Chapter 18 Chapter 6 Standing Face to Face

The room was set up for dancing, and the big oak table, pushed all the way to the fireplace, stood like a makeshift wall.The ends of the room, the back, and the mantel were filled with guests, many flushed and panting, some of whom Eustacia recognized with wonder, came from places beyond the moor. wealthy families.She had guessed rightly that Thomasy was not there, and Eustacia remembered that, as they stood outside, they had seen a light in a window upstairs, and perhaps that was the window of Thomasy's room.From the seat at the chimney corner, a nose, a chin, two hands, two knees, and toes peeped out, and she found that it was Mr. Cantor, who sometimes came to help Mrs. Yeobright with her garden, so She also became a guest invited by her.Before him was a heap of earthen coals like Mount Etna, from which the smoke curled up, curled up in the notches of the chimney hooks, curled up between the saltboxes of pot lids, and disappeared among the cured meats.

After a while, another part of the room caught her eye.On the other side of the chimney, there is a high-backed bench, which is indispensable for a fire with such a wide mouth, otherwise there will be no strong draft to drive the smoke up.It is as necessary to a deep sunken old-fashioned fireplace as an east wood belt is to an open farmstead, or a north wall to a garden.Outside the benches, candle grease dripped, strands of hair fluttered, young women shivered and old men sneezed.But inside the bench is a paradise.There is no sign of wind to disturb the warm atmosphere there. The backs of the people sitting in the benches are as warm as their faces. Smile, just like the melons in the cold glass cover will naturally bear fruit.

But Eustacia was not concerned with these people in the high-backed bench.A face stood out above a dark brown wooden chair.The owner of the face was leaning on the outer end of the bench at this time, and he was Clement Craig.Yeobright, or Clem as they called it here; she knew it couldn't be anyone else.The scene in front of me is that of Rembrandt [Note: Dutch painter. 】A two-foot-square painting expressed in the most concise brushwork.The fact is that there is a strange power in the appearance of the leaning figure, and though his whole figure is visible, the eyes of the onlooker are fixed only on his face.

If a middle-aged person looked at this face, he would think it was a young man's face, but to a young man, there was almost no sign of immaturity on this face.But this face makes people look at it, and it really doesn't make people feel how old they are, but it only makes people think that it is the face of a person with rich experience.Use years to represent Jared and Mahalalel [Note: For Jared and Mahalalel see the Bible.In Chapter 5 of Genesis, Jared lived to be 962 years old, and Mahalalel lived to be 895 years old. ] and those people in the pre-flood period mentioned in the "Bible", it may be very appropriate, but the age of a modern person is expressed by the richness of his experience.

The face was well shaped, even pretty.However, its heart is beginning to treat it as a redundant and useless cutting board, engraving the step-by-step development of his habits and hobbies on this cutting board.This delicate beauty that can still be seen at present will soon be ravaged ruthlessly by its appendages, that is, thoughts, which can still corrode a more ordinary face, without causing any damage.What a handsome lad, one might say, if only God had mercy on Yeobright from this sapping, brooding habit.If all the thoughts in his mind were expressed under a more angular appearance, people might also say that he is really a thinking person.Now, however, the symmetry of his appearance gnawed away at inner nervous thoughts, and so his features were assigned to a more peculiar category.

This way, as soon as they noticed him, everyone would look at him carefully.At a glance, it can be seen that his face is covered with various expressions of constant thinking.Although he was not yet emaciated and emaciated by overthinking, the perception of his surroundings still left obvious traces on him, which after the peaceful student life ended four weeks later. It can often be found in men who have been tempered for five years.Already in him it was seen that thought is a disease that gnaws at the flesh, and indirectly that ideal physical beauty was utterly incompatible with inner emotional development and a full awareness of the chaos of the world.The flame of the mind must be kindled with the oil of life, though the growth of the body already required it; and it is pitiful to see that he needs the same supplement in both.

Standing in the presence of a certain kind of person, the philosopher will lament that thinkers are but perishable tissues, and the artist will lament that perishable tissues have to think.These two kinds of people start from their own point of view to study the interdependent and mutually destructive relationship between spirit and body. If you also observe Yeobright with a critical eye, you will instinctively feel the above viewpoint. For although there was a very natural exuberance in his countenance, it was expressed after an effort, and not very successfully, to suppress a frustrated depression.This appearance makes people feel lonely, but it has more connotations.Just like those naturally optimistic people, the aura of nature was humiliated and locked in a human body that suddenly disillusioned, but it flashed out of him like a ray of light.

Its effect on Eustacia was evident.Before this, she was in a state of extreme excitement, and this state of mind, to tell the truth, made it easy for her to be infected by the most ordinary people.She could not help feeling more uneasy now in Yeobright's presence. The rest of the scene ends with the Muslim's head cut off and St. George standing up as the victor.No one made any comments, just like they saw mushrooms emerging in autumn, or snowflakes falling in spring, there would not be too many comments.They watched the play as impassively as the performers themselves.Naturally, it was a time of celebration every Christmas, and that was all.

After the play, there was a dirge, and they sang together, and with the singing, all the people who died in the play stood up in silence, very horrific, just like "Midnight Parade" [Note: 19 A mime depicting Napoleon at the turn of the century. ] like the ghosts of those Napoleonic soldiers inThen the door opened and Fareway appeared in the doorway, with Christine and another person beside him.They had been standing outside the door until the play was over, just as the actors had been at the door waiting for the dance in the house to be over. Come in, come in, said Mrs Yeobright; and Clem stepped forward to welcome them.Why are you here so late?Master Canter has been here for a long time, and you live so near we thought you would come with him.

Yes, I should have come earlier, said Mr. Fairway, and he paused, looking up at the ceiling beams for a peg to hang his hat on; but he found the one he used to hang his hat on Sprigs of mistletoe were already hung on the nails, and sprigs of holly were hung on all the nails on the wall, and at last he carefully placed his hat in place between the candle-box and the top of the clock.I should have come earlier, ma'am, he repeated more solemnly, I know how the banquet is, and there is not much room in other people's homes at this time, so I want to wait until you have settled down a little come again.

I thought so too, Mrs. Yeobright, said Christine earnestly: but Father was in such a hurry that he could hardly care for anything, and left the house almost before the end of the day.I told him that it was not appropriate for an old man to go so early, but these words fell on deaf ears. snort!I don't want to wait for half the fun to pass!No matter what I play, I am very skilled!exclaimed Master Cantor triumphantly from the chimney-blocks. By this time, Fareway had surveyed Yeobright with a scrutinizing eye.Why, you won't believe it, he said to the rest of the room, if I had met this gentleman somewhere else instead of here, I wouldn't have known him, he'd changed so much. You've changed, too, and I think, Timothy, you've changed for the better," said Yeobright, scanning Fairway's sturdy form. Master Yeobright, look at me too, hey, am I getting better?Uncle Cantor stood up and said, standing himself on something so that he was about half a foot higher than Clem, so that he could take a good look. Don't panic, of course we'll watch.Fareway said, picked up the candle, held it over the face of Uncle Cantor, and saw that the object of his inspection had a relaxed and happy smile on his face, and kept joking like a young man. You haven't changed much.Yobright said. If there is any difference, it is that the uncle has become younger.Faherway added irresistibly. I didn't want it, and I'm not proud of it at all, said the merry old man, but I just can't cure my curiosity; I admit it's my fault.Yes, everybody knows, Mr. Canter always has been like that.But standing next to you, Mr. Clem, I don't count for anything. We're all nothing, Humphrey said in a low, admiring tone, which he didn't want anyone else to hear. Really, if I hadn't been a soldier in the great militia back then, that's what we called this kind of militia, there wouldn't be a man standing here with a second-rate air like him, Not even third class, said Uncle Cantor.Even so, we were all a bit rustic around him.But in four years [Note: 1804, when Napoleon was preparing to attack England. ] At that time, everyone said that there was no one in the whole of South Wessex who was better than me, and everyone thought Boney that day [Note: Napoleon. ] rounded the headland and landed, so my militia mates and I stormed out of Bud's Mouth, looking terrific as we scurried past shop windows.I stood there, tall as a young poplar, with a musket, a bayonet, and leggings, and my collar was so stiff that my My jaw is sawed off and my gear shines like the Big Dipper!It's true, folks, in my soldier days I was a pretty good looking guy.You should have seen me in four years! By God, Master Clem looks exactly like his mother's family, said Timothy, whose brothers I know well.Longer coffins have never been made in West Wessex, but even so, it is said, poor George's knees had to be brought up a little. Where is the coffin?Christine moved closer and asked.Mr. Fairway, has any ghost manifested? No no.You don't let your ears go wrong with evil intentions, Christine; look like a man.Timothy scolded. I will, said Christine, but now I think my shadow looked really like the shadow of a coffin last night.Neighbors, what does it mean when your shadow looks like a coffin?I thought, this must be a scary thing, right? Scared, no!Said Mr. Canter, I ain't frightened of nothing but Bonnie, to be honest, or I wouldn't be in the army.Really, it's a shame you didn't see me in four years. By this time the masquerades were about to go away, but Mrs Yeobright retained them, and invited them to sit down to some supper.Santa Claus graciously accepted the invitation on their behalf. It pleased Eustacia to have the opportunity of staying longer.No doubt she was overwhelmed by such a cold and frosty night.However, if you really want to stay, there are difficulties.As there was not enough room in this larger room, Mrs. Yeobright opened the door of the pantry which led into the parlour, and placed a bench there for the actors to sit on.So they sat down side by side, with the pantry door wide open so that they were practically connected to the large living room.Then Mrs. Yeobright whispered something to her son, and as he walked across the room toward the pantry door, brushing his head against the hanging mistletoe, he told the actors Beef, bread, cakes, pies, mead, and elderberry wine were brought, and he and his mother waited on them to eat and drink, so that the little maid could sit and eat as guests.The actors took off their helmets and began to eat and drink. What should you eat too?Clem told the Turkish knight as he stood before the warrior with a plate in his hand.She refused, sitting there with her helmet on, her eyes glistening only through the cracks in the piercing that hid her face. No, thank you, replied Eustacia. He's still quite a child, the Muslim said sorry, you'll have to forgive him.He is not our original old actor, he just joined in because others couldn't come. But should he eat something?Yeobright still insisted.Try a glass of mead or an elderberry bar. That's true, you'd better have a drink, said the Muslim.This will protect you from the cold when you go home. Although Eustacia could not eat with the mask on, she had no trouble getting a drink.She accepted the elderberry wine obediently, and saw that the glass was hidden in the frieze. During this process, Eustacia worried from time to time that she would be exposed: such fun, although a little scary, was happy after all.The man who had first aroused her admiration and aroused her indescribable emotions had favored her, not to her, but to a figure in disguise.She fell in love with him partly because he seemed unusual in the surroundings, partly because she had made up her mind to love him, and mostly because she had developed a distaste for Wildeff. , desperately need to love someone.Sir Littleton II and others dreamed that they were going to die some day, and they couldn't get rid of the morbid imagination that actually brought them to that end, Eustace Ya is also affected by the same, and she can't help but believe that she must fall in love with him.Once a woman is allowed to admit that at a certain moment, in a certain place, it is possible for her to fall in love with someone, it is almost tantamount to happening. What influence she had on how she felt and how she made others feel, and how differently she behaved from the members of her acting gang, made Yeobright at this moment critical of the character. Doubts arise about the gender of the all-over costumed person?When the god of love in disguise appeared on Aeneas ], she possessed an unusual fragrance that revealed her true identity.If an earthly woman exudes an aura of mystery about the object of her affections, then Eustacia must have exuded this aura towards Yeobright, making him aware of her existence.He looked at her thoughtfully, and then seemed to sink into deep reveries, as if he had forgotten what he was looking at.It was only a brief moment, and he walked on again, while Eustacia sipped her drink, not knowing what she was drinking.The man for whom she was determined to cultivate a feeling entered the small room and passed through it to the farther end of the living room. As has been explained, the masquerades were seated on a bench which projected at one end into a small room, or pantry, because the outer room was so crowded.Partly because of her shyness, Eustacia chose to sit in the middle of the bench, which afforded her a view both of the great room full of guests and of the pantry.When Clem walked into the storage room, her eyes followed him into the dimly lit room.There was a door at the far end of the room, and just as he was about to open it himself, the person inside pushed it open, letting in light. It was Thomasy, and she was holding a candle, and her face was so anxious and pale that it was interesting to see.Yeobright looked very happy to see her, and pressed her hand.It's all right, Tansy, he said sincerely, as if her presence had brought him back to his senses: I'm so glad you're finally down. Shh no, no, she said quickly.I just came down to talk to you. But why not be with everyone? I can't, at least I don't want to.I'm not feeling well yet, and now that you're home for a long vacation, we'll spend a lot of time together. Without you, none of this would be nearly as pleasing.Are you really sick? Just a little uncomfortable, my good cousin is here, she said, playing with her hand across the heart. Oh, maybe mom should invite someone else tonight? Oh no really.I just came down, Clem, to ask you a question. At this point, he followed her through the doorway into the side room at the other end. The door closed, and Eustacia and the actor sitting next to her Those who witnessed all this saw nothing and heard nothing. The heat came to Eustacia's head and cheeks.She guessed at once that Clem had only been home for two or three days, and was ignorant of the torment Tomasy's relationship with Wildoff had created; The scene was the same as when he was there, so naturally he would not be suspicious at all.For a moment Eustacia felt a most violent jealousy for Thomasy.Though Tomasy may still have tender feelings for the man, how long will she be able to maintain them if she has been living here with such an attractive and well-informed cousin? Woolen cloth?The two of them are in such frequent contact, and there is nothing nearby that can distract and disturb them. Who knows what kind of relationship will develop between the two in a short time.Clem's attachment to her may have faded as a child, but it's entirely possible for it to reemerge easily. Eustacia was irritated by these thoughts of her own.When another woman is performing to the fullest and taking advantage of the benefits, she herself dresses up like this, what a shame to herself!If she had known that this encounter would have such a result, she would have come here without any pretense, even if she would go down the mountain of swords and the sea of ​​fire.All the charm of her beauty was gone, all the attraction of her passion was gone, her seductive beauty was gone, nothing was seen but her own voice, and she felt Destiny is like that Echo [Note: In Greek mythology, the nymph who lived in the mountains, forests and waters, was rejected because of her love for Narcissus, and she withered away, leaving only her voice in the end. ] Like a fairy.No one here respects me, she said.She completely ignored the fact that she had come here disguised as a young man among other young men, and was treated as a young man should be treated.Although this despised situation was entirely her own and required no explanation, the sensitivity of the situation made her feel that she could not just go away without anyone knowing about it. Women in period clothing have done a lot for themselves.Like a player who played Polly in the last century.The beautiful actress who played the role of Pycharm, and another Lydia in the early 2000s.The actresses of Langewig, who not only won love, but ducal crowns, and many others who were not equal to them, were able to love as much as they wanted, and thus to obtain inner satisfaction.But the Turkish knight, as she dared not remove the frieze from her face, missed even this chance of success. Yeobright returned to the room without his cousin.When he was two or three paces from Eustacia, he stopped, as if thinking again.He stared at her.Embarrassed, she looked away, wondering how long this embarrassing scene would last.He froze for a few seconds, then walked over. It is not uncommon for a passionate woman to put herself in an embarrassing situation because of her love impulses.The complex emotions of love, fear, and shame put Eustacia in a most embarrassing situation.To escape as soon as possible was her greatest wish that followed.The other masquerades seemed in no hurry to leave, and she whispered to the young man sitting beside her that she would rather wait for them outside the house, and she moved to the door as inconspicuously as possible. , opened the door and slipped out. The calmness and silence outside made her calm down again.She came to the white fence, leaned on it, and looked at the bright moon.She stood there for a moment, and the door opened again.Eustacia, who had been waiting for the rest of the troupe, turned away; but it wasn't them Clem.Yeobright walked out lightly, just like she did just now, and closed the door behind her. He stepped forward and came to her side.I have a strange idea, he said, and would like to ask you a question.You are a woman, am I not mistaken? I am a woman. He looked her up and down with great interest.Do girls take part in masquerades now and then?It never was. Now they don't do that either. Then why are you doing it? Find thrills, get rid of worries.she whispered. what annoys you Life. This is a cause of vexation, which many people have to live with. Yes. There was a long silence.Did you find the thrill?Climb finally asked. Right now, maybe. Then you're annoyed by being found out? Yes; but it occurred to me that I might be discovered. If I know that you wish to come to our banquet, I shall be glad to invite you.Did I know you well when I was a child? never met. Would you like to go in again and enjoy yourself there? No.I don't want to be recognized again. Well, you'll be fine if you stay with me.He pondered for a while, then added gently, I won't bother you for long.It was a strange encounter, and I would never have asked why I should have found a well-bred woman in such a role. The reason seemed to him to know, and she did not offer to answer, so he bade her good night, and went to the back of the house, where he wandered up and down by himself, and re-entered the room after a while. After this scene, Eustacia's heart was ablaze, and she was warm all over, and she could not wait for her companion any longer.She brushed the fringe from her face back, opened the courtyard door, and immediately rushed into the wilderness.She walked in no hurry along the way.By this time her grandfather was in bed, and since she often walked in the hills on moonlit nights, he paid little attention to her comings and goings, but enjoyed himself and let her have her own way.What was haunting her now was something more important than entering the house.If Yeobright had only the slightest curiosity, he would surely be able to find out her name.What's next?At first she had a feeling of ecstasy, glad that this adventure had achieved its intended purpose, but in the middle of this burst of ecstasy, she also felt shy and uneasy.Then the question she considered calmed her down again: Is there any use for her adventurous exploration?For the moment, she was a stranger to the Yeobright family.It was probably her misfortune that she cast that halo of unideological romance on that man.How could she let herself be so infatuated with a strange man?And there was that Thomasy, with whom she lived day after day, so close that it would also fill her cup of bitters; Lived at home for quite some time. She reached the side door on Misty Hill, but before opening it she turned and took another look at the wasteland.The rain mound towers above the hills, and the bright moon hangs high above the rain mound.There was silence all around, and the thick fog settled down.The sight reminded Eustacia of a scene which she had quite forgotten until then.She had promised Wildeff to meet him at Rainmound at eight o'clock tonight to make a final answer to his proposal to elope together. It was she who had set it at this hour tonight.He might have been there early, waiting in the cold, must have been disappointed. Well, it's better this way, he won't freeze, she said nonchalantly.Wildoff was now as dull as a sun seen through spectacles stained with smoke, so she could blurt out the words without thinking. Eustacia stood lost in thought, and Thomasy's certainty over her cousin rose again in her mind. Oh, how nice it would be for her to have married Damon!She said, if it wasn't for me, she would have been married long ago!I wish I had known, I wish I had known! Eustacia lifted her wild, passionate eyes again to the moonlight, and then with a long, pathetic sigh, she stepped into the shadows of the room with a real shudder.She took off her full costume in the outhouse, rolled them up into a bag, and went inside to her boudoir.