华伦夫人的职业
Mrs Warren’s Profession
华伦夫人出身贫寒，年轻时在姐姐的引导下由卖淫到开妓院，最终挤入有钱人的行列。后来她有了个可爱的女儿薇薇并让她接受了良好的教育。薇薇从剑桥大学毕业后，华伦夫人打算跟女儿住在一起。但薇薇对母亲的职业产生了怀疑，追问之下知道了实情。她本要责备母亲干的肮脏勾当，但在了解了母亲悲惨的身世后觉得母亲的做法并不羞耻。薇薇才貌出众，周围有一群求婚者，她逐渐了解到，这些人中有些是她母亲的老相好，有一个还是她的同父异母的弟弟。薇薇大受刺激，发誓永不结婚，自己养活自己。该剧揭示了资本主义社会的残酷现实。
Act l
Summer afternoon in a cottage garden on the eastern slope of a hill a little south of Haslemere in Surrey. Looking up the hill，the cottage is seen in the left hand corner of the garden，with its thatched roof and porch，and a large latticed window to the left of the porch. A paling completely shuts in the garden，except for a gate on the right. The common rises uphill beyond the paling to the sky line. Some folded canvas garden chairs are leaning against the side bench in the porch. A lady’s bicycle is propped against the wall，under the window.
A little to the right of the porch a hammock is slung from two posts. A big canvas umbrella，stuck in the ground，keeps the sun off the hammock，in which a young lady is reading and making notes，her head towards the cottage and her feet towards the gate.
In front of the hammock，and within reach of her hand，is a common kitchen chair，with a pile of serious-looking books and a supply of writing paper on it.
A gentleman walking on the common comes into sight from behind the cottage. He is hardly past middle age，with something of the artist about him，unconventionally but carefully dressed，and clean-shaven except for a moustache，with an eager susceptible face and very amiable and considerate manners. He has silky black hair，with waves of grey and white in it. His eyebrows are white，his moustache black. He seems not certain of his way. He looks over the palings；takes stock of the place；and sees the young lady.
The gentleman：(taking off his hat) I beg your pardon. Can you direct me to Hindhead View—Mrs Alison’s?
The young lady：(glancing up from her book) This is Mrs Alison’s. (She resumes her work. )
The gentleman：Indeed! Perhaps—may I ask are you Miss Vivie Warren?
The young lady：(sharply，as she turns on her elbow to get a good look at him) Yes.
The gentleman：(daunted and conciliatory) I’m afraid I appear intrusive. My name is Praed. (Vivie at once throws her books upon the chair，and gets out of the hammock.) Oh，pray don’t let me disturb you.
Vivie：(striding to the gate and opening it for him) Come in，Mr Praed. (He comes in.) Glad to see you. (She proffers her hand and takes his with a resolute and hearty grip. She is an attractive specimen of the sensible，able，highly-educated young middle-class Englishwoman. Age 22. Prompt，strong，confident，self-possessed. Plain business-like dress，but not dowdy. She wears a chatelaine at her belt，with a fountain pen and a paper knife among its pendants. )
Praed：Very kind of you indeed，Miss Warren. (She shuts the gate with a vigorous slam. He passes in to the middle of the garden，exercising his fingers，which are slightly numbed by her greeting.) Has your mother arrived?
Vivie：(quickly，evidently scenting aggression) Is she coming?
Praed：(surprised) Didn’t you expect us?
Vivie：No.
Praed：Now，goodness me，I hope I’ve not mistaken the day. That would be just like me，you know. Your mother arranged that she was to come down from London and that I was to come over from Horsham to be introduced to you.
Vivie：(not at all pleased) Did she? Hm! My mother has rather a trick of taking me by surprise—to see how I behave myself while she’s away，I suppose. I fancy I shall take my mother very much by surprise one of these days，if she makes arrangements that concern me without consulting me before hand. She hasn’t come.
Praed：(embarrassed) I’m really very sorry.
Vivie：(throwing off her displeasure) It’s not your fault，Mr Praed，is it? And I’m very glad you’ve come. You are the only one of my mother’s friends I have ever asked her to bring to see me.
Praed：(relieved and delighted) Oh，now this is really very good of you，Miss Warren!
Vivie：Will you come indoors；or would you rather sit out here and talk?
Praed：It will be nicer out here，don’t you think?
Vivie：Then I’ll go and get you a chair. (She goes to the porch for a garden chair.)
Praed：(following her) Oh，pray，pray! Allow me. (He lays hands on the chair.)
Vivie：(letting him take it) Take care of your fingers；they’re rather dodgy things，those chairs. (She goes across to the chair with the books on it；pitches them into the hammock；and brings the chair forward with one swing.)
Praed：(who has just unfolded his chair) Oh，now do let me take that hard chair. I like hard chairs.
Vivie：So do I. Sit down，Mr Praed. (This invitation she gives with a genial peremptoriness，his anxiety to please her clearly striking her as a sign of weakness of character on his part. But he does not immediately obey. )
Praed：By the way，though，hadn’t we better go to the station to meet your mother?
Vivie：(coolly) Why? She knows the way.
Praed：(disconcerted) Er— suppose she does. (he sits down)
Vivie：Do you know，you are just like what I expected. I hope you are disposed to be friends with me.
Praed：(again beaming) Thank you，my dear Miss Warren；thank you. Dear me! I’m so glad your mother hasn’t spoilt you!
Vivie：How?
Praed：Well，in making you too conventional. You know，my dear Miss Warren，I am a born anarchist. I hate authority. It spoils the relations between parent and child；even between mother and daughter. Now I was always afraid that your mother would strain her authority to make you very conventional. It’s such a relief to find that she hasn’t.
Vivie：Oh! Have I been behaving unconventionally?
Praed：Oh no：oh dear no. At least，not conventionally unconventionally，you understand. (She nods and sits down. He goes on，with a cordial outburst) But it was so charming of you to say that you were disposed to be friends with me! You modern young ladies are splendid：perfectly splendid!
Vivie：(dubiously) Eh? (watching him with dawning disappointment as to the quality of his brains and character)
Praed：When I was your age，young men and women were afraid of each other. There was no good fellowship. Nothing real. Only gallantry copied out of novels，and as vulgar and affected as it could be. Maidenly reserve! Gentlemanly chivalry! Always saying“no”when you meant yes! Simple purgatory for shy and sincere souls.
Vivie：Yes，I imagine there must have been a frightful waste of time. Especially women’s time.
Praed：Oh，waste of life，waste of everything. But things are improving. Do you know，I have been in a positive state of excitement about meeting you ever since your magnificent achievements at Cambridge：a thing unheard of in my day. It was perfectly splendid，your tieing with the third wrangler. Just the right place，you know. The first wrangler is always a dreamy，morbid fellow，in whom the thing is pushed to the length of a disease.
Vivie：It doesn’t pay. I wouldn’t do it again for the same money.
Praed：(aghast) The same money!
Vivie：Yes. Fifty pounds. Perhaps you don’t know how it was. Mrs Latham，my tutor at Newnham，told my mother that I could distinguish myself in the mathematical tripos if I went in for it in earnest. The papers were full just then of Phillipa Summers beating the senior wrangler. You remember about it，of course.
(Praed shakes his head energetically)
Vivie：Well，anyhow，she did；and nothing would please my mother but that I should do the same thing. I said flatly that it was not worth my while to face the grind since I was not going in for teaching；but I offered to try for fourth wrangler or thereabouts for fifty pounds. She closed with me at that，after a little grumbling；and I was better than my bargain. But I wouldn’t do it again for that. Two hundred pounds would have been nearer the mark.
Praed：(much damped) Lord bless me! That’s a very practical way of looking at it.
Vivie：Did you expect to find me an unpractical person?
Praed：But surely it’s practical to consider not only the work these honors cost，but also the culture they bring.
Vivie：Culture! My dear Mr Praed，do you know what the mathematical tripos means? It means grind，grind，grind for six to eight hours a day at mathematics，and nothing but mathematics. I’m supposed to know something about science；but I know nothing except the mathematics it involves. I can make calculations for engineers，electricians，insurance companies，and so on；but I know next to nothing about engineering or electricity or insurance. I don’t even know arithmetic well. Outside mathematics，lawn-tennis，eating，sleeping，cycling and walking，I’m a more ignorant barbarian than any woman could possibly be who hadn’t gone in for the tripos.
Praed：(revolted) What a monstrous，wicked，rascally system! I knew it! I felt at once that it meant destroying all that makes womanhood beautiful!
Vivie：I don’t object to it on that score in the least. I shall turn it to very good account，I assure you.
Praed：Pooh! In what way?
Vivie：I shall set up chambers in the City，and work at actuarial calculations and conveyancing. Under cover of that I shall do some law，with one eye on the Stock Exchange all the time. I’ve come down here by myself to read law，not for a holiday，as my mother imagines. I hate holidays.
Praed：You make my blood run cold. Are you to have no romance，no beauty in your life?
Vivie：I don’t care for either，I assure you.
Praed：You can’t mean that.
Vivie：Oh yes I do. I like working and getting paid for it. When I’m tired of working，I like a comfortable chair，a cigar，a little whisky，and a novel with a good detective story in it.
Praed：(rising in a frenzy of repudiation) I don’t believe it. I am an artist；and I can’t believe it：I refuse to believe it. It’s only that you haven’t discovered yet what a wonderful world art can open up to you.
Vivie：Yes I have. Last May I spent six weeks in London with Honoria Fraser. Mamma thought we were doing a round of sightseeing together；but I was really at Honoria’s chambers in Chancery Lane every day，working away at actuarial calculations for her，and helping her as well as a greenhorn could. In the evenings we smoked and talked，and never dreamt of going out except for exercise. And I never enjoyed myself more in my life. I cleared all my expenses and got initiated into the business without a fee in the bargain.
Praed：But bless my heart and soul，Miss Warren，do you call that discovering art?
Vivie：Wait a bit. That wasn’t the beginning. I went up to town on an invitation from some artistic people in Fitzjohn’s Avenue：one of the girls was a Newnham chum. They took me to the National Gallery—
Praed：(approving) Ah! (He sits down，much relieved)
Vivie：(continuing) —to the Opera—
Praed：(still more pleased) Good!
Vivie：And to a concert where the band played all the evening：Beethoven and Wagner and so on. I wouldn’t go through that experience again for anything you could offer me. I held out for civility’s sake until the third day；and then I said，plump out，that I couldn’t stand any more of it，and went off to Chancery Lane. Now you know the sort of perfectly splendid modern young lady I am. How do you think I shall get on with my mother?
Praed：(startled) Well，I hope—er—
Vivie：It’s not so much what you hope as what you believe，that I want to know.
Praed：Well，frankly，I am afraid your mother will be a little disappointed. Not from any shortcoming on your part，you know：I don’t mean that. But you are so different from her ideal.
Vivie：Her what?
Praed：Her ideal.
Vivie：Do you mean her ideal of me?
Praed：Yes.
Vivie：What on earth is it like?
Praed：Well，you must have observed，Miss Warren，that people who are dissatisfied with their own bringing-up generally think that the world would be all right if everybody were to be brought up quite differently. Now your mother’s life has been—er—I suppose you know—
Vivie：Don’t suppose anything，Mr Praed. I hardly know my mother. Since I was a child I have lived in England，at school or at college，or with people paid to take charge of me. I have been boarded out all my life. My mother has lived in Brussels or Vienna and never let me go to her. I only see her when she visits England for a few days. I don’t complain：it’s been very pleasant；for people have been very good to me；and there has always been plenty of money to make things smooth. But don’t imagine I know anything about my mother. I know far less than you do.
Praed：(very ill at ease) In that case—(He stops，quite at a loss. Then，with a forced attempt at gaiety) But what nonsense we are talking! Of course you and your mother will get on capitally. (He rises，and looks abroad at the view. ) What a charming little place you have here!
Vivie：(unmoved) Rather a violent change of subject，Mr Praed. Why won’t my mother’s life bear being talked about?
Praed：Oh，you mustn’t say that. Isn’t it natural that I should have a certain delicacy in talking to my old friend’s daughter about her behind her back? You and she will have plenty of opportunity of talking about it when she comes.
Vivie：No，she won’t talk about it either. (rising) However，I dare say you have good reasons for telling me nothing. Only，mind this，Mr Praed，I expect there will be a battle royal when my mother hears of my Chancery Lane project.
Praed：(ruefully) I’m afraid there will.
Vivie：Well，I shall win because I want nothing but my fare to London to start there tomorrow earning my own living by devilling for Honoria. Besides，I have no mysteries to keep up；and it seems she has. I shall use that advantage over her if necessary.
Praed：(greatly shocked) Oh no! No，pray. You’d not do such a thing.
Vivie：Then tell me why not.
Praed：I really cannot. I appeal to your good feeling. (She smiles at his sentimentality.) Besides，you may be too bold. Your mother is not to be trifled with when she’s angry.
Vivie：You can’t frighten me，Mr Praed. In that month at Chancery Lane I had opportunities of taking the measure of one or two women very like my mother. You may back me to win. But if I hit harder in my ignorance than I need，remember it is you who refuse to enlighten me. Now，let us drop the subject. (She takes her chair and replaces it near the hammock with the same vigorous swing as before. )
Praed：(taking a desperate resolution) One word，Miss Warren. I had better tell you. It’s very difficult；but—
(Mrs Warren and Sir George Crofts arrive at the gate. Mrs Warren is between 40 and 50，formerly pretty，showily dressed in a brilliant hat and a gay blouse fitting tightly over her bust and flanked by fashionable sleeves. Rather spoilt and domineering，and decidedly vulgar，but，on the whole，a genial and fairly presentable old blackguard of a woman. )
(Crofts is a tall powerfully-built man of about 50，fashionably dressed in the style of a young man. Nasal voice，reedier than might be expected from his strong frame. Clean shaven bulldog jaws，large flat ears，and thick neck：gentlemanly combination of the most brutal types of city man，sporting man and man about town.)
Vivie：Here they are. (coming to them as they enter the garden) How do，mother? Mr Praed’s been here this half hour，waiting for you.
Mrs Warren：Well，if you’ve been waiting，Praddy，it’s your own fault：I thought you’d have had the gumption to know I was coming by the 3：10 train. Put your hat on，dear：you’ll get sunburnt. Oh，I forgot to introduce you. Sir George Crofts：my little Vivie.
(Crofts advances to Vivie with his most courtly manner. She nods，but makes no motion to shake hands. )
Crofts：May I shake hands with a young lady whom I have known by reputation very long as the daughter of one of my oldest friends?
Vivie：(who has been looking him up and down sharply) If you like. (She takes his tenderly prof erred hand and gives it a squeeze that makes him open his eyes；then turns away，and says to her mother) Will you come in，or shall I get a couple more chairs? (She goes into the porch for the chairs.)
Mrs Warren：Well，George，what do you think of her?
Crofts：(ruefully) She has a powerful fist. Did you shake hands with her，Praed?
Praed：Yes：it will pass off presently.
Crofts：I hope so. (Vivie reappears with two more chairs. He hurries to her assistance. ) Allow me.
Mrs Warren：(patronizingly) Let Sir George help you with the chairs，dear.
Vivie：(pitching them into his arms) Here you are. (She dusts her hands and turns to Mrs Warren.) You’d like some tea，wouldn’t you?
Mrs Warren：(sitting in Praed’s chair and fanning herself) I’m dying for a drop to drink.
Vivie：I’ll see about it. (She goes into the cottage.)
(Sir George has by this time managed to unfold a chair and plant it by Mrs Warren，on her left. He throws the other on the grass and sits down，looking dejected and rather foolish，with the handle of his stick in his mouth. Praed，still very uneasy，fidgets around the garden on their right. )
Mrs Warren：(to Praed，looking at Crofts) Just look at him，Praddy：he looks cheerful，don’t he? He’s been worrying my life out these three years to have that little girl of mine shewn to him；and now that I’ve done it，he’s quite out of countenance. (briskly) Come! sit up，George；and take your stick out of your mouth. (Crofts sulkily obeys. )
Praed：I think，you know—if you don’t mind my saying so—that we had better get out of the habit of thinking of her as a little girl. You see she has really distinguished herself；and I’m not sure，from what I have seen of her，that she is not younger than any of us.
Mrs Warren：(greatly amused) Only listen to him，George! Older than any of us! Well she has been stuffing you nicely with her importance.
Praed：But young people are particularly sensitive about being treated in that way.
Mrs Warren：Yes；and young people have to get all that nonsense taken out of them，and good deal more besides. Don’t you interfere，Praddy：I know how to treat my own child as well as you do. (Praed，with a grave shake of his head，walks up the garden with his hands behind his back. Mrs Warren pretends to laugh，but looks after him with perceptible concern. Then，she whispers to Crofts) What’s the matter with him? What does he take it like that for?
Crofts：(morosely) You’re afraid of Praed.
Mrs Warren：What! Me! Afraid of dear old Praddy! Why，a fly wouldn’t be afraid of him.
Crofts：You’re afraid of him.
Mrs Warren：(angry) I’ll trouble you to mind your own business，and not try any of your sulks on me. I’m not afraid of you，anyhow. If you can’t make yourself agreeable，you’d better go home. (She gets up，and，turning her back on him，finds herself face to face with Praed) Come，Praddy，I know it was only your tender heartedness. You’re afraid I’ll bully her.
Praed：My dear Kitty：you think I’m offended. Don’t imagine that：pray don’t. But you know I often notice things that escape you；and though you never take my advice，you sometimes admit afterwards that you ought to have taken it.
Mrs Warren：Well，what do you notice now?
Praed：Only that Vivie is a grown woman. Pray，Kitty，treat her with every respect.
Mrs Warren：(with genuine amazement) Respect! Treat my own daughter with respect! What next，pray!
Vivie：(appearing at the cottage door and calling to Mrs Warren) Mother：will you come to my room before tea?
Mrs Warren：Yes，dearie. (She laughs indulgently at Praed’s gravity，and pats him on the cheek as she passes him on her way to the porch.) Don’t be cross，Praddy. (She follows Vivie into the cottage.)
Crofts：(furtively) I say，Praed.
Praed：Yes.
Crofts：I want to ask you a rather particular question.
Praed：Certainly. (He takes Mrs Warren’s chair and sits close to Crofts.)
Crofts：That’s right：they might hear us from the window. Look here：did Kitty ever tell you who was that girl’s father is?
Praed：Never.
Crofts：Have you any suspicion of who it might be?
Praed：None.
Crofts：(not believing him) I know，of course，that you perhaps might feel bound not to tell if she had said anything to you. But it’s very awkward to be uncertain about it now that we shall be meeting the girl every day. We don’t exactly know how we ought to feel towards her.
Praed：What difference can that make? We take her on her own merits. What does it matter who her father was?
Crofts：(suspiciously) Then you know who he was?
Praed：(with a touch of temper) I said no just now. Did you not hear me?
Crofts：Look here，Praed. I ask you as a particular favor. If you do know (movement of protest from Praed)—I only say，if you know，you might at least set my mind at rest about her. The fact is，I feel attracted.
Praed：(sternly) What do you mean?
Crofts：Oh，don’t be alarmed：it’s quite an innocent feeling. That’s what puzzles me about it. Why，for all I know，I might be her father.
Praed：You! Impossible!
Crofts：(catching him up cunningly) You know for certain that I’m not?
Praed：I know nothing about it，I tell you，any more than you. But really，Crofts—oh no，it’s out of the question. There’s not the least resemblance.
Crofts：As to that，there’s no resemblance between her and her mother that I can see. I suppose she’s not your daughter，is she?
Praed：(rising indignantly) Really，Crofts—!
Crofts：No offence，Praed. Quite allowable as between two men of the world.
Praed：(recovering himself with an effort and speaking gently and gravely) Now listen to me，my dear Crofts. (He sits down again.) I have nothing to do with that side of Mrs Warren’s life，and never had. She has never spoken to me about it；and of course I have never spoken to her about it. Your delicacy will tell you that a handsome woman needs some friends who are not—well，not on that footing with her. The effect of her own beauty would become a torment to her if she could not escape from it occasionally. You are probably on much more confidential terms with Kitty than I am. Surely you can ask her the question yourself.
Crofts：I have asked her，often enough. But she’s so determined to keep the child all to herself that she would deny that it ever had a father if she could，(rising) I’m thoroughly uncomfortable about it，Praed.
Praed：(rising also) Well，as you are，at all events，old enough to be her father，I don’t mind agreeing that we both regard Miss Vivie in a parental way，as a young girl who we are bound to protect and help. What do you say?
Crofts：(aggressively) I’m no older than you，if you come to that.
Praed：Yes you are，my dear fellow：you were born old. I was born a boy：I’ve never been able to feel the assurance of a grown-up man in my life. (He folds his chair and carries it to the porch. )
Mrs Warren：(calling from within the cottage) Prad-dee! George! Tea-ea-ea-ea!
Crofts：(hastily) She’s calling us. (He hurries in.)
(Praed shakes his head bodingly，and is following Crofts when he is hailed by a young gentleman who has just appeared on the common，and is making for the gate. He is pleasant，pretty，smartly dressed，cleverly good-for-nothing，not long turned 20，with a charming voice.)
The young gentleman：Hello! Praed!
Praed：Why? Frank Gardner! (Frank comes in and shakes hands cordially.) What on earth are you doing here?
Frank：Staying with my father.
Praed：The Roman Father?
Frank：He’s rector here. I’m living with my people this autumn for the sake of economy. Things came to a crisis in July：the Roman father had to pay my debts. He’s stony broke in consequence；and so am I. What are you up to in these parts? Do you know the people here?
Praed：Yes， I’m spending the day with a Miss Warren.
Frank：(enthusiastically) What! Do you know Vivie? Isn’t she a jolly girl? I’m teaching her to shoot with this. (putting down the rifle) I’m so glad she knows you：you’re just the sort of fellow she ought to know. It’s ever so jolly to find you here，Praed.
Praed：I’m an old friend of her mother. Mrs Warren brought me over to make her daughter’s acquaintance.
Frank：The mother! Is she here?
Praed：Yes，inside，at tea.
Mrs Warren：(calling from within) Prad-dee-ee-ee-eee! The tea-cake’ll be cold.
Praed：(calling) Yes，Mrs Warren. In a moment. I’ve just met a friend here.
Mrs Warren：A what?
Praed：(louder) A friend.
Mrs Warren：Bring him in.
Praed：All right，(to Frank) Will you accept the invitation?
Frank：(incredulous，but immensely amused) Is that Vivie’s mother?
Praed：Yes.
Frank：By Jove! What a lark! Do you think she’ll like me?
Praed：I’ve no doubt you’ll make yourself popular，as usual. Come in and try.
(moving towards the house)
Frank：Stop a bit. (seriously) I want to take you into my confidence.
Praed：Pray don’t. It’s only some fresh folly，like the barmaid at Redhill.
Frank：It’s ever so much more serious than that. You say you’ve only just met Vivie for the first time?
Praed：Yes.
Frank：(rhapsodically) Then you can have no idea what a girl she is. Such character! Such sense! And her cleverness! Oh，my eye，Praed，but I can tell you she is clever! And—need I add? —she loves me.
Crofts：(putting his head out of the window) I say，Praed，what are you about? Do come along.
Frank：Hallo! Sort of chap that would take a prize at a dog show，ain’t he? Who’s he?
Praed：Sir George Crofts，an old friend of Mrs Warren’s. I think we had better come in. (on their way to the porch，they are interrupted by a call from the gate. Turning，they see an elderly clergyman looking over it. )
The clergyman：(calling) Frank!
Frank：Hallo! (to Praed) The Roman father，(to the clergyman) Yes，gov’nor：all right，presently，(to Praed) Look here，Praed，you’d better go in to tea. I’ll join you directly.
Praed：Very good. (He goes into the cottage.)
Rev.s：Well，sir. Who are your friends here，if I may ask?
Prank：Oh，it’s all right，gov’nor! Come in.
Rev.s：No，sir；not until I know whose garden I am entering.
Frank：It’s all right. It’s Miss Warren’s.
Rev.s：I have not seen her at church since she came.
Frank：Of course not：she’s a third wrangler. Ever so intellectual. Took a higher degree than you did；so why should she go to hear you preach?
Rev.s：Don’t be disrespectful，sir.
Frank：Oh，it don’t matter：nobody hears us. Come in. I want to introduce you to her. Do you remember the advice you gave me last July，gov’nor?
Rev.s：(severely) Yes. I advised you to conquer your idleness and flippancy，and to work your way into an honorable profession and live on it and not upon me.
Frank：No，that’s what you thought of afterwards. What you actually said was that since I had neither brains nor money，I’d better turn my good looks to account by marrying someone with both. Well，look here. Miss Warren has brains：you can’t deny that.
Rev.s：Brains are not everything.
Frank：No，of course not：there’s the money—
Rev.s：(interrupting him austerely) I was not thinking of money，sir. I was speaking of higher things. Social position，for instance.
Frank：I don’t care a rap about that.
Rev.s：But I do，sir.
Frank：Well，nobody wants you to marry her. Anyhow，she has what amounts to a high Cambridge degree；and she seems to have as much money as she wants.
Rev.s：(sinking into a feeble vein of humor) I greatly doubt whether she has as much money as you will want.
Frank：Oh，come：I haven’t been so very extravagant. I live ever so quietly；I don’t drink；I don’t bet much；and I never go regularly to the razzle-dazzle as you did when you were my age.
Rev.s：(booming hollowly) Silence，sir.
Frank：Well，you told me yourself，when I was making every such an ass of myself about the barmaid at Redhill，that you once offered a woman fifty pounds for the letters you wrote to her when—
Rev.s：(terrified) Sh-sh-sh，Frank，for Heaven’s sake! (He looks round apprehensively. Seeing no one within earshot he plucks up courage to boom again，but more subduedly.) You are taking an ungentlemanly advantage of what I confided to you for your own good，to save you from an error you would have repented all your life long. Take warning by your father’s follies，sir；and don’t make them an excuse for your own.
Frank：Did you ever hear the story of the Duke of Wellington and his letters?
Rev.s：No，sir；and I don’t want to hear it.
Frank：The old Iron Duke didn’t throw away fifty pounds：not he. He just wrote：“Dear Jenny：publish and be damned! Yours affectionately，Wellington.”That’s what you should have done.
Rev.s：(piteously) Frank，my boy，when I wrote those letters I put myself into that woman’s power. When I told you about them I put myself，to some extent，I am sorry to say，in your power. She refused my money with these words，which I shall never forget.“Knowledge is power”she said；“and I never sell power.”That’s more than twenty years ago；and she has never made use of her power or caused me a moment’s uneasiness. You are behaving worse to me than she did，Frank.
Frank：Oh，yes，I dare say! Did you ever preach at her the way you preach at me every day?
Rev.s：(wounded almost to tears) I leave you，sir. You are incorrigible. (He turns towards the gate. )
Frank：(utterly unmoved) Tell them I shan’t be home to tea，will you，gov’nor，like a good fellow?
(He moves towards the cottage door and is met by Praed and Vivie coming out. )
Vivie：(to Frank) Is that your father，Frank? I do so want to meet him.
Frank：Certainly，(calling after his father) Gov’nor. You’re wanted. (The parson turns at the gate，fumbling nervously at his hat. Praed crosses the garden to the opposite side，beaming in anticipation of civilities.) My father：Miss Warren.
Vivie：(going to the clergyman and shaking his hand) Very glad to see you here，Mr Gardner. (calling to the cottage) Mother：come along：you’re wanted.
(Mrs Warren appears on the threshold，and is immediately transfixed，recognizing the clergyman. )
Vivie：(continuing) Let me introduce—
Mrs Warren：(swooping on the Reverend Samuel) Why it’s Sam Gardner，gone into the Church! Well，I never! Don’t you know us，Sam? This is George Crofts，as large as life and twice as natural. Don’t you remember me?
Rev.s：(very red) I really—er—
Mrs Warren：Of course you do. Why，I have a whole album of your letters still：I came across them only the other day.
Rev.s：(miserably confused) Miss Vavasour，I believe.
Mrs Warren：(correcting him quickly in a loud whisper) Teh! Nonsense! Don’t you see my daughter there?
第一幕
夏日午后，小别墅花园，位于萨利郡赫斯米尔地方偏南一点一座小山的东山坡上。仰望小山，可以看到这幢别墅坐落在花园的左手侧，能看到别墅的茅草屋顶、门廊，还有门廊左侧的一大扇格子窗。木栅栏环绕着花园，只在右手侧留了个大门。一条公路沿着山坡，绕过栅栏，一直通向很高很高的地方。门廊里靠近墙边的长凳上，斜放着几把折叠的帆布座椅。一辆女式自行车停在窗下的墙边。
一张吊床由两根柱子支撑着，悬挂着门廊偏右一点的地方。一把巨型帆布伞插在地上，遮挡着吊床上方的阳光。一位年轻的女子头朝着小屋，脚对着大门。躺在吊床上，读书、做笔记。
吊床前面，在她伸手可以够得到的地方，有一把普通的厨房用椅，上面摆着一摞厚重的书和一打写字用的纸。
一位先生从别墅后面的公路走来，进入的视野。他中等年纪，有几分艺术家的气质，着装不循规蹈矩但非常讲究，一张脸刮得干干净净，仅留着短髭，透露着热切的渴望和敏感的心情，行为举止和蔼可亲，周到得体。他的黑发丝质般柔滑，偶尔夹杂着一些灰白色发丝。他的眉毛是白色的，胡须是黑色的。他好像对自己要走的路不太确信。他朝栅栏里张望，仔细察看这个地方，看到了那位年轻的女子。
先生：（摘下帽子）打扰了，请问去辛得海德景——爱立森太太家怎么走呢？
小姐：（视线从书上稍稍离开，瞥了一眼）这就是爱立森太太家。
（继续读书）
先生：哦，这里就是！那么，可以冒昧地问一下，您是薇薇·华伦小姐吗？
小姐：（迅速地转过身来，仔细地打量着他）是啊。
先生：（面带愧疚，谋求好感地）恐怕我冒犯您了，小姐。我是普瑞德。（薇薇小姐立刻把书扔到椅子上，从吊床上下来）哦，愿上帝保佑我没有打搅到您。
薇薇：（大步走到门口，给他打开门）请进，普瑞德先生。（他进来）很高兴见到您。（她主动伸出手，用力地、热情地和他握手。她是一位魅力十足的英国中产阶级女性，敏感，能干，且受过高等教育。今年二十二岁。果断、坚定、自信、镇定。她身穿职业装，朴素但不邋遢。她腰间带着一个扣钩，链子上挂着一支钢笔和裁纸刀）
普瑞德：华伦小姐，非常感谢！（薇薇砰地用力关上门。普瑞德先生一边走向花园中心，一边活动着刚才被薇薇握得发麻的手指）你妈妈到了吗？
薇薇：（敏捷地、明显感觉她的自由要受到侵犯）她要来吗？
普瑞德：（惊奇地）你还不知道我们要来吗？
薇薇：不知道。
普瑞德：哦，上帝，但愿我没记错日子。你知道吗，我有时候会记错时间。你妈妈是这样安排的，她从伦敦回来，我从郝舍姆到这来，她要把我介绍给你。
薇薇：（脸上毫无喜悦之色）她这样说的吗？妈妈最善于给我意外了，大概是要瞧瞧她不在家时我表现得怎样吧。我看，这些天我也要让她吃一惊，谁让她不事先和我商量就作出这些安排呢。她还没到吧。
普瑞德：（尴尬地）我很抱歉。
薇薇：（立即从不满中摆脱出来）普瑞德先生，这也不是您的错儿，对吧？其实，我很高兴您能来。您是她的朋友当中唯一一位我要求她介绍给我认识的。
普瑞德：（如释重负，欣喜不已）噢，华伦小姐，您真是太好了！
薇薇：您是愿意进屋还是坐在外面聊天？
普瑞德：还是外面好些，您说呢？
薇薇：那我去给您搬把椅子来。（她去门廊搬椅子）
普瑞德：（跟着她）哦，拜托，还是我自己来吧。（他把手放在椅子上）
薇薇：（让他搬椅子）当心您的手指，这些椅子很容易伤到手。（她走到放着书的椅子前，把书统统扔到吊床上，嗖地一下就把椅子拎起来）
普瑞德：（刚刚打开他的折叠椅）哦，拜托让我来坐这个硬椅子吧！我喜欢坐硬椅子。
薇薇：我也喜欢硬椅子。请坐，普瑞德先生。（她发出的邀请带有亲切的专横感，似乎是他急于取悦薇薇的态度，使她看到了他性格的弱点。但普瑞德先生并未马上服从她的话）
普瑞德：不过，我顺便问一下，我们要不要去车站接你母亲呢？
薇薇：（冷冷地）为什么？她认识路的。
普瑞德：（窘迫不安地）嗯，也对，她认识路。（他坐下）
薇薇：你知道吗，你和我想象的一模一样。我希望你愿意和我交朋友。
普瑞德：（又面露喜色）谢谢，我亲爱的华伦小姐！谢谢你！哎呀，我真高兴你母亲没有把你宠坏！
薇薇：怎样算是宠坏了？
普瑞德：嗯，就是使你过于因循守旧。亲爱的华伦小姐。你瞧，我是一个天生的无政府主义者，我憎恨一切权威。至上的权威会破坏父母和子女之间的关系，包括破坏母亲和女儿之间的关系。我一直在担心你母亲尽施职权而使你变得循规蹈矩。我很高兴，她没有那样做！
薇薇：啊，难道我一直以来的行为都不符合传统习惯吗？
普瑞德：哦，对，亲爱的，至少你不是传统意义上的中规中矩。你应该明白我的意思。（她点点头坐下。他继续兴致勃勃地说）可是，你说你愿意和我做朋友，真是太感人了！你们这些年轻女孩太棒了，太了不起了！
薇薇：（怀疑地）啊？（注视着他，开始对他的思想和性格感到失望）
普瑞德：在我像你这么大的时候，青年男女之间互相感到恐惧，没有真正的友谊，没有真情实感。只会模仿小说对人大献殷勤，极其庸俗做作。女孩子矜持；男孩子鲁莽，彼此总是在想说“是”的时候却说“不”！对害羞且真诚的灵魂来说，那世界完全是个炼狱。
薇薇：是啊，我想那一定浪费了许多时间，尤其是耗费了女士们的时间。
普瑞德：对，浪费生命，浪费一切，好在这些正在转变。你看，自从得知你在剑桥取得了优异的成绩，我就一直在热切地盼望与你见面，这在我那个年代可是从来没有的事情。真太棒了，你得了并列第三名。这名次刚刚好，你懂吗？得第一名的往往都是神情恍惚、病恹恹的人，他竭尽全力，会搞坏了身体。
薇薇：那很不值得。下次我再也不干这事了，就那么点钱！
普瑞德：（惊讶地）就那么点钱？
薇薇：是啊，五十英镑。可能你不知道是怎么回事。拉森姆夫人——就是我在纽汉姆的导师，她跟我妈妈说，如果我能全力以赴地准备数学荣誉学位考试，并取得优异的成绩。当时报纸上到处都是菲立帕·萨姆斯胜过高年级学长的消息。你肯定记得吧？
普瑞德使劲地摇头
薇薇：反正她考试获胜了，而我妈妈也非要我像她一样不可。我坦率地跟她讲，既然我不教书，就没必要花那么多心思做这事，但我提出要争取得到第四名左右的成绩，奖金是五十英镑。她抱怨了一阵子后，也就同意了。结果比预想的成绩好。可我再不会这样做了。如果奖金能有二百镑，还算值。
普瑞德：（非常沮丧）上帝保佑！你看问题的方式也太讲究实际利益了吧！
薇薇：难道你认为我是个不讲求实惠的人吗？
普瑞德：但更讲求实际的做法是，既要考虑获得这些荣誉所需耗费的劳动，也要考虑他们的文化意义。
薇薇：文化！我亲爱的普瑞德先生，你知道数学荣誉考试意味着什么吗？学习、学习，每天花六到八个小时学习数学，除了数学，一无所有！我本该学点科学，但除了其中涉及到的数学部分，我什么也不懂。我能为工程师、电子专家和保险公司等做计算工作，但对于工程、电学和保险业我一无所知。我甚至连算数也懂得不多。除了数学、网球、吃饭、睡觉、骑自行车和走路，我什么都不懂，我比任何没有参加荣誉考试的女子都更算得上是个无知的野蛮人。
普瑞德：（心生反感）多么恐怖、邪恶、卑鄙的教育制度啊！我知道这些。我感到这一切就意味着摧毁一切能使女人们美丽的东西。
薇薇：我并不是因为这个反对考试的。我可以肯定地告诉你，我要把它变成有益的事情。
普瑞德：咦，怎么个变法？
薇薇：我要在伦敦设立律师事务所，经营保险精算和产权转让的业务。同时做些法律事务，并始终关注证券交易所。我自己来到这儿是为了读些法律书籍的，我可不像我妈妈以为的那样在度假。我不喜欢假期。
普瑞德：你的话让我大吃一惊。那么你的生活一点儿也没有浪漫情调，没有美丽色彩吗？
薇薇：这两样，我都不在乎。
普瑞德：你不是这个意思吧。
薇薇：哦，我就是这么想的。我喜欢工作，喜欢因为工作而得到报酬。工作之余，我喜欢坐在舒适的椅子上，吸着雪茄，喝点威士忌，读读构思巧妙的侦探小说。
普瑞德：（起立，狂怒，持否定态度）我不相信。我是个艺术家，我不能相信你的话，我拒绝相信你的观点，这只能说明你还不明白艺术会向你展现一个怎样的世界。
薇薇：不，我明白。从五月份以来，我和霍诺里娅·弗蕾泽一起在伦敦住了六个星期。妈妈以为我们一块观光游玩呢，但其实，每天我都在大法庭巷的霍诺里娅律师事务所里为她做保险精算工作，竭尽一个新手的全力来帮她做事。晚上我们一起吸烟、聊天，除非为了锻炼身体，不然我们根本不想出门。那是我生活中最快乐的时光。我没付什么费用就赚够了我的学费，也初步了解了这个行业。
普瑞德：可是，上帝啊，华伦小姐，你觉得你那样就是知晓了生活的艺术了吗？
薇薇：等一下，那时还没有。后来我受一些弗里兹约翰街艺界人士的邀请到伦敦去，其中一个女孩是我在妞汉姆的好友。他们带我去参观国家美术馆——
普瑞德：（表示赞赏）啊！（他坐下来，感到很欣慰）
薇薇：（继续说）去剧院——
普瑞德：（更加高兴了）好！
薇薇：还去了音乐会，整个晚上听乐队演奏贝多芬、瓦格纳等。无论你给我任何好处，我都不想再过那样的生活了。出于礼貌，我坚持到了第三天，后来我忍无可忍，直接说，我再也忍受不了了，然后回到了大法庭巷。现在你知道我是怎样一个漂亮十足的现代女性了吧。你觉得我会和母亲相处得如何呢？
普瑞德：（惊讶地）嗯，我希望——嗯——
薇薇：我想知道你认为事实会怎样，而不是你希望它怎样。
普瑞德：嗯，坦率地说，我恐怕你妈妈会感到失望的。我不是说你有什么缺点，而是说你跟她理想中的女儿太不一致了。
薇薇：她的什么？
普瑞德：她理想的女儿。
薇薇：你是指她理想中我的样子吗？
普瑞德：是的。
薇薇：她期待我怎样呢？
普瑞德：嗯，华伦小姐，你肯定已经注意到了，对自己所受的教育不满意的人一般都会认为，如果每个人接受了不同的教育方式，这世界就会安然无恙了。现在你母亲的生活——嗯——我想你应该知道——
薇薇：不要假定什么，普瑞德先生。我并不怎么了解我的母亲。从小我在英格兰，住在学校了，和被雇佣来照顾我的人一起。我一直寄宿在外。妈妈住在布鲁塞尔或维也纳。从没让我到她那里去过。只有当她来英格兰的那几天，我才能见得到她。我不是在抱怨，因为这样也很好。大家对我都很好，我也有足够的钱过富足的生活。但别指望我对母亲有什么了解，在这点上，我远比不上你。
普瑞德：（很不自在地）那么说——（他停下来，很茫然。然后，又蓄意佯装快乐地）我们谈这些真没劲！当然你会和妈妈相处得很好啦。（他站起来，看看四周的景色）你这里的景色真美啊！
薇薇：（不为所动）普瑞德先生，您的话题转变得可真快啊！为什么您不能忍受我们谈论我妈妈的生活呢？
普瑞德：哦，你千万别这么说。你不觉得在一个老朋友的背后跟她的女儿谈话时，应该识趣一点儿吗？这不是很自然的事吗！等你妈妈回来了，你们会有很多的时间说这事的。
薇薇：不，她会避而不谈的。（站起身）不过呢，我敢说你这么做一定是有原因的。但是，普瑞德先生，我得提醒您一下，我妈妈得知我的大法庭巷工作计划时，我们之间免不了会有一场战争的。
普瑞德：（表示同情地）恐怕是这样。
薇薇：哦，我一定要赢，因为我只想得到去伦敦的车费，然后在那里给霍诺里娅当助手，自食其力。再说了，我没什么隐私需要保护，可她好像是有的。必要时我会利用这点来要挟她。
普瑞德：（大惊失色）不，不，不要。请你千万不要这么做。
薇薇：告诉我为什么不能。
普瑞德：我不能说，请你原谅。（她笑他的多情）再说了，你可能说话太鲁莽了。你母亲生起气来，那可非同小可啊。
薇薇：别吓我，普瑞德先生。在大法庭巷那会儿，我曾经有过一两次机会和我母亲这样的人打交道。您可以支持我胜过我妈妈。可是如果我出于无知，对妈妈打击得过于猛烈了，那就是你拒绝教导的缘故了。好了，我们先不说这些了。（她搬起椅子，跟以前一样嗖地一声，用力地把椅子又放在吊床附近）
普瑞德：（痛下决心）我就一句话，华伦小姐，我必须告诉你。这很难，可是——
（华伦夫人和乔治·科洛夫兹先生到达大门口。华伦夫人约摸四五十岁，看得出来以前很漂亮，她穿着华丽，戴着一顶华丽的帽子，衬衫色泽鲜艳，紧束着胸部，衣袖款式时髦。因一贯受宠而极具威严感。又毫无疑问透着一丝俗气，但总体来说，是一个脾气还算温和且外貌得体的泼辣女子）
（科洛夫兹是个五十岁左右的高个子男人，体型宽阔，衣着样式跟年轻人一样入时。说话有鼻音，嗓音相对他的强壮身体来说略显尖细。下巴尖尖的，胡须刮得很干净，耳朵硕大而扁平，脖子很粗。绅士气派。其实却是最为粗暴的城里男人、运动型男人和乡村男人的结合体）
薇薇：他们来了。（他们进入花园，薇薇迎上去）您好吗，妈妈？普瑞德先生已经来了有半个小时了，一直在等您。
华伦夫人：哦，普瑞德，你一直在等我，那就是你的不是了，我想你应该知道我会乘3点10分的火车吧。亲爱的薇薇，戴上帽子，不然你会被太阳晒伤的。噢，忘了给你介绍，乔治·科洛夫兹爵士，这是我的女儿薇薇。
（科洛夫兹大步走向薇薇，宫廷礼仪意味浓重。她点点头，但没有要握手的意思)
科洛夫兹：我可以荣幸地和我的一位老朋友的女儿——我久仰的一位年轻女士握手吗？
薇薇：（上上下下仔细打量他）如果你愿意。(科洛夫兹先生温柔地伸出的手，被薇薇捏了一下，使他忽然睁大了眼睛。然后薇薇转过身对她的妈妈说）你们要进来吗？还是我再去搬几把椅子？（她去门廊取椅子）
华伦夫人：喔，乔治，你觉得我女儿怎么样？
科洛夫兹：（愁苦地）她的手可真有劲儿啊。普瑞德，你和她握手没有？
普瑞德：握了。你的手痛很快就会好的。
科洛夫兹：希望如此吧。（薇薇拿了两把椅子上场。他立刻去帮忙）让我来吧。
华伦夫人：（傲慢地）亲爱的，让乔治爵士帮你吧。
薇薇：（把椅子扔到乔治怀里，并拍了拍手上的灰尘，转向华伦夫人）
年伦夫人：（坐在普瑞德的椅子上，自己扇着扇子）我真口渴极了。
薇薇：我来倒水。（她走进别墅）
（乔治爵士此时很费劲地打开了一把椅子，放在华伦夫人的左侧。他把另一把椅子搁在草地上，坐下来，神情沮丧、嘴里咬着手杖把儿，蠢蠢的样子。普瑞德，还是焦躁不安，在他们右侧来回地踱步）
华伦夫人：（对普瑞德说话，看着科洛夫兹）普瑞德，你看看他。他这人很好笑是吧？三年来，他总是缠着要我把女儿介绍他认识，快把我逼疯了；现在他终于见到薇薇了，又做出这副无精打采、可怜兮兮的样子。（迅速地）来，乔治，坐直，别再咬你的手杖了。（科洛夫兹蔫蔫地照她的话做了）
普瑞德：我想，你知道——如果你不介意我这样说的话——我们最好改掉老拿她当小孩子看的毛病。你瞧，她确实已经非常出色了，而且就我的观察来看，恐怕她比我们中的任何人都要成熟。
华伦夫人：（非常高兴）乔治，你听听他说的话！比我们都成熟！看来她刚才一直在向你灌输她的重要性啊。
普瑞德：可是年轻人对于别人那样看待他们是很敏感的。
华伦夫人：是的，我们应该把年轻人的那些无聊的想法都排除掉，很多类似的想法都该改掉。普瑞德你不要管，我和你一样知道应该怎样对待我自己的孩子。（普瑞德沉重地摇摇头，背着手在花园里踱步。华伦夫人装作要笑，却看着他的背影，表现出关切的神情。然后，她对科洛夫兹低声说）他这是怎么了？为什么他这么看待这件事呢？
科洛夫兹：（忧郁地）你害怕普瑞德。
华伦夫人：什么？我吗？我怕亲爱的老普瑞德先生？嗬，连一只苍蝇也不会怕他的。
科洛夫兹：你怕他。
华伦夫人：（气愤地）我拜托你少操点心吧，别拿我撒气。不管怎么，我可不怕你。如果你不能表现得谦和一点，你最好回家去。（她站起来，转过身，背对着他，发现自己正和普瑞德面对面）过来，普瑞德，我知道你只是心肠软，你担心我对她太苛刻了。
普瑞德：我亲爱的凯蒂，你以为我生气了吗？别那么想，千万别。可你知道我常常会注意到一些你忽略的东西，虽然你从不接受我的建议，但有时候事后你会承认你本该照我的话去做。
华伦夫人：好吧，你现在注意到什么了？
普瑞德：就一点，薇薇已经长大了。凯蒂，请你一定要尊重她的意见。
华伦夫人：（的确吃惊了）尊重！尊重我的女儿！请问，还有什么？
薇薇：（出现在别墅门口，对着妈妈喊道）妈妈，您能在喝茶前到我房间来一下吗？
华伦夫人：好的，亲爱的。（她宽容地朝严肃的普瑞德大笑，在经过他身边时拍了拍他的面颊）普瑞德，别生气哦。（她跟着薇薇进了别墅）
科洛夫兹：（悄悄地）我说，普瑞德。
普瑞德：怎么了?
科洛夫兹：我有个特别的问题要问你。
普瑞德：问吧。（她拿过华伦夫人的椅子，靠着科洛夫兹坐下来）
科洛夫兹：这就对了，她们可能从窗户那儿听见我们说话。我问你，凯蒂有没有告诉过你谁是那女孩的父亲？
普瑞德：没有。
科洛夫兹：你觉得谁可能是她的父亲吗?
普瑞德：想不出来。
科洛夫兹：（不相信他）当然了，我知道，即使她告诉过你，你也不会对别人讲的。但是，既然我们每天都得面对这丫头，却不知道内情，不是很难受嘛。我们确实不知道该怎么对待她。
普瑞德：那有什么关系呢？我们就凭她自己的言行举止来对待她，她爸爸是谁又能怎么样呢？
科洛夫兹：（猜疑的样子）这么说，你知道他是谁喽？
普瑞德：（有点生气）我刚才说了我不知道，你没听见吗？
科洛夫兹：听我说，普瑞德，我请你一定要帮帮我。如果你知道（普瑞德做反对状）——我只是说如果你知道，你至少得让我对她心境平和下来。其实，我对此事很关心。
普瑞德：（严厉地）你什么意思？
科洛夫兹：哦，别那么紧张。这是一种非常纯洁的感情。就是这事使我困惑。据我所知，可能我就是她的父亲。
普瑞德：你!不可能!
科洛夫兹：(狡黠地抓住他）你确信我不是吗？
普瑞德：我告诉你，我跟你一样对此一无所知。可是，科洛夫兹，不可能的。你跟她一点都不像。
科洛夫兹：关于这个嘛，我看她和她妈妈长得也不像啊。我想她也不是你的女儿吧，你说呢？
普瑞德：（愤怒地站起来)科洛夫兹，你真是……!
科洛夫兹：普瑞德，别急吗。对于两个世俗的男人来说，问这个问题没什么不妥的。
普瑞德：（努力地恢复平静，温和且严肃地说）我亲爱的科洛夫兹，你听我说。（他再次坐下）我跟华伦夫人的那种生活一点关系也没有，从来没有。她没跟我讲过这事，当然了，我也没和她谈过这事。你的聪明会使你认为，一个漂亮的女人需要有几个——嗯，几个跟她有那方面关系的朋友。如果她从来都不能脱离美丽外貌对她的影响，那么这份美丽就是一种折磨。可能你和凯蒂的关系比我和她的关系更加神可秘。当然你可以亲口问她那个问题。
科洛夫兹：我问过她很多次了。可是她坚决要把这孩子据为己有，甚至根本就不承认她有爸爸。（站立）普瑞德，对这事我真的很难受啊。
普瑞德：（也站起来）哦，不管怎样，你的年龄也足够做她的父亲了。对这样一个我们都会尽力保护和帮助的女孩子，我完全同意我们俩都以父辈的身份来对待她的观点，你说呢？
科洛夫兹：（咄咄逼人地）说到这，我并不比你老啊。
普瑞德：对，你还年轻，亲爱的。可你生下来就老成，我却总像个孩子，我这辈子就没体会过成熟男人的感觉。（他把椅子折上，搬到门廊）
华伦夫人：（从别墅里面喊)普—瑞—德!乔—治!喝茶啦!
科洛夫兹：(匆忙地)她叫我们呢。（他匆忙进去）
（普瑞德似乎有所预感地摇摇头，跟着科洛夫兹走进去，正遇上一个年轻绅士和他打招呼，这个绅士刚刚出现在公路上，正向大门走来。他相貌英俊、穿着漂亮、聪明伶俐、无所事事，二十出头的样子，嗓音极具魅力）
年轻绅士：哈罗，普瑞德！
普瑞德：怎么，弗兰克·加得纳！（弗兰克进来，热情地和他握手）你到这来做什么？
弗兰克：和我父亲在一起。
普瑞德：天主教父吗?
弗兰克：他是这里的教区长。我经济不宽裕，所以这个秋天一直跟家人住在一起。七月份发生了危机，教父只得替我偿还债务。结果他却破产了，我也一样。你到这来干什么？你认识这里的人吗？
普瑞德：是的，我一天都和华伦小姐在一起。
弗兰克：（充满热情地）什么？你认识薇薇？她是不是个开心的姑娘？我在教她用这个射击呢。（放下步枪）我很高兴她认识你——你正是她应该结识的那种人。普瑞德，在这里见到你真的太好了。
普瑞德：我是她妈妈的老朋友。华伦夫人带我来认识她女儿的。
弗兰克：她的母亲？她在这里吗？
普瑞德：是的，她在里面，喝茶呢。
华伦夫人：（从里面喊）普—瑞—德！茶点要凉了。
普瑞德：（喊到）好的，华伦夫人，马上来，我刚遇到一个朋友 。
华伦夫人：一个什么？
普瑞德：（大声地）一个朋友。
华伦夫人：带他进来。
普瑞德：好的。（对弗兰克）你能接受这个邀请吗？
弗兰克：（怀疑地，但又非常高兴地）是薇薇的母亲吗？
普瑞德：是的。
弗兰克：天神保佑！真有趣儿啊！你觉得她会喜欢我吗？
普瑞德：我保证你会和往常一样特受欢迎的。进来试试看吧！
（走向房子）
弗兰克：等一下。（严肃地）我想和你说点知心话。
普瑞德：快别说了。又一件傻事，像瑞得希尔的酒吧女招待一样。
弗兰克：这可比那严肃多了。你说你是第一次见薇薇吗？
普瑞德：是的。
弗兰克：（狂热地）那么你根本不了解她是怎样的女孩。那样的性格！那样的理智！还有她的聪明！哦，天哪，普瑞德，我只能跟你说她很聪明。我还需要补充什么吗？——她爱我。
科洛夫兹：（把头伸出窗外）我说，普瑞德，你在干吗呢？快过来。
弗兰克：哈罗！这家伙看样子都能在赛狗大会上获奖了，对吧？他是谁？
普瑞德：他是乔治·科洛夫兹爵士，华伦夫人的老朋友。我想我们最好进去吧。（在走向门廊的路上，他们听到大门口的喊声停下来。转过身，他们看到一位年长的牧师正在往里面张望）
牧师：（喊）弗兰克。
弗兰克：哈罗！（对普瑞德）是教父。（对牧师）哎，老爸，好的，马上来。（对普瑞德）听着，普瑞德，你还是去喝茶吧。我很快就过去。
普瑞德：好的。（他进了别墅）
赛缪尔牧师：喂，先生，我可以问一下吗，你这些朋友是谁啊？
弗兰克：哦，没关系，老爸。进来吧！
赛缪尔牧师：不，先生，我得知道这是谁的花园才能进去。
弗兰克：好吧，告诉你，这是华伦小姐家的花园。
赛缪尔牧师：自从她回来，我还没在教堂看见过她呢。
弗兰克：当然见不到了——她是数学荣誉考试的第三名获得者，多么聪明啊。她比你拿的学位还高呢，凭什么让她去听您讲道啊？
赛缪尔牧师：别这么没有礼貌，先生。
弗兰克：哦，没关系的，没人听见。进来吧。我要把你介绍给她。老爸，您还记得七月份您给我的建议吗？
赛缪尔牧师：（严谨地）我记得。我告诫你要摆脱懒散浮躁的习性，努力开始一番体面的工作，自谋生路，从此不要再依赖我。
弗兰克：不对，那是你后来想到的事了。实际上你说的是，既然我没有头脑也没有金钱，不如凭着我的英俊外貌，娶一位财智双全的夫人。哦，瞧瞧吧，华伦小姐就很有智慧，你不可否认。
赛缪尔牧师：智慧并不是一切啊。
弗兰克：当然不是，还有钱——
赛缪尔牧师：（声色俱厉地打断他）我没有考虑钱的问题，先生。我在说更高雅的事情。比如说，社会地位。
弗兰克：我对这个根本不在乎。
赛缪尔牧师：先生，可是我在乎。
弗兰克：嗯，又没有人让你娶她。不管怎样，她拥有剑桥学位，而且似乎想要多少钱就有多少。
赛缪尔牧师：（略带幽默意味地）我倒是很怀疑她是否拥有你想要的那么多钱。
弗兰克：哦，求求您，我并没有那么过分的欲望。我一向生活得很安静，不酗酒，不经常赌博，也没像您年轻时那样经常过着纸醉金迷的生活。
赛缪尔牧师：（声音沉闷地大吼）住口，小子。
弗兰克：哼，是你当我正和瑞得希尔的酒吧女做傻事的时候，亲口告诉我的，您曾给一位女子五十英镑，来要回您写给她的信，那时——
赛缪尔牧师：（受惊吓似的）嘘——嘘——嘘，弗兰克，看在上帝的份上！（他担心地四周张望。看到附近没人，他集聚了勇气又大吼起来，但脾气收敛了许多）我坦率地跟你讲我的事情是为你好，为了将你从可能终身悔恨的错误中拯救出来，你却妄加利用，这很不合绅士礼仪。从你老爸做的傻事中接受教训吧，先生，别把那事当作你堕落的借口。
弗兰克：你听说过威灵顿公爵和他的信件的故事吗？
赛缪尔牧师：没有，先生，而且我也不想听。
弗兰克：那个“铁公爵”可没有损失五十英镑钱。他没有，他只是写到：“亲爱的珍妮，把信公之于众，见鬼去吧！你亲爱的，威灵顿。”那就是你本该做的事。
赛缪尔牧师：（可怜地）弗兰克，我的儿子啊。当我写那些信的时候，我把自己置于她的权柄之中了；当我跟你说那些信件时，从某种程度上来说，我是把自己置于你的控制之下了——抱歉我这样说。我永远也不会忘记她拒绝我时说的话。她说：“知情就是权力，而我决不会出卖我的权力。”那是二十多年以前的事了，她从没有滥用过她的权力，没有给我造成半点儿麻烦。弗兰克，你现在对我比她还要残忍。
弗兰克：哦，是的，我敢说是这样。你曾经用过对我说教的方式来向她说教吗？
赛缪尔牧师：（被伤害得几乎流下泪）我走了，先生。你是无可救药了。（他转身走向大门）
弗兰克：（根本无动于衷地）告诉他们我不回家喝茶了，好吗，老爸？表现好点，行吗？
（他走向别墅，碰到走出来的普瑞德和薇薇）
薇薇：（对弗兰克）弗兰克，这是你的爸爸吗？我非常想见见他。
弗兰克：当然了。（在他父亲身后喊)老爸，有人叫。（牧师在大门口转身，紧张地摸索着他的帽子。普瑞德穿过花园，走到另一侧，喜洋洋地期待着一番寒暄）爸爸，这是薇薇。
薇薇：（走向牧师，握他的手）很高兴在这见到您，加得纳先生。
（对着别墅喊）妈妈，请过来。有人找您。
（华伦夫人出现在门槛处。她认出了牧师，立刻呆住了）
薇薇：（继续说）让我来介绍——
华伦夫人：（猛扑向赛缪尔牧师）怎么，山姆·加国纳开始做教工了？哦，我绝没想到！山姆，你不认识我们了吗？这是乔治·科洛夫兹，还是原来的样子，只是长大了一倍。你不记得我了吗？
赛缪尔牧师：（面红耳赤）我确实——嗯——
华伦夫人：您当然记得。嗯，我还保留着您全部的信件呢。我前几天还翻到它们了。
赛缪尔牧师：（慌乱不堪地）我想您是维维苏小姐吧。
华伦夫人：（迅速地用小声的耳语纠正他）嘘，胡说！您没看见我的女儿在那边吗？
作者介绍
乔治·萧伯纳（George Bernard Shaw），爱尔兰剧作家，1925年因为作品具有理想主义和人道主义而获诺贝尔文学奖，是英国现代杰出的现实主义戏剧作家，是世界著名的擅长幽默与讽刺的语言大师。
核心单词
slightly [5slaitli] adv. 轻微地；稍微地
anxiety [AN^5zaiEti] n. 焦虑，挂念
strain [strein] v. 拉紧；曲解
arithmetic [E5riWmEtik] n. 算术，计算
immensely [i5mensli] adv. 极大地；广大地；无限地
opposite [5CpEzit] adj. 相反的，对立的
名句诵读
I held out for civility’s sake until the third day；and then I said，plump out，that I c