摘要
本文节选自简·韦伯斯特的小说《长腿叔叔》。主人公茱蒂如约给资助她上大学的神秘叔叔写信,描述了自己在大学的所见所闻所感。亲爱的长腿叔叔:原本打算在城里的时候写信给您的,叔叔,不过纽约实在太吸引人了。我过了一段很美好的日子,也得到了不少启示。我庆幸自己没有出生在这样的家庭,我真的宁愿在约翰·格利尔孤儿院里长大。不管我的出身多么低微,至少过得简单而诚实,而不矫揉造作。
Dear Daddy-Long-Legs,I meant to write to you from the city,Daddy,but New York is an engrossing place.I had an interesting—and illuminating—time,but I’m glad I don’t belong to such a family!I should truly rather have the John Grier Home for a background.Whatever the drawbacks of my bringing up,there was at least no pretence about it.I know now what people mean when they say they are weighed down by Things.The material atmosphere of that house was crushing;I didn’t draw a deep breath until I was on an express train coming back.All the furniture was carved and upholstered and gorgeous;the people I met were beautifully dressed and low-voiced and well-bred,but it’s the truth,Daddy,I never heard one word of real talk from the time we arrived until we left.I don’t think an idea ever entered the front door.
