm, and I sat at work in the schoolroom with the window open. Cela touchait à sa fin maintenant; mais la soirée était encore chaude et je me suis assis au travail dans la salle de classe avec la fenêtre ouverte.

“It gets late,” said Mrs. Fairfax, entering in rustling state. "Il se fait tard", dit Mme Fairfax en entrant dans la salle.

“I am glad I ordered dinner an hour after the time Mr. Rochester mentioned; for it is past six now. «Je suis content d'avoir commandé le dîner une heure après l'heure mentionnée par M. Rochester; car il est six heures maintenant. I have sent John down to the gates to see if there is anything on the road: one can see a long way from thence in the direction of Millcote.”  She went to the window. “Here he is!” said she. “Well, John” (leaning out), “any news?”

“They're coming, ma'am,” was the answer. “They'll be here in ten minutes.” Adèle flew to the window.

I followed, taking care to stand on one side, so that, screened by the curtain, I could see without being seen. J'ai suivi en prenant soin de me tenir d'un côté pour que, masquée par le rideau, je puisse voir sans être vue.

The ten minutes John had given seemed very long, but at last wheels were heard; four equestrians galloped up the drive, and after them came two open carriages. The ten minutes John had given seemed very long, but at last wheels were heard; four equestrians galloped up the drive, and after them came two open carriages. Les dix minutes que John avait données semblaient très longues, mais enfin les roues se faisaient entendre; quatre cavaliers ont galopé sur l'allée, et après eux sont venus deux voitures ouvertes.

Fluttering veils and waving plumes filled the vehicles; two of the cavaliers were young, dashing-looking gentlemen; the third was Mr. Rochester, on his black horse, Mesrour, Pilot bounding before him; at his side rode a lady, and he and she were the first of the party. Des voiles flottants et des panaches ondulés remplissaient les véhicules; deux des cavaliers étaient de jeunes gentilshommes fringants; le troisième était M. Rochester, sur son cheval noir, Mesrour, pilote bondissant devant lui; à ses côtés, une dame était montée, et lui et elle étaient les premiers du groupe. Her purple riding-habit almost swept the ground, her veil streamed long on the breeze; mingling with its transparent folds, and gleaming through them, shone rich raven ringlets. Son habit de cheval pourpre balayait presque le sol, son voile coulait longtemps sur la brise; se mêlant à ses plis transparents et brillant à travers eux, brillaient de riches boucles de corbeau.

“Miss Ingram!” exclaimed Mrs. Fairfax, and away she hurried to her post below. «Mlle Ingram! s'écria Mme Fairfax, et elle se précipita vers son poste en bas.

The cavalcade, following the sweep of the drive, quickly turned the angle of the house, and I lost sight of it. La cavalcade, suivant le balayage de l'allée, a rapidement tourné l'angle de la maison, et je l'ai perdue de vue.

Adèle now petitioned to go down; but I took her on my knee, and gave her to understand that she must not on any account think of venturing in sight of the ladies, either now or at any other time, unless expressly sent for: that Mr. Rochester would be very angry, &c. Adèle now petitioned to go down; but I took her on my knee, and gave her to understand that she must not on any account think of venturing in sight of the ladies, either now or at any other time, unless expressly sent for: that Mr. Rochester would be very angry, &c. Adèle demanda maintenant de descendre; mais je la pris sur mes genoux et lui fis comprendre qu'elle ne devait en aucun cas songer à s'aventurer en vue des dames, ni maintenant ni à tout autre moment, à moins d'être expressément envoyée: que M. Rochester serait très en colère , etc. “Some natural tears she shed” on being told this; but as I began to look very grave, she consented at last to wipe them. «Elle a versé des larmes naturelles» en leur disant cela; mais comme je commençais à avoir l'air très grave, elle consentit enfin à les essuyer.

A joyous stir was now audible in the hall: gentlemen's deep tones and ladies' silvery accents blent harmoniously together, and distinguishable above all, though not loud, was the sonorous voice of the master of Thornfield Hall, welcoming his fair and gallant guests under its roof. A joyous stir was now audible in the hall: gentlemen's deep tones and ladies' silvery accents blent harmoniously together, and distinguishable above all, though not loud, was the sonorous voice of the master of Thornfield Hall, welcoming his fair and gallant guests under its roof. Une joyeuse agitation était maintenant audible dans la salle: les tons profonds des messieurs et les accents argentés des dames se mélangent harmonieusement ensemble, et se distinguait surtout, bien que peu bruyante, était la voix sonore du maître de Thornfield Hall, accueillant ses hôtes justes et galants sous ses toit. Then light steps ascended the stairs; and there was a tripping through the gallery, and soft cheerful laughs, and opening and closing doors, and, for a time, a hush. Puis des pas légers montèrent les escaliers; et il y eut un trébuchement dans la galerie, des rires joyeux et doux, des portes ouvertes et fermées et, pendant un certain temps, un silence.

“Elles changent de toilettes,” said Adèle; who, listening attentively, had followed every movement; and she sighed.

“Chez maman,” said she, “quand il y avait du monde, je le suivais partout, au salon et à leurs chambres; souvent je regardais les femmes de chambre coiffer et habiller les dames, et c'était si amusant: comme cela on apprend.” “Don't you feel hungry, Adèle?” “Mais oui, mademoiselle: voilà cinq ou six heures que nous n'avons pas mangé.” “Mais oui, mademoiselle: voilà cinq ou six heures que nous n'avons pas mangé.” “Well now, while the ladies are in their rooms, I will venture down and get you something to eat.”

And issuing from my asylum with precaution, I sought a back-stairs which conducted directly to the kitchen. And issuing from my asylum with precaution, I sought a back-stairs which conducted directly to the kitchen. Et sortant de mon asile avec précaution, je cherchais un escalier qui menait directement à la cuisine.

All in that region was fire and commotion; the soup and fish were in the last stage of projection, and the cook hung over her crucibles in a frame of mind and body threatening spontaneous combustion. All in that region was fire and commotion; the soup and fish were in the last stage of projection, and the cook hung over her crucibles in a frame of mind and body threatening spontaneous combustion. Tout dans cette région était le feu et l'agitation; la soupe et le poisson étaient au dernier stade de la projection, et la cuisinière était suspendue au-dessus de ses creusets dans un état d'esprit et de corps menaçant la combustion spontanée. In the servants' hall two coachmen and three gentlemen's gentlemen stood or sat round the fire; the abigails, I suppose, were upstairs with their mistresses; the new servants, that had been hired from Millcote, were bustling about everywhere. In the servants' hall two coachmen and three gentlemen's gentlemen stood or sat round the fire; the abigails, I suppose, were upstairs with their mistresses; the new servants, that had been hired from Millcote, were bustling about everywhere. Dans la salle des domestiques, deux cochers et trois gentilshommes se tenaient ou s'assis autour du feu; les abigails, je suppose, étaient à l'étage avec leurs maîtresses; les nouveaux domestiques, embauchés à Millcote, s'affairaient partout. Threading this chaos, I at last reached the larder; there I took possession of a cold chicken, a roll of bread, some tarts, a plate or two and a knife and fork: with this booty I made a hasty retreat. Enfilant ce chaos, j'arrivai enfin au garde-manger; là je pris possession d'un poulet froid, d'un petit pain, de tartes, d'une assiette ou deux et d'un couteau et d'une fourchette: avec ce butin je fis une retraite hâtive. I had regained the gallery, and was just shutting the back-door behind me, when an accelerated hum warned me that the ladies were about to issue from their chambers. I had regained the gallery, and was just shutting the back-door behind me, when an accelerated hum warned me that the ladies were about to issue from their chambers. J'avais regagné la galerie, et je fermais juste la porte arrière derrière moi, quand un bourdonnement accéléré m'avertit que les dames étaient sur le point de sortir de leurs appartements. I could not proceed to the schoolroom without passing some of their doors, and running the risk of being surprised with my cargo of victualage; so I stood still at this end, which, being windowless, was dark: quite dark now, for the sun was set and twilight gathering. I could not proceed to the schoolroom without passing some of their doors, and running the risk of being surprised with my cargo of victualage; so I stood still at this end, which, being windowless, was dark: quite dark now, for the sun was set and twilight gathering. Je ne pouvais pas me rendre dans la salle de classe sans passer quelques-unes de leurs portes et risquer d'être surpris par ma cargaison de ravitaillement; je restai donc immobile à cette extrémité, qui, étant sans fenêtre, était sombre: assez sombre maintenant, car le soleil se couchait et le crépuscule se rassemblait.

Presently the chambers gave up their fair tenants one after another: each came out gaily and airily, with dress that gleamed lustrous through the dusk. Bientôt, les chambres abandonnèrent leurs belles locataires l'une après l'autre: chacune en sortit gaiement et aérée, avec une robe qui brillait à travers le crépuscule.

For a moment they stood grouped together at the other extremity of the gallery, conversing in a key of sweet subdued vivacity: they then descended the staircase almost as noiselessly as a bright mist rolls down a hill. Un instant, ils restèrent groupés à l'autre extrémité de la galerie, conversant dans une touche d'une douce vivacité tamisée: ils descendirent alors l'escalier presque aussi silencieusement qu'une brume brillante dévalait une colline. Their collective appearance had left on me an impression of high-born elegance, such as I had never before received. Leur apparence collective m'avait laissé une impression d'élégance de haut niveau, telle que je n'avais jamais reçu.

I found Adèle peeping through the schoolroom door, which she held ajar. I found Adèle peeping through the schoolroom door, which she held ajar.

“What beautiful ladies!” cried she in English. “Oh, I wish I might go to them! Do you think Mr. Rochester will send for us by-and-bye, after dinner?” Pensez-vous que M. Rochester nous fera venir d'ici et au revoir, après le dîner?

“No, indeed, I don't; Mr. Rochester has something else to think about. Never mind the ladies to-night; perhaps you will see them to-morrow: here is your dinner.” Never mind the ladies to-night; perhaps you will see them to-morrow: here is your dinner.”

She was really hungry, so the chicken and tarts served to divert her attention for a time. She was really hungry, so the chicken and tarts served to divert her attention for a time.

It was well I secured this forage, or both she, I, and Sophie, to whom I conveyed a share of our repast, would have run a chance of getting no dinner at all: every one downstairs was too much engaged to think of us. It was well I secured this forage, or both she, I, and Sophie, to whom I conveyed a share of our repast, would have run a chance of getting no dinner at all: every one downstairs was too much engaged to think of us. C'était bien que je m'assurais ce fourrage, ou bien elle, moi et Sophie, à qui j'apportais une part de notre repas, aurions eu la chance de ne pas avoir de dîner du tout: tout le monde en bas était trop engagé pour penser à nous . The dessert was not carried out till after nine and at ten footmen were still running to and fro with trays and coffee-cups. The dessert was not carried out till after nine and at ten footmen were still running to and fro with trays and coffee-cups. Le dessert ne fut effectué qu'après neuf heures et à dix hommes de pied couraient toujours avec des plateaux et des tasses à café. I allowed Adèle to sit up much later than usual; for she declared she could not possibly go to sleep while the doors kept opening and shutting below, and people bustling about. J'ai laissé Adèle s'asseoir beaucoup plus tard que d'habitude; car elle déclara qu'elle ne pouvait pas s'endormir tant que les portes s'ouvraient et se fermaient en bas et que les gens s'affairaient. Besides, she added, a message might possibly come from Mr. Rochester when she was undressed; “et alors quel dommage!” Besides, she added, a message might possibly come from Mr. Rochester when she was undressed; “et alors quel dommage!”

I told her stories as long as she would listen to them; and then for a change I took her out into the gallery. I told her stories as long as she would listen to them; and then for a change I took her out into the gallery.

The hall lamp was now lit, and it amused her to look over the balustrade and watch the servants passing backwards and forwards. The hall lamp was now lit, and it amused her to look over the balustrade and watch the servants passing backwards and forwards. La lampe de la salle était maintenant allumée, et cela l'amusait de regarder par-dessus la balustrade et de regarder les domestiques passer en avant et en arrière. When the evening was far advanced, a sound of music issued from the drawing-room, whither the piano had been removed; Adèle and I sat down on the top step of the stairs to listen. When the evening was far advanced, a sound of music issued from the drawing-room, whither the piano had been removed; Adèle and I sat down on the top step of the stairs to listen. Quand la soirée fut bien avancée, un son de musique sortit du salon, où le piano avait été retiré; Adèle et moi nous sommes assis sur la dernière marche de l'escalier pour écouter. Presently a voice blent with the rich tones of the instrument; it was a lady who sang, and very sweet her notes were. Actuellement, une voix se mêle aux riches tons de l'instrument; c'était une dame qui chantait, et ses notes étaient très douces. The solo over, a duet followed, and then a glee: a joyous conversational murmur filled up the intervals. Le solo terminé, un duo suivit, puis une joie: un joyeux murmure conversationnel remplissait les intervalles. I listened long: suddenly I discovered that my ear was wholly intent on analysing the mingled sounds, and trying to discriminate amidst the confusion of accents those of Mr. Rochester; and when it caught them, which it soon did, it found a further task in framing the tones, rendered by distance inarticulate, into words. J'écoutai longtemps: tout à coup je découvris que mon oreille était tout à fait résolue à analyser les sons mêlés, et à tenter de discriminer au milieu de la confusion des accents ceux de M. Rochester; et quand il les a attrapés, ce qu'il a fait bientôt, il a trouvé une autre tâche en encadrant les tons, rendus inarticulés par la distance, en mots.

The clock struck eleven.

I looked at Adèle, whose head leant against my shoulder; her eyes were waxing heavy, so I took her up in my arms and carried her off to bed. Je regardai Adèle, dont la tête était appuyée contre mon épaule; ses yeux devenaient lourds, alors je l'ai prise dans mes bras et l'ai emmenée au lit. It was near one before the gentlemen and ladies sought their chambers. It was near one before the gentlemen and ladies sought their chambers. Il était près d'une heure avant que les messieurs et les dames ne cherchent leur chambre.

The next day was as fine as its predecessor: it was devoted by the party to an excursion to some site in the neighbourhood. The next day was as fine as its predecessor: it was devoted by the party to an excursion to some site in the neighbourhood.

They set out early in the forenoon, some on horseback, the rest in carriages; I witnessed both the departure and the return. They set out early in the forenoon, some on horseback, the rest in carriages; I witnessed both the departure and the return. Ils partent tôt dans la matinée, les uns à cheval, les autres en calèche; J'ai été témoin à la fois du départ et du retour. Miss Ingram, as before, was the only lady equestrian; and, as before, Mr. Rochester galloped at her side; the two rode a little apart from the rest. Miss Ingram, as before, was the only lady equestrian; and, as before, Mr. Rochester galloped at her side; the two rode a little apart from the rest. I pointed out this circumstance to Mrs. Fairfax, who was standing at the window with me— I pointed out this circumstance to Mrs. Fairfax, who was standing at the window with me—

“You said it was not likely they should think of being married,” said I, “but you see Mr. Rochester evidently prefers her to any of the other ladies.” “You said it was not likely they should think of being married,” said I, “but you see Mr. Rochester evidently prefers her to any of the other ladies.” "Vous avez dit qu'il était peu probable qu'ils songent à se marier, dis-je, mais vous voyez que M. Rochester la préfère manifestement à toutes les autres dames.

“Yes, I daresay: no doubt he admires her.”

“And she him,” I added; “look how she leans her head towards him as if she were conversing confidentially; I wish I could see her face; I have never had a glimpse of it yet.” «Et elle lui», ai-je ajouté; «Regardez comment elle penche la tête vers lui comme si elle conversait confidentiellement; J'aimerais pouvoir voir son visage; Je n'en ai encore jamais eu un aperçu.

“You will see her this evening,” answered Mrs. Fairfax.

“I happened to remark to Mr. Rochester how much Adèle wished to be introduced to the ladies, and he said: ‘Oh! let her come into the drawing-room after dinner; and request Miss Eyre to accompany her. '” “Yes; he said that from mere politeness: I need not go, I am sure,” I answered. "Oui; il a dit cela par simple politesse: je n'ai pas besoin d'y aller, j'en suis sûr », répondis-je.

“Well, I observed to him that as you were unused to company, I did not think you would like appearing before so gay a party—all strangers; and he replied, in his quick way—‘Nonsense! «Eh bien, je lui ai fait remarquer que comme vous n'étiez pas habitué à la compagnie, je ne pensais pas que vous aimeriez comparaître devant une fête aussi gaie - tous étrangers; et il répondit, à sa manière rapide: «Non-sens!

If she objects, tell her it is my particular wish; and if she resists, say I shall come and fetch her in case of contumacy. Si elle s'y oppose, dites-lui que c'est mon souhait particulier ; et si elle résiste, dites-lui que je viendrai la chercher en cas de contumace. '” “I will not give him that trouble,” I answered. «Je ne lui donnerai pas ce problème», répondis-je.

“I will go, if no better may be; but I don't like it. «J'irai, si ce n'est pas mieux; mais je n'aime pas ça. Shall you be there, Mrs. Fairfax?”

“No; I pleaded off, and he admitted my plea. "Non; J'ai plaidé, et il a admis mon plaidoyer.

I'll tell you how to manage so as to avoid the embarrassment of making a formal entrance, which is the most disagreeable part of the business. Je vais vous dire comment faire pour éviter l'embarras de faire une entrée formelle, qui est la partie la plus désagréable de l'entreprise. You must go into the drawing-room while it is empty, before the ladies leave the dinner-table; choose your seat in any quiet nook you like; you need not stay long after the gentlemen come in, unless you please: just let Mr. Rochester see you are there and then slip away—nobody will notice you.” Il faut entrer dans le salon vide, avant que les dames ne quittent la table; choisissez votre siège dans n'importe quel coin tranquille que vous aimez; vous n'avez pas besoin de rester longtemps après l'arrivée des messieurs, à moins que vous ne le vouliez: laissez simplement M. Rochester voir que vous êtes là, puis vous échappez - personne ne vous remarquera.

“Will these people remain long, do you think?” «Ces personnes resteront-elles longtemps, pensez-vous?

“Perhaps two or three weeks, certainly not more.

After the Easter recess, Sir George Lynn, who was lately elected member for Millcote, will have to go up to town and take his seat; I daresay Mr. Rochester will accompany him: it surprises me that he has already made so protracted a stay at Thornfield.” After the Easter recess, Sir George Lynn, who was lately elected member for Millcote, will have to go up to town and take his seat; I daresay Mr. Rochester will accompany him: it surprises me that he has already made so protracted a stay at Thornfield.” Après les vacances de Pâques, Sir George Lynn, qui a été récemment élu député de Millcote, devra se rendre en ville et prendre son siège; J'ose dire que M. Rochester l'accompagnera: cela m'étonne qu'il ait déjà fait un si long séjour à Thornfield.

It was with some trepidation that I perceived the hour approach when I was to repair with my charge to the drawing-room. It was with some trepidation that I perceived the hour approach when I was to repair with my charge to the drawing-room. Ce fut avec une certaine appréhension que je perçus l'heure approcher où je devais me rendre avec ma charge au salon.

Adèle had been in a state of ecstasy all day, after hearing she was to be presented to the ladies in the evening; and it was not till Sophie commenced the operation of dressing her that she sobered down. Adèle avait été en extase toute la journée, après avoir appris qu'elle devait être présentée aux dames le soir; et ce ne fut que lorsque Sophie commença l'opération de l'habiller qu'elle se calma. Then the importance of the process quickly steadied her, and by the time she had her curls arranged in well-smoothed, drooping clusters, her pink satin frock put on, her long sash tied, and her lace mittens adjusted, she looked as grave as any judge. Puis l'importance du processus l'a rapidement stabilisée, et au moment où elle avait ses boucles disposées en grappes bien lissées et tombantes, sa robe de satin rose mise, sa longue ceinture attachée et ses mitaines en dentelle ajustées, elle avait l'air aussi grave que n'importe quel juge. No need to warn her not to disarrange her attire: when she was dressed, she sat demurely down in her little chair, taking care previously to lift up the satin skirt for fear she should crease it, and assured me she would not stir thence till I was ready. Inutile de l'avertir de ne pas déranger sa tenue: quand elle était habillée, elle s'assit modestement dans sa petite chaise, prenant soin auparavant de soulever la jupe de satin de peur qu'elle ne la plisse, et m'assura qu'elle ne remuerait que J'étais prêt. This I quickly was: my best dress (the silver-grey one, purchased for Miss Temple's wedding, and never worn since) was soon put on; my hair was soon smoothed; my sole ornament, the pearl brooch, soon assumed. Ce que je fus rapidement: ma meilleure robe (la gris argent, achetée pour le mariage de Miss Temple et jamais portée depuis) fut bientôt mise; mes cheveux furent bientôt lissés; mon seul ornement, la broche en perles, a bientôt pris. We descended.

Fortunately there was another entrance to the drawing-room than that through the saloon where they were all seated at dinner. Heureusement, il y avait une autre entrée dans le salon que celle par le salon où ils étaient tous assis à dîner.

We found the apartment vacant; a large fire burning silently on the marble hearth, and wax candles shining in bright solitude, amid the exquisite flowers with which the tables were adorned. Nous avons trouvé l'appartement vacant; un grand feu brûlant silencieusement sur le foyer de marbre, et des bougies de cire brillantes dans une solitude lumineuse, au milieu des fleurs exquises dont les tables étaient ornées. The crimson curtain hung before the arch: slight as was the separation this drapery formed from the party in the adjoining saloon, they spoke in so low a key that nothing of their conversation could be distinguished beyond a soothing murmur. Le rideau cramoisi pendait devant l'arche: aussi légère que fût la séparation que cette draperie formait de la fête du salon attenant, ils parlaient si bas que rien de leur conversation ne pouvait être distingué au-delà d'un murmure apaisant.

Adèle, who appeared to be still under the influence of a most solemnising impression, sat down, without a word, on the footstool I pointed out to her. Adèle, qui paraissait encore sous l'influence d'une impression des plus solennelles, s'assit, sans un mot, sur le marchepied que je lui montrai.

I retired to a window-seat, and taking a book from a table near, endeavoured to read. Je me retirai sur un siège de fenêtre et, prenant un livre sur une table voisine, m'efforçai de lire. Adèle brought her stool to my feet; ere long she touched my knee. Adèle a mis son tabouret à mes pieds; Bientôt, elle a touché mon genou.

“What is it, Adèle?”

“Est-ce que je ne puis pas prendrie une seule de ces fleurs magnifiques, mademoiselle?

Seulement pour completer ma toilette.”

“You think too much of your ‘toilette,' Adèle: but you may have a flower.”  And I took a rose from a vase and fastened it in her sash. She sighed a sigh of ineffable satisfaction, as if her cup of happiness were now full. Elle poussa un soupir de satisfaction ineffable, comme si sa coupe de bonheur était maintenant pleine. I turned my face away to conceal a smile I could not suppress: there was something ludicrous as well as painful in the little Parisienne's earnest and innate devotion to matters of dress. Je détournai le visage pour dissimuler un sourire que je ne pouvais supprimer: il y avait quelque chose de ridicule et de douloureux dans le dévouement sérieux et inné de la petite Parisienne aux questions vestimentaires. A soft sound of rising now became audible; the curtain was swept back from the arch; through it appeared the dining-room, with its lit lustre pouring down light on the silver and glass of a magnificent dessert-service covering a long table; a band of ladies stood in the opening; they entered, and the curtain fell behind them. Un doux bruit de montée devint alors audible; le rideau a été balayé de l'arc; à travers elle paraissait la salle à manger, avec son lustre éclairé déversant de la lumière sur l'argent et le verre d'un magnifique service à dessert recouvrant une longue table; une bande de dames se tenait dans l'ouverture; ils entrèrent, et le rideau tomba derrière eux.